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

Saving water and energy is a prudent and eco-friendly decision for your finances and the environment. Low-flow plumbing fixtures provide an effective solution to lower water consumption without compromising performance. Find out about the advantages of low-flow fixtures, how they differ from traditional models and practical tips to conserve even more water in your day-to-day life.

How Much Water Can Low-Flow Fixtures Save?

Low-flow plumbing fixtures began picking up traction in the 1990s. The shift was largely driven by heightened awareness of water conservation needs and our environmental impact. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 established maximum flow rates for faucets, showerheads and toilets in the United States, encouraging the widespread adoption of a new generation of low-flow plumbing fixtures. This legislation set the stage for more efficient faucets and showerheads aimed at lowering water consumption while retaining performance.

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

• Faucets: The conventional designs of most faucets flow at about 2.2 gallons per minute (gpm), whereas low-flow faucets reduce 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 lower.
• Toilets: Older toilets can use up to a maximum of 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 with averages as low as 1.28 gpf.

The Technology Enabling Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures

Low-flow fixtures use a few different design options to retain performance while also cutting back on water. Here’s how they do it:

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

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

• Dual-flush technology: Many low-flow toilets offer two flush options—one for liquid waste using less water, and a fuller flush for solid waste. This further controls water use based on necessity.

Key Benefits of Water-Efficient Plumbing Fixtures

Switching to low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets enhances your plumbing’s efficiency in several ways:

1. Reduced water waste: The EPA’s Water Sense program estimates that you can save 700 gallons of water per year by swapping the old faucets in your home with new, low-flow fixtures.
2. Cuts to monthly water bills: Low-flow fixtures help decrease your monthly utility bills by using less water. In fact, a WaterSense-labeled showerhead can save 4 gallons of water each time you shower, which starts to add up across its service life.
3. Also lowers water heating costs: Using less water for daily chores means you also use less hot water, which further increases your savings by lowering hot water costs.
4. Extended plumbing system life span: Reduced water flow means there’s a much smaller load on your plumbing system, possibly lengthening its life and reducing the need for repairs.

Suggestions on How You Can Save Even More Water

While low-flow fixtures make a big difference by themselves, you can go further to conserve water whenever you use them. Here are some useful suggestions:

• Take brief showers: Even once you’ve installed low-flow showerheads, you still waste a lot of water if you take too long. Shortening your shower time by a minute or two preserves water and cuts energy use.
• Turn off the water as you brush your teeth: Only leave the tap on if you’re actively using it. As soon as you step away from the sink or spend the time to actually brush your teeth, turn off the faucet so you aren’t wasting water.
• Use dual-flush toilets properly: The dual-flush design only benefits you if everyone using that bathroom understands how to use it it. Press the half-flush button for liquid waste and only use the full flush for solid waste. Some handle-flush toilets also have dual-flush functionality. A partial flush uses less water, while holding down the handle completes a full flush to remove solid waste more efficiently.
• Don’t allow anyone to flush trash: Toilets are only designed to remove toilet paper and human waste. Flushing anything else needlessly wastes water and raises the risk of a clog forming. Do your plumbing a favor by only disposing of facial tissues, paper towels, cotton balls and all other non-flushable products in the trash can.
• Take care of leaks promptly: Even low-flow fixtures can leak, wasting water and lowering efficiency. Spend a few minutes every now and then checking for leaks and repair any you find to maintain your water conservation efforts.

Upgrade to Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures Today

Are you ready to reduce your water usage and save money? Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is here to help! We install high-performance low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets to promote 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 ask about a free quote for installing low-flow plumbing fixtures or want more water conservation tips, please contact us today.