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 effective solution to reduce water consumption without compromising performance. Learn about the perks of water-saving fixtures, how they differ from older models and practical tips to conserve even more water in your daily routine.

How Much Water Do Low-Flow Fixtures Use?

Installing low-flow plumbing fixtures first started gaining traction around the 1990s. The movement was particularly 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 in the United States, supporting the public adoption of a new generation of low-flow plumbing fixtures. This legislation set the stage for more efficient fixture designs focused on lowering water consumption while preserving performance.

Think about how much water low-flow fixtures use compared to their traditional counterparts:

• Faucets: Older faucets run at about 2.2 gallons per minute (gpm), whereas low-flow faucets reduce to 1.5 gpm or less without sacrificing water pressure.
• Showerheads: The old standard for showerheads was 2.5 gpm. Today’s showerheads reduce water use to 2.0 gpm or less.
• Toilets: Older toilets may use up to 7 gallons per flush (gpf). On the other hand, the current federal standard maximum is 1.6 gpf, with a number of dual-flush models needing as few as 1.28 gpf.

The Designs Behind Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures

Low-flow fixtures have a few different ways to maintain performance while also cutting back on water. Here’s how they can do so:

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

• Flow restrictors: Faucets with these devices control the amount of water that moves through the fixture without a major drop in pressure.

• Dual-flush technology: More low-flow designs have two flush options—one for liquid waste using less water, and a fuller flush 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. Decreased water waste: The EPA’s Water Sense program has said that you can save 700 gallons of water per year by swapping the existing faucets in your home with new, low-flow fixtures.
2. Slashing 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 can really add up over time.
3. Also lowers 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. Longer plumbing system life span: Reduced water flow also reduces wear and tear on your plumbing system, hopefully prolonging its life and reducing the need for repairs.

Tips on How You Can Save Even More Water

While these water-saving fixtures are highly effective by themselves, you can take additional steps to conserve water every time you use the plumbing. Here are some tips:

• Take brief showers: Even with low-flow showerheads, you still waste a lot of water when you take too long. Speeding up your shower time by a minute or two conserves water and reduces energy use.
• Turn off the water when you brush your teeth: Only leave the tap on if you’re actively using it. If you leave the bathroom or take a couple of minutes to actually brush your teeth, shut off the faucet so you don’t waste water.
• Use dual-flush toilets efficiently: The dual-flush feature only benefits you if everyone in your household knows how to use it. Stick to 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 capabilities. A light flush uses less water, while keeping the handle depressed releases the standard amount of water to remove solid waste more efficiently.
• Don’t allow anyone to flush trash: Toilets are exclusively designed to handle toilet paper and human waste. Flushing any other materials always wastes water and sharply increases the risk of clogs. Do your water bills a favor by always disposing of facial tissues, paper towels, cotton balls and similar products in the trash.
• Take care of leaks promptly: Even low-flow fixtures could eventually leak, wasting water and lowering efficiency. Make an effort to regularly check for leaks and fix any you find to maintain your water conservation efforts.

Upgrade to Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures Today

Are you ready to cut your water usage and save more money at the same time? Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is here to help! We install efficient low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets to encourage water and energy conservation. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can rely on us to follow through on the promise of superior products and services you need. As soon as you’re ready to ask about a free quote for installing low-flow plumbing fixtures or want more water conservation tips, please contact us today.