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

Saving water and energy is a prudent and responsible choice for your wallet and the environment. Low-flow plumbing fixtures offer an effective solution to cut down on water consumption without sacrificing performance. Find out about the perks of low-flow fixtures, how they stack up against traditional models and practical tips to conserve even more water in your everyday habits.

How Much Water Can Low-Flow Fixtures Save?

Low-flow plumbing fixtures initially gained widespread traction around the 1990s. The movement was primarily driven by increased 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, supporting the public adoption of low-flow fixtures. This initial legislation paved the way for more efficient plumbing technologies aimed at reducing water consumption while maintaining the same level performance.

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

• Faucets: Old faucets run 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 designs for showerheads lower water consumption to 2.0 gpm or less.
• Toilets: Older, inefficient toilets can use up to 7 gallons per flush (gpf). By comparison, the current federal standard maximum is 1.6 gpf, with some dual-flush models with averages as low as 1.28 gpf.

The Designs of Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures

Low-flow fixtures have several design options to maintain performance while using less water. Here’s how they achieve this:

• Aerators: A number of low-flow faucets and showerheads utilize aerators, a component that mixes air with water to retain pressure while still reducing the volume of water required.

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

• Dual-flush technology: More low-flow designs feature two flush buttons—one for liquid waste using less water, and a fuller flush for solid waste. This optimizes water use based on need.

Key Benefits of Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures

Trying low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets provides benefits in several ways:

1. Less water waste: The EPA’s Water Sense program calculates that you can save 700 gallons of water per year by swapping the old faucets in your home with new, low-flow fixtures.
2. Smaller 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 whenever you shower, which starts to 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 helping cut hot water costs.
4. A longer plumbing system life span: Cuts to the water flow means there’s a much smaller load on your plumbing system, hopefully lengthening its life and reducing the need for repairs.

Tips to Save Even More Water

While low-flow fixtures are highly effective by themselves, you can go further 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 when you stay in too long. Cutting your shower time by a minute or two preserves water and cuts energy use.
• Shut off the water when you brush your teeth: Try and only leave the tap on if you’re actively using it. Once you step away from the sink or spend a couple of minutes to actually brush your teeth, shut off the faucet so you aren’t wasting water.
• Use dual-flush toilets properly: The dual-flush capability only works for you if everyone at home understands how to use it it. Stick to the half-flush button for liquid waste and only press the full flush for solid waste. Certain handle-flush toilets feature dual-flush capabilities. A light flush uses less water, while pressing and holding the handle completes a full flush to remove solid waste more thoroughly.
• Never flush trash: Toilets are solely designed to handle toilet paper and human waste. Flushing any other materials needlessly wastes water and sharply increases the risk of clogs. Do your water bills a favor by always disposing of facial tissues, paper towels, cotton balls and feminine hygiene products in the garbage.
• Try and resolve leaks promptly: Even low-flow fixtures can leak, wasting water and hamstringing efficiency. Make an effort to regularly check for leaks and repair any you find to sustain your water conservation efforts.

Upgrade to Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures Today

Are you ready to reduce your water usage and save money? 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 depend on us to follow through on the promise of superior products and services you need. If 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.