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

Saving water and energy is a smart and environmentally conscious move for your finances and the environment. Low-flow plumbing fixtures present an effective solution to lower water consumption without compromising performance. Learn about the advantages of water-efficient fixtures, how they differ from traditional models and effective strategies to conserve even more water in your day-to-day life.

How Much Water Do Low-Flow Fixtures Save?

Low-flow plumbing fixtures began picking up traction in the 1990s. The movement was largely driven by heightened awareness of water conservation needs and our environmental impact. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 set maximum flow rates for faucets, showerheads and toilets throughout the United States, supporting the widespread adoption of a new generation of low-flow plumbing fixtures. This early framework helped establish more efficient faucets and showerheads focused on reducing water consumption while preserving performance.

Take into account how much water low-flow fixtures save compared to their older 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 reducing water pressure.
• Showerheads: The previous standard for showerheads was 2.5 gpm. Low-flow designs for showerheads cut water usage to 2.0 gpm or less.
• Toilets: Older, inefficient toilets can use as many as 7 gallons per flush (gpf). In contrast, the current federal standard maximum is 1.6 gpf, with many 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 retain performance while also cutting back on water. Here’s how they achieve this:

• 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 required.

• Flow restrictors: These devices control 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 options—one for liquid waste using less water, and one that’s larger for solid waste. This fine-tunes water use based on need.

Key Benefits of Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures

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

1. Reducing water waste: The EPA’s Water Sense program has estimated that you can save 700 gallons of water per year by swapping the existing faucets in your home with new, low-flow designs.
2. Smaller water bills: Low-flow fixtures can cut your monthly utility bills by using less water. As a matter of fact, a WaterSense-labeled showerhead can save 4 gallons of water each time you shower, which can really add up across its service life.
3. Also helps with water heating costs: Using less water to shower, cook and clean results in you using less hot water, which means another boost to your savings by helping cut hot water costs.
4. Longer plumbing system life span: Reduced water flow also reduces wear and tear on your plumbing system, possibly lengthening its life and decreasing 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 them. Here are some of the most common:

• Take quicker showers: Even if you own 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 whenever you brush your teeth: Do your best to only leave the tap on if you’re actively using it. As soon as you leave the bathroom or take the time to actually brush your teeth, turn off the faucet so you aren’t wasting water.
• Use dual-flush toilets appropriately: The dual-flush feature only helps you if everyone in your household understands how to use it it. Stick to the half-flush button for liquid waste and only press the full flush for solid waste. Certain handle-flush toilets now have dual-flush designs. A light flush uses less water, while holding down the handle completes a full flush to wash away solid waste more efficiently.
• Don’t flush trash: Toilets are exclusively designed to remove toilet paper and human waste. Flushing any other materials needlessly wastes water and raises the risk of clogs. Do your water bills a favor by always disposing of facial tissues, paper towels, cotton balls and all other non-flushable products in the garbage.
• Take care of leaks right away: Even low-flow fixtures may leak, wasting water and reducing efficiency. Make an effort to regularly check for leaks and fix any you find to sustain your water conservation efforts.

Install Low-Flow Plumbing Installation Today

Ready to lower your water usage and save money? 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 depend on us to deliver the quality products and services you deserve. If 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.