Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures Save Water and Energy: Learn How

Saving water and energy is a wise and responsible choice for your wallet and the environment. Low-flow plumbing fixtures provide an effective solution to reduce water consumption without sacrificing performance. Learn about the advantages of water-efficient fixtures, how they differ from traditional models and useful suggestions to conserve even more water in your daily routine.

How Much Water Can Low-Flow Fixtures Save?

These more efficient plumbing fixtures first started gaining traction around the 1990s. The shift was primarily driven by growing awareness of water conservation concerns and our environmental impact. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 established maximum flow rates for faucets, showerheads and toilets throughout the United States, encouraging the public adoption of a new generation of low-flow plumbing fixtures. This initial legislation helped establish more efficient plumbing technologies focused on reducing water consumption while preserving performance.

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

• Faucets: The conventional designs of most 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. Today’s showerheads reduce water use to 2.0 gpm or less.
• Toilets: Old toilets typically use as many as 7 gallons per flush (gpf). On the other hand, the current federal standard maximum is 1.6 gpf, with some dual-flush models using as little as 1.28 gpf.

The Technology for Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures

Low-flow fixtures have different design options to retain performance while using less water. Here’s how they achieve this:

• Aerators: Many low-flow faucets and showerheads utilize aerators, mixing air with water to maintain pressure while still lowering the volume of water required.

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

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

4 Benefits of Water-Efficient Plumbing Fixtures

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

1. Less water waste: The EPA’s Water Sense program estimates that you can save 700 gallons of water per year by swapping the traditional faucets in your home with new, low-flow fixtures.
2. Slashing 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 whenever you shower, which adds up across its service life.
3. Also helps with water heating costs: Using less water to shower, cook and clean means you also use less hot water, which further increases your savings by reducing water heating costs.
4. Helping ensure a long plumbing system life span: Reduced water flow also reduces wear and tear on your plumbing system, potentially extending its life and reducing the need for repairs.

Suggestions on How You Can Save Even More Water

While these water-saving fixtures make a big difference on their own, you can do more to conserve water each time you use them. Here are a handful of tips:

• Take shorter showers: Even with low-flow showerheads, you can still waste water if you stay in too long. Speeding up your shower time by a minute or two preserves water and reduces energy use.
• Don’t waste water when you brush your teeth: Try and 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, shut off the faucet so you aren’t wasting water.
• Use dual-flush toilets properly: The dual-flush feature only helps you if everyone at home understands how to use it it. Start with the half-flush button for liquid waste and only use the full flush for solid waste. A few newer handle-flush toilets feature dual-flush capabilities. A light flush uses less water, while keeping the handle depressed empties the entire tank to remove solid waste more effectively.
• Don’t flush trash: Toilets are only designed to handle toilet paper and human waste. Flushing anything else always wastes water and raises the risk of a clog forming. Do your local plumber a favor by always tossing facial tissues, paper towels, cotton balls and all other non-flushable products in the trash can.
• Try and resolve leaks promptly: Even low-flow fixtures could eventually leak, wasting more water and reducing efficiency. Spend a few minutes every now and then checking for leaks and resolve any you find to sustain your water conservation efforts.

Install Low-Flow Plumbing 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 high-performance 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 superior products and services you deserve. When you’re ready to upgrade your plumbing fixtures or just need a few more water conservation tips, please contact us today.