You Can Save Water and Energy with Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures

Saving water and energy is a smart and responsible choice for your finances and the environment. Low-flow plumbing fixtures provide an ideal solution to cut down on water consumption without sacrificing performance. Learn about the benefits of water-saving fixtures, how they compare to older models and practical tips to conserve even more water in your daily routine.

Key Key Reasons to Consider Installing Water-Efficient Plumbing Fixtures

Less water waste 

The EPA’s WaterSense program has said that you can save 700 gallons of water per year by upgrading the existing faucets in your home with new, low-flow versions. 

Slashing water bills 

Low-flow fixtures lower your monthly utility bills by using less water. As a matter of fact, a WaterSense-labeled showerhead can save 4 gallons of water every time you shower, which starts to add up over time. 

Also lowers 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. 

Extended plumbing system life span  

Reduced water flow means there’s a much smaller load on your plumbing system, hopefully extending its life and lowering the need for repairs. 

As you can see, trying low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets enhances your plumbing’s efficiency in numerous ways: 

The Innovations Behind Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures 

Low-flow fixtures take advantage of a few different design options to retain performance while also cutting back on water. Here’s how they can do so: 

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

• Flow restrictors: These devices limit the amount of water that passes through the fixture without a major drop in pressure. 

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

How Much Water Will Low-Flow Fixtures Use? 

Low-flow plumbing fixtures first started gaining traction around the 1990s. The shift was largely driven by increased awareness of water conservation issues and our environmental impact. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 set maximum flow rates for faucets, showerheads and toilets across the United States, promoting the public adoption of low-flow fixtures. This legislation set the stage for more efficient fixture designs designed for reducing water consumption while retaining performance. 

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

• Faucets: Older 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 cut water usage 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.

Five Suggestions to Save Even More Water

While low-flow fixtures make a big difference on their own, you can do more to conserve water whenever you use the plumbing. Here are a few useful suggestions:

1. Don’t waste water when you brush your teeth: Do your best to only leave the tap on if you’re actively using it. As soon as you leave the bathroom or take a couple of minutes to actually brush your teeth, turn off the faucet so you aren’t wasting water.

2. Don’t flush trash: Toilets are exclusively designed to accommodate toilet paper and human waste. Flushing other items always wastes water and raises the risk of clogs. Do your plumbing a favor by always throwing away facial tissues, paper towels, cotton balls and all other non-flushable products in the trash. 

3. Take quicker showers: Even with low-flow showerheads, you still use more water when you shower for too long. Speeding up your shower time by a minute or two saves water and limits energy use.

4. Use dual-flush toilets appropriately: The dual-flush design only helps you if everyone using that bathroom knows how to use it. Use the half-flush button for liquid waste and only use the full flush for solid waste. Some handle-flush toilets feature dual-flush capabilities. A partial flush uses less water, while pressing and holding the handle completes a full flush to wash away solid waste more thoroughly.

5. Fix leaks right away: 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.

Ask About A Free Estimate for Low-Flow Fixtures Today

Ready to reduce your water usage and save more money at the same time? Hays Cooling, Heating & 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 rely on us to follow through on the promise of quality products and services you deserve. The moment you’re ready to upgrade your plumbing fixtures or just need a few more water conservation tips, please contact us today.