Low Flow Fixtures
You may think of bathroom fixtures as something you choose from an aesthetic standpoint, more than an economic perspective. Sure, a price point might be in mind, but for many, the idea of water conservation isn’t always their first thought or priority. Low flow fixtures are modern toilets, faucets, and shower heads that use significantly less water than their outdated counterparts. Making the switch to low flow fixtures can save water, energy, and money!
Benefits of Installing Low Flow Fixtures
Low flow fixtures are increasingly becoming available in a variety of colors and styles. From toilets to shower heads, here’s why opting to go low flow is the way you’ll want to go:
- Decreased water waste - Low flow fixtures are specifically designed to limit water waste. The average low flow fixture expels around half the gallons per minute than a standard fixture. Add that up over time, and you can save about a thousand gallons of water per year!
- Energy savings - The less water you use, the less energy required to heat it. For instance, if you are an avid hot shower taker, electricity is needed to heat that water. Not only that, but the decrease in the need to heat your water is followed up by a reduction in the use of your water heater, extending it’s lifespan and putting less wear and tear on it, too.
- Reduced utility bills - As you may have figured out by now, low flow fixtures will allow you to use less electricity and less water, leaving you with a decrease of the amount owed on your utility bills. That’s more money in your pocket to use elsewhere within the house.
- Environmental impact - Reducing water usage conserves natural resources and can help alleviate strain on local water supplies. This is a positive step for sustainability, especially in regions prone to drought.
- Compliance - Low flow fixtures often meet guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense program, ensuring that they meet strict water efficiency and performance criteria. According to the EPA, using WaterSense-labeled faucets and aerators can save the average family up to 700 gallons of water per year. Over time, these savings can contribute to noticeable reductions in water bills!
- Aesthetic and functional variety - Low flow faucets come in various styles, from traditional to modern, and are available for kitchen, bathroom, and commercial use. They also come with features like touchless sensors or pull-out sprayers, offering convenience as well as efficiency.
How Much Water Do Traditional Faucet Fixtures Use?
Standard faucets can on average use anywhere from 1-3 gallons per minute (GPM), or 4-8 liters per minute. There are many factors that come into play when determining the amount of water a faucet uses like the age of the faucet and the pipes, as well as the available water pressure.
Here are some additional points to consider:
Water Use in Older Fixtures
Older faucets, especially those manufactured before 1994, typically have higher flow rates, often around 3-5 gallons per minute. If you’re considering upgrades, replacing older faucets with low flow models can have a more significant impact on water savings.
Typical Household Water Consumption
Faucets generally account for about 15-20% of indoor household water use. Even small reductions in faucet flow rates can contribute to significant overall water savings.
The Effects of Water Pressure & Flow Rate on Water Usage
Different faucet locations may require different flow rates. For example, kitchen faucets are typically designed with a higher flow rate (around 2.2 GPM) because they are often used for filling pots, while bathroom faucets can work effectively with a lower flow rate. In high-pressure homes or buildings, the flow rate of standard faucets can be even higher, leading to more water use. Low flow fixtures help regulate this by setting a cap on the maximum GPM.
How Much Water Do Low Flow Fixtures Save?
- Low Flow Faucets - Switching to a low flow faucet that uses 1.5 gallons per minute can reduce your sink's water flow by about 30% or more.
- Low Flow Toilets - Standard toilets use 1.6 gallons per flush, compared to the 1.28 gallons used by low flow toilet fixtures.
- Low Flow Shower Heads - Standard shower heads use 2.5 gallons of water per minute, while low flow shower heads use no more than 2.0 gallons per minute.
Upgrade Your Faucet, Toilet or Shower Head Today!
Looking to get reliable plumbing for your new or remodeled home in the East Troy area? Interested in making the switch to low flow fixtures? O'Leary Plumbing, Heating & Electrical is the team for the job!
Call O'Leary Plumbing, Heating & Electrical at (262) 314-4566 or contact us online to schedule a low flow fixture installation service in Walworth County!