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

Saving water and energy is a smart and eco-friendly move for your finances and the environment. Low-flow plumbing fixtures provide an excellent solution to reduce water consumption without losing performance. Learn about the perks of water-efficient fixtures, how they compare to older models and effective strategies to conserve even more water in your daily routine.

How Much Water Will Low-Flow Fixtures Use?

Installing low-flow plumbing fixtures first started gaining traction in the 1990s. The popularity was primarily driven by heightened awareness of water conservation needs and our environmental footprint. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 set maximum flow rates for faucets, showerheads and toilets in the United States, supporting the prompt adoption of a new generation of low-flow plumbing fixtures. This early framework paved the way for more efficient faucets and showerheads designed for reining in water consumption while maintaining the same level performance.

Consider how much water low-flow fixtures need compared to their older counterparts:

• Faucets: Old faucets run at about 2.2 gallons per minute (gpm), whereas low-flow faucets cut this down to 1.5 gpm or less without compromising water pressure.
• Showerheads: The previous standard for showerheads was 2.5 gpm. Today’s showerheads lower water consumption to 2.0 gpm or lower.
• Toilets: Old toilets typically 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 for Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures

Low-flow fixtures take advantage of several design options to retain performance while using less water. Here’s how they can do so:

• Aerators: A number of low-flow faucets and showerheads utilize aerators, which mix air with water to retain pressure while still lowering the volume of water required.

• Flow restrictors: Faucets with these devices restrict the amount of water that moves through the fixture without a major 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 further controls water use based on need.

Four Advantages of Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures

Switching to low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets provides benefits 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 upgrading the traditional faucets in your home with new, low-flow fixtures.
2. Slashing 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 every time you shower, which can really add up over time.
3. Also helps with water heating costs: Using less water to shower, cook and clean results in you using less hot water, which 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.

Tips for Saving Even More Water

While low-flow fixtures are highly effective by themselves, you can go further to conserve water each time you use them. Here are a handful of of the most common:

• Take fast showers: Even if you own low-flow showerheads, you still use more water if you shower for too long. Shortening your shower time by a minute or two conserves water and cuts energy use.
• Shut off the water when you brush your teeth: Only leave the tap running if you’re actively using it. Once you step away from the sink or take the time to actually brush your teeth, turn off the faucet so you don’t waste water.
• Use dual-flush toilets properly: The dual-flush capability only helps you if everyone in your household understands how 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 designs. A quick flush uses less water, while holding down the handle empties the entire tank to wash away solid waste more effectively.
• Don’t allow anyone to flush trash: Toilets are only designed to process toilet paper and human waste. Flushing other items needlessly wastes water and sharply increases the risk of a clog forming. Do your plumbing a favor by only throwing away facial tissues, paper towels, cotton balls and similar products in the trash can.
• Fix 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 fix any you find to maintain your water conservation efforts.

Install 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 quality low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets to support water and energy conservation. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can trust us to follow through on the promise of superior products and services you need. The moment you’re ready to upgrade your plumbing fixtures or just need a few more water conservation tips, please contact us today.