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

Saving water and energy is a prudent and eco-friendly choice for your budget and the environment. Low-flow plumbing fixtures provide an ideal solution to lower water consumption without losing performance. Learn about the perks of water-efficient fixtures, how they stack up against older models and useful suggestions to conserve even more water in your day-to-day life.

How Much Water Will Low-Flow Fixtures Save?

Low-flow plumbing fixtures initially gained widespread traction in the 1990s. The shift was particularly driven by heightened awareness of water conservation concerns and our environmental footprint. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 mandated maximum flow rates for faucets, showerheads and toilets across the United States, supporting the widespread adoption of low-flow fixtures. This legislation helped establish more efficient fixture designs designed for reducing water consumption while preserving performance.

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

• Faucets: The conventional designs of most faucets flow at about 2.2 gallons per minute (gpm), whereas low-flow faucets cut this down to 1.5 gpm or less without compromising water pressure.
• Showerheads: The previous standard for showerheads was 2.5 gpm. Low-flow showerheads lower water consumption to 2.0 gpm or less.
• Toilets: Older, inefficient toilets can use as many as 7 gallons per flush (gpf). In contrast, the current federal standard maximum is 1.6 gpf, with some dual-flush models using as little as 1.28 gpf.

The Designs of Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures

Low-flow fixtures take advantage of several ways to maintain performance while also cutting back on water. Here’s how they work:

• Aerators: Lots of low-flow faucets and showerheads utilize aerators, a component that mixes air with water to maintain pressure while still reducing the volume of water needed.

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

• Dual-flush technology: More low-flow designs have two flush controls—one for liquid waste using less water, and a larger flush for solid waste. This fine-tunes water use based on necessity.

Key Benefits of Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures

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

1. Decreased water waste: The EPA’s Water Sense program has estimated that you can save 700 gallons of water per year by replacing the old faucets in your home with new, low-flow fixtures.
2. Slashing water bills: Low-flow fixtures help decrease 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 across its service life.
3. Also helps with water heating costs: Using less water to shower, cook and clean means you also use less hot water, which further increases your savings by helping cut hot water costs.
4. Extended plumbing system life span: Less water flow also reduces wear and tear on your plumbing system, possibly prolonging its life and reducing 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 take additional steps to conserve water whenever you use the plumbing. Here are some of the most common:

• Take fast showers: Even once you’ve installed low-flow showerheads, you can still waste water when you take too long. Shortening your shower time by a minute or two preserves water and cuts energy use.
• Don’t waste water whenever you brush your teeth: Only leave the tap on if you’re actively using it. As soon as you leave the bathroom or take the time to actually brush your teeth, shut off the faucet so you don’t waste water.
• Use dual-flush toilets properly: The dual-flush capability only benefits you if everyone at home knows how to use it. Start with 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 quick flush uses less water, while holding down the handle completes a full flush to remove solid waste more efficiently.
• Don’t flush trash: Toilets are exclusively designed to accommodate toilet paper and human waste. Flushing anything else needlessly wastes water and sharply increases the risk of clogs. Do your water bills a favor by always throwing away facial tissues, paper towels, cotton balls and similar products in the trash can.
• Take care of leaks as soon as you can: Even low-flow fixtures can leak, wasting more water and lowering efficiency. Spend a few minutes every now and then checking for leaks and repair any you find to sustain your water conservation efforts.

Request a Free Quote for Low-Flow Plumbing Installation Today

Are you ready to reduce your water usage and increase savings? Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is here to help! We install quality 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 exceptional products and services you deserve. When you’re ready to install low-flow plumbing fixtures or just need a few more water conservation tips, please contact us today.