Eco-Friendly Plumbing Fixtures Save Water and Energy: Here’s How

Saving water and energy is a smart and environmentally conscious move for your budget and the environment. Low-flow plumbing fixtures present an effective solution to cut down on water consumption without sacrificing performance. Learn about the perks of water-efficient fixtures, how they differ from previous models and effective strategies to conserve even more water in your everyday habits.

How Much Water Will Low-Flow Fixtures Use?

These more efficient plumbing fixtures initially gained widespread traction in the 1990s. The movement was primarily driven by heightened awareness of water conservation concerns and our environmental footprint. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 set maximum flow rates for faucets, showerheads and toilets across the United States, encouraging the widespread adoption of low-flow fixtures. This initial legislation set the stage for more efficient plumbing technologies aimed at lowering water consumption while retaining performance.

Think about how much water low-flow fixtures save compared to their older 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 weakening the water pressure.
• Showerheads: The industry standard for showerheads was 2.5 gpm. Low-flow showerheads cut water usage to 2.0 gpm or lower.
• Toilets: Old toilets can use up to 7 gallons per flush (gpf). In contrast, the current federal standard maximum is 1.6 gpf, with some dual-flush models with averages as low as 1.28 gpf.

The Technology for Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures

Low-flow fixtures use different ways to retain performance while using less water. Here’s how they work:

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

• Flow restrictors: These devices restrict the amount of water that flows through the fixture without a significant drop in pressure.

• Dual-flush technology: Many low-flow toilets feature two flush buttons—one for liquid waste using less water, and one that’s larger for solid waste. This optimizes water use based on need.

Key Benefits of Eco-Friendly Plumbing Fixtures

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

1. Less water waste: The EPA’s Water Sense program has estimated that you can save 700 gallons of water per year by replacing the old faucets in your home with new, low-flow versions.
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 each time you shower, which starts to add up in the long run.
3. Also lowers water heating costs: Using less water for daily chores means you also use less hot water, which means another boost to your savings by helping cut water heating costs.
4. Helping ensure a long plumbing system life span: Reduced water flow also reduces wear and tear on your plumbing system, possibly prolonging its life and lowering the need for repairs.

Suggestions to Save Even More Water

While low-flow fixtures have a significant impact by themselves, you can take additional steps to conserve water each time you use the plumbing. Here are some of the most common:

• Take quicker showers: Even if you own low-flow showerheads, you still use more water when you stay in too long. Shortening your shower time by a minute or two preserves water and lowers energy use.
• Turn off the water when you brush your teeth: Try and 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, switch off the faucet to conserve water.
• Use dual-flush toilets properly: The dual-flush design only works for you if everyone in your household 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. Some handle-flush toilets feature dual-flush functionality. A partial flush uses less water, while keeping the handle depressed completes a full flush to remove solid waste more efficiently.
• Don’t flush trash: Toilets are solely designed to handle toilet paper and human waste. Flushing other items always wastes water and sharply increases the risk of a clog forming. Do your plumbing a favor by always tossing facial tissues, paper towels, cotton balls and similar products in the trash.
• Fix leaks right away: Even low-flow fixtures could eventually leak, wasting more water and reducing efficiency. Make an effort to regularly check for leaks and resolve any you find to limit any downtime to your water conservation efforts.

Upgrade to Low-Flow Fixtures Today

Ready to cut 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 promote water and energy conservation. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can rely on us to deliver the exceptional 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.