Install These 4 Water-Saving Plumbing Upgrades to Cut Utility Costs
Owning a home is an investment that sometimes presents challenges. With utility costs seemingly always on the rise, homeowners are looking for ways to save. Fortunately, we have some cost-effective plumbing tips that offer immediate and long-term benefits. Consider these 4 water-saving plumbing upgrades to reduce your family’s water usage and save on monthly bills.
Low-Flow Toilets
Rather than flushing excess water (and money) down the toilet, you may want to consider upgrading to a more water-efficient version. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, upgrading to a low-flow toilet can save the average household about 13,000 gallons of water each year, which translates to lower utility bills.
With an ergonomic bowl shape and larger flush valves, low-flow toilets are designed to effectively move waste using less water. At an average of 1.28 gallons per flush, a low-flow toilet uses less water than its standard counterpart, which uses 1.6 gallons for every flush. Low-flow toilets also have fewer moving parts, which means fewer breakdowns. And they offer dual-flush options, allowing you to choose a light (1.0 gallons) or heavy (1.6 gallons) flush.
Plumbing in some older homes may not be set up with the slope required to accommodate a low-flow toilet. Our experts can determine what’s best for your home and plumbing.
Faucet Aerators
Easy to install, an aerator is a small mesh attachment that screws onto most kitchen and bathroom spouts. It mixes air into a faucet’s water stream, as the mesh screen splits the flow of water into several individual streams. This effectively reduces the volume of water being used while maintaining a steady, splash-free stream with consistent pressure.
Aerators can reduce water flow by 30 percent, from the standard 2.2 gallons per minute (GPM) to 1.5 GPM, or as low as 1.2 GPM. Installing WaterSense-labeled models can save about 700 gallons of water each year. And with a faucet aerator, your household not only uses less water—it uses less hot water, which saves energy costs as well.
Low-Flow Showerheads
Older, standard showerheads typically use anywhere from 2.5 to 8 GPM. A low-flow showerhead cuts water use by up to 40 percent, reducing flow to 2.0 GPM and saving thousands of gallons of water each year while providing strong, high-energy pressure for your household.
And many models include a trickle setting. This allows you to considerably reduce water flow by hand while lathering or shaving.
Low-flow showerheads come in two main types:
Aerated. Much like faucet aerators, these showerheads mix air with water to maintain pressure while using less water.
Non-aerated. These showerheads use high-speed streams for consistent pressure with a reduced flow rate.
Many people think installing a low-flow showerhead means a low-pressure shower. But these devices are designed to deliver a strong, steady flow of water while using less of it. They effectively cut water use and energy bills.
Energy-Efficient Water Heaters
A water heater’s Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) determines its efficiency in converting energy into hot water. A higher number means a more efficient unit that costs less to operate.
Most standard water heaters have a UEF around 0.65, which means it converts about 65 percent of the energy it uses into heating your water. On the other hand, high-efficiency models have a UEF at 0.90 and higher, with some hybrid models over 3.0.
Two of the most popular options are:
Tankless Gas Water Heaters. These space-saving units are ENERGY STAR® certified and feature advanced technology that provides a consistent flow of hot water on demand.
Atmospheric Vent Gas Water Heaters. With smart gas control for precise temperatures, these units offer durable tank protection and lining for a longer lifespan and reduced sediment buildup for greater efficiency.
Installing a high-efficiency water heater in your home ensures you have a reliable supply of hot water when you need it—but in a more resourceful way. At All Ways Plumbing, we recommend Bradford White® water heaters for their quality, performance, and durability.
Upgrade Today and Save
From low-flow toilets and showerheads to faucet aerators and high-efficiency water heaters, these water-saving plumbing upgrades provide savings in more than one way. By considerably cutting energy and water use, you’ll see lower monthly utility bills while your home’s plumbing maintains consistent performance.
No matter which upgrades you’re considering, our plumbing professionals at All Ways Plumbing will help determine the best options for your home. Contact us today with questions or to schedule service.