Eco-Friendly Plumbing Fixtures Save Water and Energy: This Is How

Saving water and energy is a smart and responsible decision for your wallet and the environment. Low-flow plumbing fixtures present an excellent solution to cut down on water consumption without sacrificing performance. Find out about the advantages of low-flow fixtures, how they differ from previous models and practical tips to conserve even more water in your daily routine.

How Much Water Will Low-Flow Fixtures Use?

Installing low-flow plumbing fixtures first started gaining traction in the 1990s. The popularity was particularly driven by heightened 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 prompt adoption of a new generation of low-flow plumbing fixtures. This initial legislation helped establish more efficient plumbing technologies designed for reducing water consumption while maintaining the same level performance.

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

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

The Technology of Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures

Low-flow fixtures use different ways to retain performance while using less water. Here’s how they can do so:

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

• Flow restrictors: These devices restrict the amount of water that passes through the fixture without a noticeable drop in pressure.

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

Key Benefits of Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures

Installing low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets can benefit you in several ways:

1. Less water waste: The EPA’s Water Sense program estimates that you can save 700 gallons of water per year by upgrading the existing faucets in your home with new, low-flow versions.
2. Smaller 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 every time you shower, which adds up in the long run.
3. Lower water heating costs: Using less water for daily chores results in you using less hot water, which further increases your savings by lowering hot water costs.
4. Longer plumbing system life span: Reduced water flow means less strain on your plumbing system, possibly prolonging its life and reducing the need for repairs.

Suggestions to Save Even More Water

While these water-saving fixtures are highly effective by themselves, you can do more to conserve water each time you use the plumbing. Here are a handful of tips:

• Take fast showers: Even once you’ve installed low-flow showerheads, you still use more water when you stay in too long. Speeding up your shower time by a minute or two preserves water and reduces energy use.
• Shut off the water as you brush your teeth: Try and only leave the tap running if you’re actively using it. If you leave the bathroom or take the time to actually brush your teeth, switch off the faucet to conserve water.
• Use dual-flush toilets properly: The dual-flush design only works for you if everyone in your household understands how to use it it. Stick to the half-flush button for liquid waste and only select the full flush for solid waste. Some handle-flush toilets feature dual-flush capabilities. A light flush uses less water, while keeping the handle depressed completes a full flush to wash away solid waste more thoroughly.
• Don’t flush trash: Toilets are only designed to process toilet paper and human waste. Flushing other items always wastes water and sharply increases the risk of clogs. Do your local plumber a favor by always tossing facial tissues, paper towels, cotton balls and similar products in the garbage.
• Take care of leaks promptly: Even low-flow fixtures can leak, wasting more water and reducing efficiency. Set aside some time now and then to check for leaks and resolve any you find to limit any downtime to your water conservation efforts.

Request a Free Quote for Low-Flow Plumbing Installation Today

Are you ready to reduce 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 rely on us to deliver the exceptional products and services you need. If you’re ready to install low-flow plumbing fixtures or just need a few more water conservation tips, please contact us today.