Water-Efficient Plumbing Fixtures Save Water and Energy: This Is How

Saving water and energy is a wise and environmentally conscious choice for your finances and the environment. Low-flow plumbing fixtures offer an effective solution to lower water consumption without losing performance. Learn about the perks of water-efficient fixtures, how they stack up against traditional models and practical tips to conserve even more water in your daily routine.

How Much Water Can Low-Flow Fixtures Save?

These more efficient plumbing fixtures initially gained widespread traction in the 1990s. The shift was particularly driven by heightened awareness of water conservation concerns and our environmental footprint. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 mandated maximum flow rates for faucets, showerheads and toilets in the United States, encouraging the public adoption of low-flow fixtures. This early framework helped establish more efficient plumbing technologies designed for reining in water consumption while maintaining the same level performance.

Take into account how much water low-flow fixtures need compared to their conventional counterparts:

• Faucets: Old 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 showerheads cut water usage to 2.0 gpm or less.
• Toilets: Older toilets typically use as many as 7 gallons per flush (gpf). By comparison, the current federal standard maximum is 1.6 gpf, with some dual-flush models needing as few as 1.28 gpf.

The Technology Behind Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures

Low-flow fixtures use different ways to retain performance while also cutting back on water. Here’s how they achieve this:

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

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

• Dual-flush technology: Some toilets feature two flush options—one for liquid waste using less water, and a fuller flush for solid waste. This fine-tunes water use based on necessity.

Four Advantages of Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures

Installing low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets provides benefits in several ways:

1. Decreased water waste: The EPA’s Water Sense program calculates that you can save 700 gallons of water per year by replacing the old faucets in your home with new, low-flow designs.
2. Cuts to monthly water bills: Low-flow fixtures lower 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 starts to add up over time.
3. Also lowers water heating costs: Using less water for daily chores also means you use less hot water, which further increases your savings by helping cut water heating costs.
4. A longer plumbing system life span: Decreased water flow means less strain on your plumbing system, potentially lengthening its life and decreasing the need for repairs.

Suggestions to 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 of the most common:

• Take brief showers: Even if you own low-flow showerheads, you still use more water when you stay in too long. Speeding up your shower time by a minute or two conserves water and reduces energy use.
• Turn 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, shut off the faucet so you aren’t wasting water.
• Use dual-flush toilets properly: The dual-flush feature only benefits you if everyone using that bathroom knows the right way to use it it. Press the half-flush button for liquid waste and only select the full flush for solid waste. A few newer handle-flush toilets feature dual-flush functionality. A partial flush uses less water, while holding down the handle empties the entire tank to wash away solid waste more thoroughly.
• Don’t flush trash: Toilets are only designed to handle toilet paper and human waste. Flushing any other materials always wastes water and raises the risk of a clog forming. Do your plumbing a favor by only tossing facial tissues, paper towels, cotton balls and similar products in the trash can.
• Take care of leaks right away: Even low-flow fixtures can leak, wasting 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.

Install Low-Flow Fixtures Today

Are you ready to cut your water usage and increase savings? Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is here to help! We install quality low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets to promote 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 just need a few more water conservation tips, please contact us today.