Can Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures Save Water and Money?
There are many things you can do to save water in your home. Behavioral changes, such as turning off the water when brushing your teeth or taking baths instead of showers, are helpful. However, you can add even more savings by updating your plumbing fixtures to low-flow toilets and shower heads. Low-flow toilets use only about 1.6 gallons of water per flush as opposed to about 3.5 gallons with normal toilets. Low-flow shower heads use about 2.5 gallons of water per minute compared to between four and five gallons per minute used by conventional heads.
Do low-flow toilets work well?
When low-flow toilets were first introduced, consumers complained that there was insufficient water within the toilet bowl to properly flush below the line of normal toilets. The toilets were using less water, but simply didn’t have enough power to flush waste efficiently. After much consumer dissatisfaction, toilet manufacturers made some design modifications to make low-flow toilets more efficient.
Do water saving shower heads provide enough water pressure?
Using low-flow shower heads doesn’t mean you have to compromise water pressure. Conventional shower heads may deliver about 5 to 8 gallons per minute (gpm) at a pressure of 75 psi, which is the max pressure allowed for California unless a pressure regulator is installed. Many low-flow heads can deliver 2.5 gpm at 75 psi. Some may deliver even less. Therefore, you can have the same comfortable shower experience with a low-flow shower head as with a conventional one.
Is it worth switching?
You can save as much as $100 a year in utility bills by switching to water-saving fixtures throughout your home. Additionally, a home with both low-flow toilets and low-circulation shower heads can save thousands of gallons of water per year. Switching to these green plumbing options is definitely worth it since they allow you to save money, energy, and help the environment. Plus, it’s a great time to consider low-flow toilets because, as of January 2012, toilets will be 1.28 gallon flush toilets; so, picking the right toilet will be very important. If you’re interested in making the switch to green plumbing fixtures in Orange County, give us a call and we’ll be happy to help!
