Ways to Save Water and Energy with Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures

Saving water and energy is a smart and responsible move for your budget and the environment. Low-flow plumbing fixtures offer an effective solution to lower water consumption without losing performance. Find out about the perks of water-saving fixtures, how they compare to older models and useful suggestions to conserve even more water in your everyday habits.

Key Key Reasons to Consider Installing Eco-Friendly Plumbing Fixtures

Less water waste 

The EPA’s WaterSense program calculates that you can save 700 gallons of water per year by swapping the traditional faucets in your home with new, low-flow designs. 

Lowering your monthly water bills 

Low-flow fixtures can cut your monthly utility bills by using less water. Indeed, a WaterSense-labeled showerhead can save 4 gallons of water each time you shower, which adds up over time. 

Lower water heating costs 

Using less water to shower, cook and clean results in you using less hot water, which increases your savings by reducing water heating costs. 

A longer plumbing system life span  

Less water flow also reduces wear and tear on your plumbing system, potentially lengthening its life and reducing the need for repairs. 

As you can see, switching to low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets can benefit you in a number of ways: 

The Innovations Behind Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures 

Low-flow fixtures have different design options to preserve performance while also cutting back on water. Here’s how they work: 

• Dual-flush technology: Some toilets have two flush options—one for liquid waste using less water, and one that’s larger for solid waste. This further controls water use based on necessity. 

• Flow restrictors: Faucets with these devices control the amount of water that flows through the fixture without a major drop in pressure. 

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

How Much Water Do Low-Flow Fixtures Save? 

Installing low-flow plumbing fixtures began picking up traction around the 1990s. The popularity was largely driven by increased awareness of water conservation concerns and our environmental impact. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 required maximum flow rates for faucets, showerheads and toilets across the United States, encouraging the widespread adoption of low-flow fixtures. This initial legislation helped establish more efficient fixture designs aimed at lowering water consumption while preserving performance. 

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

• Faucets: Old faucets flow 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 previous standard for showerheads was 2.5 gpm. Low-flow showerheads cut water usage to 2.0 gpm or less. 

• Toilets: Older, inefficient toilets can use up to a maximum of 7 gallons per flush (gpf). In contrast, the current federal standard maximum is 1.6 gpf, with a number of dual-flush models needing as few as 1.28 gpf.

Five Tips to Save Even More Water

While low-flow fixtures have a significant impact on their own, you can take additional steps to conserve water whenever you use them. Here are a handful of useful suggestions:

1. Turn off the water whenever 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, shut off the faucet so you aren’t wasting water.

2. Don’t allow anyone to flush trash: Toilets are only designed to remove toilet paper and human waste. Flushing any other materials always wastes water and increases the risk of clogs. Do your water bills a favor by always disposing of facial tissues, paper towels, cotton balls and all other non-flushable products in the trash. 

3. Take fast showers: Even if you own low-flow showerheads, you still waste a lot of water when you stay in too long. Cutting your shower time by a minute or two conserves water and reduces energy use.

4. Use dual-flush toilets efficiently: The dual-flush design only helps you if everyone using that bathroom understands how to use it it. Press the half-flush button for liquid waste and only press the full flush for solid waste. Some handle-flush toilets also have dual-flush functionality. A quick flush uses less water, while pressing and holding the handle releases the standard amount of water to remove solid waste more effectively.

5. Fix leaks promptly: Even low-flow fixtures could eventually leak, wasting more water and hamstringing efficiency. Make an effort to regularly check for leaks and address any you find to sustain your water conservation efforts.

Ask About A Free Quote for New Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures Today

Ready to lower your water usage and save money? Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, Inc. is here to help! We install high-performance low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets to promote water and energy conservation. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can rely on us to follow through on the promise of superior products and services you deserve. As soon as 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.