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

Saving water and energy is a wise and eco-friendly decision for your wallet and the environment. Low-flow plumbing fixtures present an effective solution to cut down on water consumption without sacrificing performance. Learn about the benefits of water-efficient fixtures, how they stack up against older models and useful suggestions to conserve even more water in your daily routine.

How Much Water Do Low-Flow Fixtures Use?

These more efficient plumbing fixtures initially gained widespread traction in the 1990s. The shift was largely driven by heightened awareness of water conservation concerns and our environmental impact. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 mandated maximum flow rates for faucets, showerheads and toilets throughout the United States, encouraging the widespread adoption of a new generation of low-flow plumbing fixtures. This early framework set the stage for more efficient plumbing technologies focused on reining in water consumption while maintaining the same level performance.

Take into account how much water low-flow fixtures save compared to their older counterparts:

• Faucets: The conventional designs of most faucets run 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 industry standard for showerheads was 2.5 gpm. Low-flow showerheads lower water consumption to 2.0 gpm or lower.
• Toilets: Old toilets may use up to 7 gallons per flush (gpf). By comparison, the current federal standard maximum is 1.6 gpf, with many dual-flush models using as little as 1.28 gpf.

The Technology Behind Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures

Low-flow fixtures have different design options to maintain performance while using less 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 reducing the volume of water required.

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

• Dual-flush technology: Many low-flow toilets offer 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 necessity.

Key Benefits of Water-Efficient Plumbing Fixtures

Installing low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets can benefit you in several ways:

1. Reducing water waste: The EPA’s Water Sense program has estimated that you can save 700 gallons of water per year by upgrading the traditional faucets in your home with new, low-flow designs.
2. Smaller water bills: Low-flow fixtures lower your monthly utility bills by using less water. Indeed, a WaterSense-labeled showerhead can save 4 gallons of water every time you shower, which can really add up over time.
3. Also lowers water heating costs: Using less water for daily chores means you also use less hot water, which increases your savings by lowering hot water costs.
4. Longer plumbing system life span: Cuts to the water flow means less strain on your plumbing system, hopefully extending its life and lowering the need for repairs.

Tips to Save Even More Water

While low-flow fixtures have a significant impact by themselves, you can go further to conserve water whenever you use them. Here are some tips:

• Take shorter showers: Even once you’ve installed 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 lowers energy use.
• Shut off the water as you brush your teeth: Do your best to only leave the tap running if you’re actively using it. If you leave the bathroom or take the time to actually brush your teeth, switch off the faucet to conserve water.
• Use dual-flush toilets properly: The dual-flush capability only helps you if everyone using that bathroom knows the right way to use it it. Stick to the half-flush button for liquid waste and only use the full flush for solid waste. Some handle-flush toilets feature dual-flush designs. A light flush uses less water, while keeping the handle depressed empties the entire tank 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 always wastes water and raises the risk of clogs. Do your water bills a favor by only disposing of facial tissues, paper towels, cotton balls and all other non-flushable products in the trash.
• Fix leaks right away: Even low-flow fixtures could eventually leak, wasting water and hamstringing efficiency. Spend a few minutes every now and then checking for leaks and fix any you find to limit any downtime to your water conservation efforts.

Upgrade to Low-Flow Plumbing Installation Today

Are you ready to lower your water usage and save more money at the same time? Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is here to help! We install efficient low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets to promote water and energy conservation. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can trust us to deliver the exceptional products and services you need. As soon as you’re ready to ask about a free quote for installing low-flow plumbing fixtures or would like more water conservation tips, please contact us today.