In 2022, there are more environmental conservation efforts than ever, especially when it comes to water conservation given the large-scale droughts many regions experience. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average American uses 82 gallons of water a day in their home. While 70 percent of the Earth is covered by water, we can only use less than 1 percent of that water for drinking, indoor plumbing, and outdoor water use. Therefore, it’s important to consider efficient options for plumbing fixtures, which can help conserve water and save you money.
What Makes an Efficient System
Plumbing systems consist of the pipes, fittings, and appliances that serve your water and sanitation needs. Overall, your bathroom, with its showerhead, toilet, and faucet, uses more than 50 percent of your indoor household water and the average household wastes up to 180 gallons of water a week. With these numbers, it is increasingly important to choose low-flow plumbing fixtures for your bathroom that can significantly reduce your water usage and save you money, without having to change your habits.
Every system will vary from building to building, but there are certain products that can be used to improve the efficiency of your plumbing system which will save you water and money. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established standards for high efficiency plumbing fixtures by introducing the WaterSense labeling program to help consumers identify the best plumbing fixtures to help them save water and money. WaterSense products must meet rigorous criteria to carry the WaterSense label, which certifies that the product uses at least 20% less water and energy than similar models. For example, a low-flow toilet cannot exceed 1.5 gallons of water per flush to be given the WaterSense label, whereas a regular-flow toilet typically uses up to 6 gallons of water per flush.
Types of Efficient Plumbing Fixtures
When it comes to toilets, there are two types of low-flow toilets available today: gravity flow and pressure assist. Traditional toilets use large amounts of water to push the toilets’ contents into the trap underneath the toilet, but newer low-flow toilets use a siphoning effect, so once the water starts to go into the trap, it does not need continuous flowing water to help the contents go down. Pressure assist toilets, which are typically seen in public restrooms, force a small amount of water into the bowl from a pressurized water tank to empty the contents into the trap. Recently, these pressurized water tank low-flow toilets have been designed to be purchased for residential use. Additionally, there are some toilets that feature a dual-flush button, which allows you to use more water for solid waste and less water for liquid waste so you are only using as much water as you need.
As for faucets and showerheads, there are two types of low-flow fixtures: aerating and laminar. Aerating showerheads and faucets add air to the water coming out of the showerhead, which increases the water pressure while using less water overall. With these showerheads, water is sent through small holes creating a needle like effect, essentially directing the water more efficiently. Laminar showerheads and faucets provide larger streams of water without the additional air pressure that can easily transition from gentle to invigorating, depending on the user’s liking. These showerheads save water by having an adjustable stream which can be lowered or paused when water is not directly needed.
Aerating and laminar technology is used in both showerheads and faucets, and homeowners can also purchase separate aerators to attach to their current faucets instead of buying a completely new faucet.
Bottom Line
Installing the right plumbing fixtures can save you a substantial amount of water and money, without having to alter your habits. An efficient showerhead alone can save you up to 4 gallons of water per shower, an efficient faucet can save you around 700 gallons of water per year, and an efficient toilet can save you up to 13,000 gallons of water per year. Using low-flow, efficient plumbing fixtures can save you hundreds of dollars when it comes to utility costs, and allows you to do your part to conserve water and help the environment.
If you are ready to get your plumbing system updated with the most efficient systems possible, reach out to the experts at Daigle Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. Daigle carries top rated WaterSense products from popular manufacturers including Moen, Kohler, Delta, and Mansfield. Get set up with the right fixtures for your space today!
About Daigle Plumbing, Heating & Cooling
Founded over 40 years ago, Daigle Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is family-owned and operated by the Daigle family. We are proud to provide quality, dependable plumbing, heating, and cooling services for our customers in Derry, NH, and the surrounding areas. Daigle Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is your partner for all your plumbing, heating, and cooling needs. Call us today at 603-434-6353 for a free estimate.
