Indiana has a long history of water conservation thanks to its leadership. Back in 1994, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources took note of future projections about water shortages and developed a water shortage plan. This plan aimed to cut back on household water waste and prevent the shortages expected to hit many states by 2040.
Even though the surface of the earth is 71% water, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, only about 0.5% is fresh and readily available for us. That’s why conserving water at home makes so much sense. One of the easiest ways to save water is to install low-flow fixtures.
These upgrades use less water without affecting your daily routine or comfort. Let’s consider the benefits of low-flow fixtures and see if they’re a good fit for your Indiana home.
What Are Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures?
Low-flow fixtures are designed to help with water conservation. These clever devices use special technology to cut down on how much water flows from your faucets, showerheads, and toilets without making them any less effective. You can brush your teeth, wash dishes, or take a shower just like usual.
These devices work their magic by using components, such as aerators (which mix air with water), or they employ other special design features to control water pressure. The result is less water is wasted and you can enjoy lower water bills. Additionally, you’ll be doing your part to conserve water in Indiana and comply with the conservation plan.
Types of Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures?
There are three main types of low-flow plumbing fixtures. These include sink faucets, showerheads, and toilets. For a plumbing fixture to receive the “low-flow” designation, its water output cannot exceed a certain number of gallons per minute. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s WaterSense program helps establish rigorous water-reduction standards for plumbing. According to these standards, low-flow sink faucets should not exceed a maximum of 1.5 gallons per minute (GPM) water flow. Low-flow showerheads cannot surpass 2.0 GPM, and a low-flow toilet cannot exceed 1.5 gallons per flush (GPF).
Low-Flow Sink Faucets
Sink faucets are among the most frequently used fixtures in the home. Unfortunately, these fixtures can also cause substantial water waste. According to the EPA, traditional sink faucets can use up to three gallons of water per minute. Factors that can worsen water usage include the age of the faucet and pipes as well as the available amount of water pressure. By switching to a low-flow faucet that restricts output to a maximum of 1.5 GPM, you can lower the flow at the sink by at least 30%. According to estimates from the WaterSense program, switching to low-flow sink faucets can save a household up to 700 gallons of water every year. If you are not ready to replace all your sink faucets, you can also ask a plumber to install a professional aerator device in the existing faucets to help reduce water flow.
Low-Flow Showerheads
The water flow of traditional showerheads can exceed 2.5 GPM. By installing a low-flow showerhead that does not put out this amount of water, you can conserve a half-gallon of water each minute. According to the EPA, this can translate into 2,700 gallons of water used for showers each year. There are two types of low-flow showerheads: aerating showerheads and laminar showerheads. Aerators push water through tiny holes in a screen. This process combines water and air to produce a fine but invigorating spray for maximum comfort. Some aerators also come with shut-off valves that enable you to reduce the flow of water without impacting temperature. Laminar showerheads limit pressure to create a rainfall-style stream. Because this type of showerhead produces less steam, they are ideal for bathrooms with limited ventilation.
Low-Flow Toilets
Traditional toilets can use over six gallons of water per flush (GPF). By switching to a low-flow toilet, you can save over four gallons with each use. The most efficient models use as little as 1.28 GPF. According to the EPA, you may save up to 13,000 gallons of water every year by installing a low-flow model. There are two types of low-flow toilets: gravity-flow toilets and pressure-assisted toilets. Gravity-assisted toilets use natural force to siphon waste into a trap before expelling it into a sewer or septic tank. Pressure-assisted fixtures use a jet-flush or pressurized tank to force contents from the toilet bowl.
What Are the Top Benefits of Low-Flow Fixtures?
There are numerous advantages of low-flow fixtures. Some of the top benefits of installing these devices include lower water bills, reduced energy costs, extended plumbing system lifespan, and improved household aesthetics.
Lower Utility Bills
Low-flow fixtures can significantly reduce utility bills by restricting output, thereby minimizing water consumption. According to a recent EPA report, water-saving fixtures can reduce overall water consumption by 20%. The average family can save $380 annually by making the switch.
Reduced Energy Costs
In addition to savings on your water bill, reduced consumption can also help you save money on heating and energy costs. According to the EPA, heating water in a house is typically the second-largest use of energy after residential space heating and cooling costs. By using less water, you can lower the heating costs associated with warming up water for showers, dishwashers, or laundry machines. You can pocket the extra money or use it to invest in a new system like a tankless water heater for even more savings. Using less energy also means that you can reduce your carbon footprint by pulling less power and electricity from the local grid. It also reduces the number of local resources necessary to treat or replace wasted water.
Extended Lifespan of Plumbing Infrastructure
Low-flow fixtures exert less stress and strain on plumbing systems due to reduced water flow. As a result, your plumbing infrastructure undergoes less wear and tear from culprits like excessive pressure or extensive mineral buildup. Less wear on your system translates into fewer potential repairs or replacements over time. Installing low-flow fixtures allows you to take proactive steps in minimizing the risk of unexpected plumbing emergencies or sudden repairs.
Improved Aesthetics and Comfort
Modern low-flow fixtures come in a variety of styles that improve the aesthetic appearance of your home. Professionals can seamlessly install these fixtures to match your style and overall vision for the design of your household. Since low-flow mechanisms range from invigorating aerators to rain-like laminar technology, these fixtures offer something for everyone to maximize comfort levels in the home.
Contact Us Today
If all the options seem overwhelming, there is no need to panic. The experts are here to help. Hope Plumbing, Heating and Cooling provides plumbing fixture installations for homes in Indianapolis and surrounding areas. Our plumbers are experts in working with older homes as well as installing the latest technology. In addition to fixtures, we can install tankless water heaters, conduct drain cleaning, and complete trenchless plumbing repair. We can even install water softeners to tackle hard water and help keep your fixtures in great shape. No matter the issue, we can help.
Contact Hope Plumbing, Heating and Cooling today for all plumbing needs.
