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

Saving water and energy is a prudent and environmentally conscious decision for your finances and the environment. Low-flow plumbing fixtures present an effective solution to cut down on water consumption without compromising performance. Find out about the benefits of water-efficient fixtures, how they stack up against traditional models and practical tips to conserve even more water in your day-to-day life.

How Much Water Do Low-Flow Fixtures Use?

Installing low-flow plumbing fixtures initially gained widespread traction around the 1990s. The popularity was particularly driven by increased awareness of water conservation concerns and our environmental impact. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 set maximum flow rates for faucets, showerheads and toilets throughout the United States, encouraging the prompt adoption of a new generation of low-flow plumbing fixtures. This initial legislation paved the way for more efficient fixture designs aimed at reining in water consumption while preserving performance.

Take into account how much water low-flow fixtures need compared to their traditional counterparts:

• Faucets: Old faucets flow at about 2.2 gallons per minute (gpm), whereas low-flow faucets lower to 1.5 gpm or less without compromising water pressure.
• Showerheads: The previous standard for showerheads was 2.5 gpm. Low-flow showerheads reduce water use to 2.0 gpm or less.
• Toilets: Old toilets typically use as many as 7 gallons per flush (gpf). By comparison, 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 use several ways to preserve performance while also cutting back on water. Here’s how they work:

• Aerators: A number of low-flow faucets and showerheads include aerators, mixing air with water to retain pressure while still lowering the volume of water needed.

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

• Dual-flush technology: Many low-flow toilets have two flush buttons—one for liquid waste using less water, and a fuller flush for solid waste. This fine-tunes water use based on necessity.

Key Benefits of Eco-Friendly Plumbing Fixtures

Installing low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets provides benefits in a number of ways:

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

Tips to Save Even More Water

While these water-saving fixtures have a significant impact by themselves, you can do more to conserve water whenever you use the plumbing. Here are some of the most common:

• Take quicker showers: Even once you’ve installed low-flow showerheads, you still use more water if you take too long. Shortening your shower time by a minute or two preserves water and limits energy use.
• Turn off the water when you brush your teeth: Try and only leave the tap running if you’re actively using it. Once you leave the bathroom or take a couple of minutes to actually brush your teeth, shut off the faucet so you aren’t wasting water.
• Use dual-flush toilets efficiently: The dual-flush capability only works for 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. Certain handle-flush toilets now have dual-flush functionality. A partial flush uses less water, while keeping the handle depressed releases the standard amount of water to wash away solid waste more thoroughly.
• Don’t flush trash: Toilets are solely designed to accommodate toilet paper and human waste. Flushing anything else always wastes water and raises the risk of clogs. Do your water bills a favor by always disposing of facial tissues, paper towels, cotton balls and similar products in the garbage.
• Fix leaks promptly: Even low-flow fixtures may leak, wasting more water and reducing efficiency. Set aside some time now and then to check for leaks and resolve any you find to sustain your water conservation efforts.

Upgrade to Low-Flow Plumbing Installation Today

Interested in an easy way to cut your water usage and save more money at the same time? Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is here to help! We install quality low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets to promote 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 deserve. The moment you’re ready to ask about a free quote for installing low-flow plumbing fixtures or want more water conservation tips, please contact us today.