Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures Save Water and Energy: Here’s How

Saving water and energy is a prudent and environmentally conscious choice for your wallet and the environment. Low-flow plumbing fixtures present an effective solution to lower water consumption without losing performance. Learn about the benefits of water-saving fixtures, how they compare to previous models and effective strategies to conserve even more water in your day-to-day life.

How Much Water Will Low-Flow Fixtures Use?

Installing low-flow plumbing fixtures began picking up traction around the 1990s. The movement was primarily driven by growing awareness of water conservation issues and our environmental impact. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 set maximum flow rates for faucets, showerheads and toilets throughout the United States, promoting the public adoption of low-flow fixtures. This initial legislation set the stage for more efficient fixture designs aimed at reining in water consumption while preserving performance.

Consider how much water low-flow fixtures use compared to their conventional counterparts:

• Faucets: Old faucets run at about 2.2 gallons per minute (gpm), whereas low-flow faucets reduce to 1.5 gpm or less without compromising water pressure.
• Showerheads: The old standard for showerheads was 2.5 gpm. Today’s showerheads cut water usage to 2.0 gpm or lower.
• Toilets: Old toilets may use up to 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 preserve performance while also cutting back on water. Here’s how they do it:

• Aerators: A number of low-flow faucets and showerheads feature aerators, a component that mixes air with water to preserve the water pressure while still cutting down on the volume of water needed.

• Flow restrictors: Faucets with these devices limit the amount of water that flows through the fixture without a major 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 fine-tunes water use based on need.

Four Advantages of Water-Efficient Plumbing Fixtures

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

1. Reducing water waste: The EPA’s Water Sense program estimates that you can save 700 gallons of water per year by upgrading the old faucets in your home with new, low-flow versions.
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 whenever you shower, which adds up across its service life.
3. Lower water heating costs: Using less water to shower, cook and clean means you also use less hot water, which increases your savings by lowering water heating costs.
4. Extended plumbing system life span: Less water flow means less strain on your plumbing system, hopefully extending its life and decreasing 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 do more to conserve water whenever you use the plumbing. Here are a few useful suggestions:

• Take quicker showers: Even if you own low-flow showerheads, you can still waste water when you take too long. Cutting your shower time by a minute or two saves water and lowers energy use.
• Don’t waste 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 take the time to actually brush your teeth, shut off the faucet so you aren’t wasting water.
• Use dual-flush toilets appropriately: The dual-flush capability 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 select the full flush for solid waste. A few newer handle-flush toilets now have dual-flush functionality. A partial flush uses less water, while pressing and holding the handle completes a full flush to clear solid waste more thoroughly.
• Don’t flush trash: Toilets are exclusively designed to accommodate toilet paper and human waste. Flushing anything else always wastes water and sharply increases the risk of clogs. Do your local plumber a favor by always disposing of facial tissues, paper towels, cotton balls and feminine hygiene products in the garbage.
• Try and resolve leaks as soon as you can: Even low-flow fixtures could eventually leak, wasting water and reducing efficiency. Spend a few minutes every now and then checking for leaks and resolve any you find to maintain your water conservation efforts.

Upgrade to Low-Flow Fixtures Today

Are you ready 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 quality low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets to encourage water and energy conservation. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can trust us to deliver the quality products and services you deserve. As soon as you’re ready to install low-flow plumbing fixtures or would like more water conservation tips, please contact us today.