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

Saving water and energy is a prudent and eco-friendly move for your wallet and the environment. Low-flow plumbing fixtures provide an ideal solution to lower water consumption without compromising performance. Find out about the advantages of water-saving fixtures, how they differ from older models and practical tips to conserve even more water in your day-to-day life.

How Much Water Do Low-Flow Fixtures Use?

Low-flow plumbing fixtures first started gaining traction in the 1990s. The movement was largely driven by growing awareness of water conservation needs and our environmental impact. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 set maximum flow rates for faucets, showerheads and toilets throughout the United States, promoting the public adoption of a new generation of low-flow plumbing fixtures. This legislation set the stage for more efficient faucets and showerheads aimed at reining in water consumption while preserving performance.

Consider how much water low-flow fixtures use compared to their older counterparts:

• Faucets: Older faucets run at about 2.2 gallons per minute (gpm), whereas low-flow faucets cut this down to 1.5 gpm or less without sacrificing 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 toilets can use up to 7 gallons per flush (gpf). In contrast, the current federal standard maximum is 1.6 gpf, with many dual-flush models using as little as 1.28 gpf.

The Technology of Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures

Low-flow fixtures use a few different ways to retain performance while using less water. Here’s how they achieve this:

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

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

• Dual-flush technology: More low-flow designs have two flush controls—one for liquid waste using less water, and one that’s larger for solid waste. This optimizes water use based on need.

Key Benefits of Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures

Trying low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets enhances your plumbing’s efficiency in numerous ways:

1. Less water waste: The EPA’s Water Sense program calculates that you can save 700 gallons of water per year by replacing the traditional faucets in your home with new, low-flow fixtures.
2. Cuts to monthly water bills: Low-flow fixtures help decrease your monthly utility bills by using less water. As a matter of fact, a WaterSense-labeled showerhead can save 4 gallons of water each time you shower, which starts to add up over time.
3. Also helps with water heating costs: Using less water to shower, cook and clean means you also use less hot water, which increases your savings by helping cut water heating costs.
4. Extended plumbing system life span: Cuts to the water flow also reduces wear and tear on your plumbing system, potentially prolonging its life and reducing the need for repairs.

Suggestions for Saving Even More Water

While low-flow fixtures are highly effective by themselves, you can go further to conserve water every time you use the plumbing. Here are some useful suggestions:

• Take quicker showers: Even with 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 saves water and lowers energy use.
• Don’t waste water as you brush your teeth: 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 don’t waste water.
• Use dual-flush toilets appropriately: The dual-flush capability only helps you if everyone at home knows the right way to use it it. Use the half-flush button for liquid waste and only use the full flush for solid waste. Certain handle-flush toilets also have dual-flush designs. A light flush uses less water, while keeping the handle depressed empties the entire tank to clear solid waste more thoroughly.
• Don’t allow anyone to flush trash: Toilets are exclusively designed to handle toilet paper and human waste. Flushing other items always wastes water and increases the risk of clogs. Do your plumbing a favor by always throwing away facial tissues, paper towels, cotton balls and similar products in the garbage.
• Take care of leaks promptly: Even low-flow fixtures can leak, wasting water and reducing efficiency. Set aside some time now and then to check for leaks and repair any you find to limit any downtime to your water conservation efforts.

Install Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures 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 high-performance 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 need. If you’re ready to install low-flow plumbing fixtures or want more water conservation tips, please contact us today.