Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures Save Water and Energy: This Is How

Saving water and energy is a wise and eco-friendly move for your finances and the environment. Low-flow plumbing fixtures present an excellent solution to reduce water consumption without losing performance. Discover the advantages of water-saving fixtures, how they stack up against traditional models and practical tips to conserve even more water in your day-to-day life.

How Much Water Can Low-Flow Fixtures Use?

These more efficient plumbing fixtures initially gained widespread traction around the 1990s. The movement was particularly driven by heightened awareness of water conservation needs and our environmental footprint. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 set maximum flow rates for faucets, showerheads and toilets across the United States, 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 designed for reducing water consumption while retaining performance.

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

• Faucets: The conventional designs of most faucets flow at about 2.2 gallons per minute (gpm), whereas low-flow faucets lower to 1.5 gpm or less without reducing water pressure.
• Showerheads: The industry standard for showerheads was 2.5 gpm. Low-flow designs for showerheads lower water consumption to 2.0 gpm or lower.
• Toilets: Older, inefficient toilets may use up to 7 gallons per flush (gpf). On the other hand, the current federal standard maximum is 1.6 gpf, with many dual-flush models with averages as low as 1.28 gpf.

The Designs for Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures

Low-flow fixtures have different ways to maintain performance while also cutting back on water. Here’s how they work:

• Aerators: Many low-flow faucets and showerheads feature aerators, which mix air with water to preserve the water pressure while still reducing the volume of water used.

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

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

Key Benefits of Eco-Friendly 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 said that you can save 700 gallons of water per year by upgrading 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. As a matter of fact, a WaterSense-labeled showerhead can save 4 gallons of water each time you shower, which can really add up across its service life.
3. Also helps with water heating costs: Using less water for daily chores means you also use less hot water, which means another boost to your savings by helping cut water heating costs.
4. Helping ensure a long plumbing system life span: Less water flow also reduces wear and tear on your plumbing system, potentially extending its life and decreasing the need for repairs.

Suggestions for Saving Even More Water

While these water-saving fixtures are highly effective on their own, you can do more to conserve water every time you use them. Here are a few useful suggestions:

• Take quicker showers: Even with low-flow showerheads, you still use more water when you take too long. Cutting your shower time by a minute or two conserves 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. As soon as you step away from the sink or spend the time to actually brush your teeth, shut off the faucet to conserve water.
• Use dual-flush toilets properly: The dual-flush design only benefits you if everyone in your household knows the right way to use it it. Use the half-flush button for liquid waste and only use the full flush for solid waste. A few newer handle-flush toilets now have dual-flush designs. A partial flush uses less water, while keeping the handle depressed completes a full flush to remove solid waste more thoroughly.
• Don’t allow anyone to flush trash: Toilets are only designed to process toilet paper and human waste. Flushing any other materials needlessly wastes water and raises the risk of clogs. Do your plumbing a favor by only tossing facial tissues, paper towels, cotton balls and similar products in the trash.
• Fix leaks as soon as you can: Even low-flow fixtures may leak, wasting more water and reducing efficiency. Spend a few minutes every now and then checking for leaks and address any you find to limit any downtime to your water conservation efforts.

Request a Free Quote for Low-Flow Plumbing Installation Today

Ready to lower 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 support water and energy conservation. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can depend on us to follow through on the promise of exceptional products and services you deserve. If you’re ready to ask about a free quote for installing low-flow plumbing fixtures or just need a few more water conservation tips, please contact us today.