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

Saving water and energy is a smart and responsible choice for your wallet and the environment. Low-flow plumbing fixtures offer an excellent solution to reduce water consumption without sacrificing performance. Learn about the benefits of low-flow fixtures, how they compare to older models and practical tips to conserve even more water in your daily routine.

How Much Water Do Low-Flow Fixtures Use?

Low-flow plumbing fixtures first started gaining traction around the 1990s. The popularity was primarily driven by increased awareness of water conservation needs and our environmental footprint. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 mandated maximum flow rates for faucets, showerheads and toilets across the United Provinces, promoting the prompt adoption of low-flow fixtures. This initial legislation set the stage for more efficient fixture designs aimed at lowering water consumption while maintaining the same level performance.

Consider how much water low-flow fixtures use 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 compromising water pressure.
• Showerheads: The old standard for showerheads was 2.5 gpm. Today’s showerheads reduce water use to 2.0 gpm or less.
• Toilets: Older toilets can use as many as 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.

The Designs Enabling Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures

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

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

• Flow restrictors: Faucets with these devices limit the amount of water that flows through the fixture while preventing a noticeable drop in pressure.

• Dual-flush technology: More low-flow designs offer 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.

4 Benefits of Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures

Installing low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets can benefit you in numerous ways:

1. Decreased water waste: The EPA’s Water Sense program estimates that you can save 700 gallons of water per year by replacing the old faucets in your home with new, low-flow designs.
2. Smaller water bills: Low-flow fixtures help decrease your monthly utility bills by using less water. Indeed, a WaterSense-labeled showerhead can save 4 gallons of water every time you shower, which adds up over time.
3. Lower water heating costs: Using less water for daily chores means you also use less hot water, which further increases your savings by reducing hot water costs.
4. Longer plumbing system life span: Decreased water flow means less strain on your plumbing system, hopefully extending its life and reducing the need for repairs.

Suggestions for Saving Even More Water

While low-flow fixtures make a big difference on their own, you can take additional steps to conserve water every time you use them. Here are a few tips:

• Take shorter showers: Even if you own low-flow showerheads, you still use more water when you shower for too long. Speeding up your shower time by a minute or two conserves water and lowers energy use.
• Shut off the water as you brush your teeth: Only leave the tap on if you’re actively using it. As soon as you leave the bathroom or take the time to actually brush your teeth, turn off the faucet so you aren’t wasting water.
• Use dual-flush toilets properly: The dual-flush design only benefits you if everyone at home knows how to use it. Start with the half-flush button for liquid waste and only use the full flush for solid waste. Certain handle-flush toilets now have dual-flush designs. A quick flush uses less water, while keeping the handle depressed empties the entire tank to wash away solid waste more effectively.
• Never flush trash: Toilets are only designed to handle toilet paper and human waste. Flushing other items needlessly wastes water and increases the risk of a clog forming. Do your water bills a favor by only tossing facial tissues, paper towels, cotton balls and similar products in the garbage.
• Try and resolve leaks as soon as you can: Even low-flow fixtures may leak, wasting water and reducing efficiency. Make an effort to regularly check for leaks and repair any you find to maintain your water conservation efforts.

Upgrade to Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures Today

Are you ready to lower your water usage and increase savings? Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is here to help! We install efficient 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 quality products and services you deserve. As soon as you’re ready to install low-flow plumbing fixtures or want more water conservation tips, please contact us today.