Water-Efficient Plumbing Fixtures Save Water and Energy: Learn How

Saving water and energy is a prudent and responsible choice for your budget and the environment. Low-flow plumbing fixtures present an excellent solution to cut down on water consumption without losing performance. Learn about the benefits of water-saving fixtures, how they stack up against traditional models and effective strategies to conserve even more water in your everyday habits.

How Much Water Do Low-Flow Fixtures Use?

Installing low-flow plumbing fixtures began picking up traction in the 1990s. The shift was particularly driven by increased awareness of water conservation needs and our environmental footprint. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 established maximum flow rates for faucets, showerheads and toilets across the United States, encouraging the prompt adoption of low-flow fixtures. This initial legislation paved the way for more efficient faucets and showerheads focused on reining in water consumption while maintaining the same level performance.

Consider how much water low-flow fixtures save compared to their older counterparts:

• Faucets: Older faucets run 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 old standard for showerheads was 2.5 gpm. Low-flow showerheads reduce water use to 2.0 gpm or less.
• Toilets: Old toilets may use up to 7 gallons per flush (gpf). On the other hand, the current federal standard maximum is 1.6 gpf, with a number of dual-flush models needing as few as 1.28 gpf.

The Designs Behind Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures

Low-flow fixtures use a few different ways to maintain performance while using less water. Here’s how they achieve this:

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

• Flow restrictors: These devices limit the amount of water that flows through the fixture while preventing a major drop in pressure.

• Dual-flush technology: Some toilets feature two flush controls—one for liquid waste using less water, and a larger flush for solid waste. This optimizes water use based on necessity.

Four Advantages of Water-Efficient Plumbing Fixtures

Switching to low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets can benefit you in numerous ways:

1. Less water waste: The EPA’s Water Sense program estimates that you can save 700 gallons of water per year by swapping the old faucets in your home with new, low-flow versions.
2. Cuts to monthly 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 every time you shower, which adds up over time.
3. Lower water heating costs: Using less water for daily chores also means you use less hot water, which increases your savings by helping cut water heating costs.
4. Extended plumbing system life span: Decreased water flow also reduces wear and tear on your plumbing system, possibly prolonging its life and lowering the need for repairs.

Suggestions for Saving Even More Water

While these water-saving fixtures are highly effective by themselves, you can go further to conserve water every time you use the plumbing. Here are some of the most common:

• Take shorter showers: Even once you’ve installed low-flow showerheads, you still waste a lot of water when you shower for too long. Shortening your shower time by a minute or two saves water and limits energy use.
• Turn off the water as you brush your teeth: Only leave the tap running if you’re actively using it. Once you step away from the sink or spend a couple of minutes to actually brush your teeth, turn off the faucet so you don’t waste water.
• Use dual-flush toilets appropriately: The dual-flush design only helps you if everyone at home knows the right way to use it it. Start with the half-flush button for liquid waste and only use the full flush for solid waste. Certain handle-flush toilets feature dual-flush functionality. A light flush uses less water, while holding down the handle completes a full flush to clear solid waste more thoroughly.
• Don’t flush trash: Toilets are exclusively designed to handle toilet paper and human waste. Flushing anything else needlessly wastes water and increases the risk of clogs. Do your plumbing a favor by always disposing of facial tissues, paper towels, cotton balls and all other non-flushable products in the garbage.
• Try and resolve leaks right away: Even low-flow fixtures can leak, wasting water and lowering efficiency. Set aside some time now and then to check for leaks and address any you find to limit any downtime to your water conservation efforts.

Install Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures Today

Interested in an easy way to reduce 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 promote water and energy conservation. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can rely on us to follow through on the promise of quality products and services you deserve. If you’re ready to install low-flow plumbing fixtures or want more water conservation tips, please contact us today.