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

Saving water and energy is a smart and environmentally conscious move for your wallet and the environment. Low-flow plumbing fixtures present an excellent solution to cut down on water consumption without losing performance. Find out about the benefits of water-efficient fixtures, how they stack up against traditional models and effective strategies to conserve even more water in your everyday habits.

How Much Water Can Low-Flow Fixtures Save?

Low-flow plumbing fixtures initially gained widespread traction in the 1990s. The shift was primarily driven by increased awareness of water conservation concerns and our environmental footprint. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 set maximum flow rates for faucets, showerheads and toilets across the United States, promoting the widespread adoption of low-flow fixtures. This initial legislation paved the way for more efficient faucets and showerheads aimed at reducing water consumption while preserving performance.

Consider 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 lower to 1.5 gpm or less without sacrificing water pressure.
• Showerheads: The previous standard for showerheads was 2.5 gpm. Low-flow showerheads lower water consumption to 2.0 gpm or lower.
• Toilets: Older toilets can use up to 7 gallons per flush (gpf). In contrast, the current federal standard maximum is 1.6 gpf, with some dual-flush models with averages as low as 1.28 gpf.

The Technology Behind Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures

Low-flow fixtures take advantage of a few different design options to retain performance while also cutting back on water. Here’s how they achieve this:

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

• Flow restrictors: Faucets with these devices limit the amount of water that passes through the fixture without a significant drop in pressure.

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

Four Advantages of Water-Efficient Plumbing Fixtures

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

1. Less water waste: The EPA’s Water Sense program has said that you can save 700 gallons of water per year by replacing the existing faucets in your home with new, low-flow designs.
2. Cuts to monthly 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 starts to add up in the long run.
3. Also helps with water heating costs: Using less water for daily chores results in you using 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: Reduced water flow means less strain on your plumbing system, potentially prolonging its life and decreasing the need for repairs.

Suggestions for Saving Even More Water

While these water-saving fixtures have a significant impact by themselves, you can take additional steps to conserve water each time you use them. Here are a few tips:

• Take shorter showers: Even with low-flow showerheads, you still use more water if you stay in too long. Cutting your shower time by a minute or two conserves water and cuts energy use.
• Shut off the water as you brush your teeth: Do your best to only leave the tap running 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, switch off the faucet so you don’t waste water.
• Use dual-flush toilets appropriately: The dual-flush capability only helps you if everyone using that bathroom understands how to use it it. Stick to the half-flush button for liquid waste and only press the full flush for solid waste. Some handle-flush toilets now have dual-flush designs. A light flush uses less water, while holding down the handle completes a full flush to clear solid waste more efficiently.
• Don’t flush trash: Toilets are solely designed to handle toilet paper and human waste. Flushing other items always wastes water and increases 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 promptly: Even low-flow fixtures can leak, wasting water and reducing efficiency. Set aside some time now and then to check for leaks and repair any you find to limit any downtime to your water conservation efforts.

Install Low-Flow Fixtures Today

Interested in an easy way 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 promote water and energy conservation. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can trust us to follow through on the promise of superior products and services you need. 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.