Eco-Friendly Plumbing Fixtures Save Water and Energy: Learn How

Saving water and energy is a smart and eco-friendly choice for your wallet and the environment. Low-flow plumbing fixtures provide an effective solution to lower water consumption without losing performance. Learn about the benefits 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 Do Low-Flow Fixtures Save?

Low-flow plumbing fixtures began picking up traction in the 1990s. The movement was primarily driven by growing awareness of water conservation concerns and our environmental impact. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 mandated maximum flow rates for faucets, showerheads and toilets across the United States, promoting the public adoption of low-flow fixtures. This initial legislation helped establish more efficient plumbing technologies designed for reducing water consumption while maintaining the same level performance.

Take into account how much water low-flow fixtures use 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 cut this down to 1.5 gpm or less without reducing water pressure.
• Showerheads: The old standard for showerheads was 2.5 gpm. Low-flow designs for showerheads lower water consumption to 2.0 gpm or lower.
• Toilets: Older, inefficient toilets can use as many as 7 gallons per flush (gpf). On the other hand, the current federal standard maximum is 1.6 gpf, with some dual-flush models using as little as 1.28 gpf.

The Designs Behind Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures

Low-flow fixtures take advantage of a few different ways to preserve performance while also cutting back on water. Here’s how they do it:

• Aerators: Many low-flow faucets and showerheads include aerators, which mix air with water to maintain pressure while still lowering the volume of water needed.

• Flow restrictors: Faucets with these devices control the amount of water that moves through the fixture while preventing a major drop in pressure.

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

Key Benefits of Eco-Friendly Plumbing Fixtures

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

1. Reducing 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 fixtures.
2. Slashing water bills: Low-flow fixtures can cut 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 across its service life.
3. Lower water heating costs: Using less water for daily chores also means you use less hot water, which increases your savings by lowering water heating costs.
4. A longer plumbing system life span: Cuts to the water flow means less strain on your plumbing system, potentially lengthening its life and decreasing the need for repairs.

Suggestions for Saving Even More Water

While these water-saving fixtures have a significant impact on their own, you can do more to conserve water each time you use the plumbing. Here are a few useful suggestions:

• Take shorter showers: Even with low-flow showerheads, you still waste a lot of water if you take 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: Do your best to only leave the tap on if you’re actively using it. If 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 appropriately: The dual-flush design only benefits you if everyone at home knows how to use it. Press the half-flush button for liquid waste and only use the full flush for solid waste. A few newer handle-flush toilets also have dual-flush designs. A quick flush uses less water, while keeping the handle depressed empties the entire tank to remove solid waste more effectively.
• Never flush trash: Toilets are only designed to handle toilet paper and human waste. Flushing anything else needlessly wastes water and sharply increases the risk of clogs. Do your water bills a favor by only tossing facial tissues, paper towels, cotton balls and all other non-flushable products in the trash.
• Fix leaks promptly: Even low-flow fixtures could eventually leak, wasting water and hamstringing efficiency. Spend a few minutes every now and then checking for leaks and resolve any you find to limit any downtime to your water conservation efforts.

Install Low-Flow Plumbing Installation Today

Ready to lower your water usage and save money? 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 deliver the exceptional products and services you deserve. If 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.