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

Saving water and energy is a smart and environmentally conscious choice for your wallet and the environment. Low-flow plumbing fixtures offer an ideal solution to reduce water consumption without compromising performance. Find out about the perks of water-saving fixtures, how they compare to older models and practical tips to conserve even more water in your everyday habits.

How Much Water Do Low-Flow Fixtures Save?

Low-flow plumbing fixtures first started gaining traction in the 1990s. The shift was primarily driven by increased awareness of water conservation concerns and our environmental impact. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 set maximum flow rates for faucets, showerheads and toilets throughout the United States, encouraging the prompt adoption of low-flow fixtures. This early framework set the stage for more efficient faucets and showerheads focused on lowering water consumption while maintaining the same level performance.

Take into account 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 cut this down to 1.5 gpm or less without reducing water pressure.
• Showerheads: The industry standard for showerheads was 2.5 gpm. Today’s showerheads cut water usage to 2.0 gpm or less.
• Toilets: Older, inefficient toilets can use as many as 7 gallons per flush (gpf). By comparison, the current federal standard maximum is 1.6 gpf, with a number of dual-flush models with averages as low as 1.28 gpf.

The Technology Behind Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures

Low-flow fixtures use a few different ways to preserve performance while also cutting back on water. Here’s how they work:

• 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 used.

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

• Dual-flush technology: Many low-flow toilets offer two flush buttons—one for liquid waste using less water, and a fuller flush for solid waste. This fine-tunes water use based on need.

Four Advantages of Eco-Friendly Plumbing Fixtures

Switching to low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets provides benefits in a number of ways:

1. Reduced water waste: The EPA’s Water Sense program estimates 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 lower your monthly utility bills by using less water. Indeed, a WaterSense-labeled showerhead can save 4 gallons of water whenever you shower, which can really add up in the long run.
3. Also lowers water heating costs: Using less water to shower, cook and clean means you also use less hot water, which further increases your savings by lowering water heating costs.
4. A longer plumbing system life span: Reduced water flow also reduces wear and tear on your plumbing system, potentially prolonging its life and decreasing the need for repairs.

Tips to Save Even More Water

While these water-saving fixtures have a significant impact by themselves, you can take additional steps to conserve water every time you use the plumbing. Here are a handful of of the most common:

• Take shorter showers: Even if you own low-flow showerheads, you still use more water if you take too long. Cutting your shower time by a minute or two saves water and lowers energy use.
• Shut off the water whenever you brush your teeth: Try and only leave the tap on if you’re actively using it. As soon as you step away from the sink or spend a couple of minutes to actually brush your teeth, shut off the faucet to conserve water.
• Use dual-flush toilets efficiently: The dual-flush design only benefits you if everyone using that bathroom knows how to use it. Start with the half-flush button for liquid waste and only select the full flush for solid waste. A few newer handle-flush toilets also have dual-flush functionality. A quick flush uses less water, while keeping the handle depressed releases the standard amount of water to clear solid waste more efficiently.
• Never flush trash: Toilets are exclusively designed to remove toilet paper and human waste. Flushing any other materials needlessly wastes water and increases the risk of a clog forming. Do your water bills a favor by always throwing away facial tissues, paper towels, cotton balls and feminine hygiene products in the trash can.
• Fix leaks right away: Even low-flow fixtures may leak, wasting more water and lowering efficiency. Spend a few minutes every now and then checking for leaks and repair any you find to maintain your water conservation efforts.

Upgrade to Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures Today

Ready to cut your water usage and increase savings? 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 depend on us to follow through on the promise of quality products and services you need. The moment you’re ready to install low-flow plumbing fixtures or want more water conservation tips, please contact us today.