Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures Save Water and Energy: This Is How

Saving water and energy is a wise and environmentally conscious move for your budget and the environment. Low-flow plumbing fixtures present an effective solution to reduce water consumption without sacrificing performance. Find out about the perks of water-efficient fixtures, how they differ from older models and useful suggestions to conserve even more water in your day-to-day life.

How Much Water Can Low-Flow Fixtures Save?

Low-flow plumbing fixtures initially gained widespread traction around the 1990s. The movement was largely driven by increased awareness of water conservation needs and our environmental footprint. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 mandated maximum flow rates for faucets, showerheads and toilets across the United States, encouraging the public adoption of a new generation of low-flow plumbing fixtures. This legislation set the stage for more efficient fixture designs 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: 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 reducing water pressure.
• Showerheads: The old standard for showerheads was 2.5 gpm. Low-flow showerheads reduce water use to 2.0 gpm or lower.
• Toilets: Older toilets can use up to a maximum of 7 gallons per flush (gpf). In contrast, the current federal standard maximum is 1.6 gpf, with a number of dual-flush models using as little as 1.28 gpf.

The Technology for Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures

Low-flow fixtures use several design options to retain performance while also cutting back on water. Here’s how they can do so:

• Aerators: Many low-flow faucets and showerheads include aerators, a component that mixes air with water to preserve the water pressure while still lowering the volume of water needed.

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

• Dual-flush technology: More low-flow designs have two flush controls—one for liquid waste using less water, and a larger flush for solid waste. This fine-tunes water use based on necessity.

Key Benefits of Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures

Switching to low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets can benefit you in numerous ways:

1. Reducing water waste: The EPA’s Water Sense program estimates that you can save 700 gallons of water per year by replacing the old faucets in your home with new, low-flow fixtures.
2. Cuts to monthly water bills: Low-flow fixtures lower your monthly utility bills by using less water. In fact, a WaterSense-labeled showerhead can save 4 gallons of water whenever you shower, which adds up in the long run.
3. Also lowers water heating costs: Using less water to shower, cook and clean results in you using less hot water, which further increases your savings by reducing hot water costs.
4. Extended plumbing system life span: Decreased water flow also reduces wear and tear on your plumbing system, possibly lengthening its life and lowering the need for repairs.

Tips for Saving Even More Water

While low-flow fixtures are highly effective on their own, you can do more to conserve water every time you use them. Here are a handful of of the most common:

• Take brief showers: Even with low-flow showerheads, you can still waste water when you shower for too long. Cutting your shower time by a minute or two saves water and reduces energy use.
• Don’t waste water as you brush your teeth: Only leave the tap running if you’re actively using it. If you step away from the sink or spend the time to actually brush your teeth, shut off the faucet so you don’t waste water.
• Use dual-flush toilets appropriately: The dual-flush feature only benefits you if everyone using that bathroom knows how to use it. Use the half-flush button for liquid waste and only press the full flush for solid waste. Some handle-flush toilets now have dual-flush designs. A light flush uses less water, while holding down the handle empties the entire tank to clear solid waste more effectively.
• Don’t allow anyone to flush trash: Toilets are solely designed to process toilet paper and human waste. Flushing other items needlessly wastes water and raises the risk of a clog forming. Do your plumbing a favor by always throwing away facial tissues, paper towels, cotton balls and all other non-flushable products in the garbage.
• Try and resolve leaks promptly: Even low-flow fixtures can leak, wasting water and reducing efficiency. Spend a few minutes every now and then checking for leaks and repair any you find to limit any downtime to your water conservation efforts.

Request a Free Quote for Low-Flow Plumbing Installation Today

Interested in an easy way to reduce your water usage and increase savings? 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 depend on us to follow through on the promise of quality products and services you deserve. As soon as you’re ready to install low-flow plumbing fixtures or just need a few more water conservation tips, please contact us today.