Water-Efficient Plumbing Fixtures Save Water and Energy: This Is How

Saving water and energy is a prudent and responsible move for your budget and the environment. Low-flow plumbing fixtures present an effective solution to lower water consumption without losing performance. Find out about the advantages of low-flow fixtures, how they differ from older models and effective strategies to conserve even more water in your day-to-day life.

How Much Water Do Low-Flow Fixtures Save?

Low-flow plumbing fixtures began picking up traction in the 1990s. The popularity was primarily driven by growing awareness of water conservation concerns and our environmental impact. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 set maximum flow rates for faucets, showerheads and toilets in the United Provinces, encouraging the public adoption of a new generation of low-flow plumbing fixtures. This initial legislation set the stage for more efficient faucets and showerheads aimed at reducing water consumption while retaining performance.

Think about how much water low-flow fixtures save compared to their traditional counterparts:

• Faucets: Old faucets flow at about 2.2 gallons per minute (gpm), whereas low-flow faucets reduce to 1.5 gpm or less without reducing water pressure.
• Showerheads: The previous standard for showerheads was 2.5 gpm. Today’s showerheads cut water usage to 2.0 gpm or lower.
• Toilets: Older toilets may use as many as 7 gallons per flush (gpf). In contrast, the current federal standard maximum is 1.6 gpf, with a number of dual-flush models needing as few as 1.28 gpf.

The Technology for Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures

Low-flow fixtures use a few different design options to retain performance while also cutting back on water. Here’s how they can do so:

• Aerators: A number of low-flow faucets and showerheads utilize aerators, mixing air with water to maintain pressure while still reducing the volume of water needed.

• Flow restrictors: Faucets with these devices restrict the amount of water that flows through the fixture while preventing a noticeable drop in pressure.

• Dual-flush technology: More low-flow designs feature two flush buttons—one for liquid waste using less water, and a larger flush for solid waste. This optimizes water use based on need.

Four Advantages of Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures

Installing low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets enhances your plumbing’s efficiency in several ways:

1. Reduced water waste: The EPA’s Water Sense program calculates that you can save 700 gallons of water per year by upgrading the traditional faucets in your home with new, low-flow designs.
2. Smaller water bills: Low-flow fixtures can cut your monthly utility bills by using less water. In fact, a WaterSense-labeled showerhead can save 4 gallons of water whenever you shower, which starts to add up over time.
3. Lower water heating costs: Using less water to shower, cook and clean results in you using less hot water, which further increases your savings by lowering hot water costs.
4. A longer plumbing system life span: Reduced water flow means less strain on your plumbing system, potentially prolonging its life and lowering the need for repairs.

Tips on How You Can Save Even More Water

While these water-saving fixtures have a significant impact by themselves, you can go further to conserve water whenever you use the plumbing. Here are a handful of tips:

• Take fast showers: Even with low-flow showerheads, you still waste a lot of water when you take too long. Cutting your shower time by a minute or two preserves water and lowers energy use.
• Don’t waste water when you brush your teeth: Try and only leave the tap running if you’re actively using it. If you leave the bathroom or spend a couple of minutes to actually brush your teeth, switch off the faucet so you aren’t wasting water.
• Use dual-flush toilets efficiently: The dual-flush design only helps you if everyone in your household knows how to use it. Press the half-flush button for liquid waste and only select the full flush for solid waste. Certain handle-flush toilets now have dual-flush functionality. A partial flush uses less water, while pressing and holding the handle completes a full flush to wash away solid waste more thoroughly.
• Don’t flush trash: Toilets are solely designed to remove toilet paper and human waste. Flushing any other materials always wastes water and increases the risk of a clog forming. Do your water bills a favor by only throwing away facial tissues, paper towels, cotton balls and similar products in the trash.
• Fix leaks promptly: Even low-flow fixtures could eventually leak, wasting water and hamstringing efficiency. Set aside some time now and then to check for leaks and repair any you find to maintain your water conservation efforts.

Install Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures Today

Ready to lower your water usage and save more money at the same time? Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is here to help! We install high-performance low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets to encourage water and energy conservation. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can rely on us to deliver the quality products and services you deserve. The moment you’re ready to upgrade your plumbing fixtures or just need a few more water conservation tips, please contact us today.