You Can 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 provide an effective solution to cut down on water consumption without losing performance. Find out about the perks of water-efficient fixtures, how they differ from older models and practical tips to conserve even more water in your everyday habits.

Key Advantages to Installing Eco-Friendly Plumbing Fixtures

Less water waste 

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

Slashing water bills 

Low-flow fixtures lower 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 across its service life. 

Also lowers water heating costs 

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

Longer plumbing system life span  

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

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

Key Components of Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures 

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

• Dual-flush technology: Some toilets 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 control the amount of water that passes through the fixture while preventing a major drop in pressure. 

• Aerators: Many low-flow faucets and showerheads feature aerators, which mix air with water to maintain pressure while still lowering the volume of water used. 

How Much Water Do Low-Flow Fixtures Save? 

These more efficient plumbing fixtures first started gaining traction in the 1990s. The movement was primarily driven by increased 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 prompt adoption of a new generation of low-flow plumbing fixtures. This early framework helped establish more efficient faucets and showerheads aimed at reining in water consumption while retaining performance. 

Consider how much water low-flow fixtures save compared to their older 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 weakening the 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 may use up to 7 gallons per flush (gpf). On the other hand, the current federal standard maximum is 1.6 gpf, with some dual-flush models with averages as low as 1.28 gpf.

Five Suggestions for Saving Even More Water

While these water-saving fixtures are highly effective by themselves, you can take additional steps to conserve water each time you use them. Here are a handful of tips:

1. Turn off the water when you brush your teeth: Try and only leave the tap running if you’re actively using it. If you leave the bathroom or take the time to actually brush your teeth, switch off the faucet so you don’t waste water.

2. Don’t flush trash: Toilets are exclusively designed to process 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 always disposing of facial tissues, paper towels, cotton balls and similar products in the trash. 

3. Take quicker showers: Even with low-flow showerheads, you still waste a lot of water when you stay in too long. Speeding up your shower time by a minute or two preserves water and reduces energy use.

4. Use dual-flush toilets properly: The dual-flush feature only benefits you if everyone using that bathroom 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. A few newer handle-flush toilets also have dual-flush functionality. A light flush uses less water, while holding down the handle empties the entire tank to remove solid waste more effectively.

5. Take care of leaks as soon as you can: Even low-flow fixtures may leak, wasting more water and hamstringing efficiency. Set aside some time now and then to check for leaks and address any you find to sustain your water conservation efforts.

Request A Free Estimate for Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures Today

Interested in an easy way to cut your water usage and save money? United Plumbing Company is here to help! We install quality low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets to encourage 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. As soon as you’re ready to ask about a free quote for installing low-flow plumbing fixtures or would like more water conservation tips, please contact us today.