Install low-flow water fixtures and save water and money

Taking a bath uses more water than taking a shower, but showers can still use a lot of water. During cold weather, it’s tempting to take a long, hot shower, and if you have teenagers in the house, long showers can become a daily occurrence. There is a way to reduce the water used without reducing the time in the shower. Install low-flow water fixtures.

Low flow faucets come with “restrictors” to reduce the flow of water and aerators to give the water a “full flow” feel. The water is replaced by air and is evenly distributed over the body so it feels like more water is flowing. Low-flow faucets actually distribute less water over a larger surface area.

Depending on how much you pay for water and energy to heat the water, some say you can save up to $100 a year by using low-flow fixtures. Savings come from:

1. Gas or electricity

Using less water means using less energy to heat the water, resulting in energy savings.

2. Water bill

Water use can be cut in half at the point of each low-flow device. Add in any low-flow fixtures you install, and that’s a substantial savings on your water bill.

3. Sewer fills

In most municipalities, sewerage rates increase in proportion to water use. Lower water usage means lower sewer charges.

Low flow fittings don’t have to be expensive. They start at $15 to $20 per fixture and can be installed with a little DIY know-how. There are many DIY sites online that will show you how to install them. No need to hire a professional plumber.

Here are some things to keep in mind if you plan to install low-flow fixtures:

Check the flow rate of your existing fixtures and compare it to the low-flow fixtures you have in mind. Regular shower fixtures use between 3 and 5 gallons per minute (gpm), while low-flow fixtures average between 1 and 2 gpm. With a lower flow rate, the water pressure will improve and contribute to a better dispersion of the water.

Check the aerator on your existing faucet. If your current faucet is in good shape and doesn’t use too much water, then simply replacing the aerator with a low-flow model may do the trick. At $3 to $5, this is an inexpensive way to reduce your water usage.

Saving water is also good for the environment. It is true that there is an abundance of water on the planet, but the production of large volumes of drinking water and the treatment of the resulting wastewater tax the environment. There are many municipalities that put pressure on natural water reserves in their continuous effort to meet demand.