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

Saving water and energy is a wise and responsible decision for your wallet and the environment. Low-flow plumbing fixtures present an effective solution to cut down on water consumption without losing performance. Discover the perks of water-efficient fixtures, how they stack up against traditional models and effective strategies to conserve even more water in your day-to-day life.

How Much Water Do Low-Flow Fixtures Use?

These more efficient plumbing fixtures initially gained widespread traction around the 1990s. The shift was particularly driven by growing awareness of water conservation concerns and our environmental footprint. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 established maximum flow rates for faucets, showerheads and toilets throughout the United States, promoting the public adoption of low-flow fixtures. This initial legislation paved the way for more efficient fixture designs aimed at lowering water consumption while maintaining the same level performance.

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

• Faucets: Older 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 reduce water use to 2.0 gpm or lower.
• Toilets: Older, inefficient toilets typically use up to 7 gallons per flush (gpf). On the other hand, 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 use a few different design options to retain performance while using less water. Here’s how they do it:

• Aerators: Many low-flow faucets and showerheads include aerators, which mix air with water to preserve the water pressure while still cutting down on the volume of water required.

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

• Dual-flush technology: Many low-flow toilets feature 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.

4 Benefits of Water-Efficient Plumbing Fixtures

Trying low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets enhances your plumbing’s efficiency in numerous 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. Smaller water bills: Low-flow fixtures can cut your monthly utility bills by using less water. In fact, a WaterSense-labeled showerhead can save 4 gallons of water every time you shower, which can really add up across its service life.
3. Lower water heating costs: Using less water for daily chores also means you use less hot water, which increases your savings by reducing hot water costs.
4. Longer plumbing system life span: Decreased water flow also reduces wear and tear on your plumbing system, potentially prolonging its life and reducing the need for repairs.

Tips for Saving Even More Water

While low-flow fixtures make a big difference by themselves, you can do more to conserve water every time you use the plumbing. Here are a few of the most common:

• Take shorter showers: Even with low-flow showerheads, you can still waste water when you take too long. Speeding up your shower time by a minute or two saves water and lowers energy use.
• Turn 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 leave the bathroom or spend the time to actually brush your teeth, turn off the faucet to conserve water.
• Use dual-flush toilets properly: The dual-flush capability only helps you if everyone in your household understands how to use it it. Start with the half-flush button for liquid waste and only select the full flush for solid waste. Some handle-flush toilets also have dual-flush functionality. A light flush uses less water, while holding down the handle empties the entire tank to remove solid waste more thoroughly.
• Don’t allow anyone to flush trash: Toilets are exclusively designed to remove toilet paper and human waste. Flushing anything else needlessly wastes water and sharply increases the risk of a clog forming. Do your plumbing a favor by always throwing away facial tissues, paper towels, cotton balls and all other non-flushable 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 fix any you find to maintain your water conservation efforts.

Upgrade to Low-Flow Plumbing Installation Today

Interested in an easy way to lower your water usage and save money? Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is here to help! We install efficient 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. When you’re ready to upgrade your plumbing fixtures or would like more water conservation tips, please contact us today.