How the Right Plumbing Fixtures Can Save Thousands of Gallons of Water
Understanding the types of plumbing fixtures and their water consumption ratings is important for saving water and helping you choose the right fixtures. Here’s the scoop: there are three plumbing fixtures – low flow, ultra-low flow, and dual flush. Low-flow fixtures use 1.6 gallons per flush (GPF), ultra-low-flow fixtures use 1 to 1.28 GPF or less, and dual flush toilets have two settings – one for liquid waste and one for solid waste. But wait, there’s more!
Did you know that replacing just one old toilet with a low-flow toilet can save up to 16,500 gallons of water annually? That’s enough water to fill a swimming pool! So, whether you’re looking to save some cash on your water bill or you just want to do your part for the environment, understanding the types of plumbing fixtures and their water consumption ratings is a no-brainer.
Elevate Your Throne with Low-Flow and Dual Flush Toilets
Despite our awareness of the essence of water conservation for a greener world, we often neglect a simple element in our bathrooms—the humble throne. But there are solutions: low-flow toilets or dual-flush toilets. These water-saving fixtures use significantly less water than traditional models. Low-flow toilets can save up to 8,000 gallons of water per year per household. That’s like skipping 80 baths!
Dual flush toilets are perfect for those who may need extra flushing power. Users can choose between a full flush for more significant business and a reduced flush for the little things by offering two different flushing options.
Cut Your Water Usage In Half with Low-Flow Showerheads and Plumbing Fixtures
Did you know showers generally account for one-fifth of a household’s water consumption? And if you’re anything like us, a long and luxurious shower is a daily indulgence we can’t live without. Simply choose water-efficient showerheads to do your part for the planet without sacrificing your beloved shower time. Did you know a shower can use up to 5 gallons of water per minute? Shocking, right? But the good news is that new showerheads use as little as two gallons per minute without compromising water pressure.
That’s a considerable cutback in water usage and the perfect way to make your shower time count while saving the planet one drop at a time. Not only will you help the environment, but you’ll also see an instantaneous decrease in your water bill. So, let’s wave goodbye to the good old days when we thoughtlessly allowed water to flow down the drain with abandon. After all, every drop counts!
Embrace High-Tech Water-Efficient Faucets!
Say goodbye to wasteful and outdated faucets, and hello to the new and improved world of water-efficient faucets! With these high-tech faucets, you can save gallons of water every day. And let me tell you, that’s no small feat. Are you aware that an average bathroom faucet runs at a rate of 2 gallons per minute? That’s downright ridiculous. Don’t worry because water-efficient faucets have got your back. They use a fraction of the water that traditional faucets do, and they still get the job done just as well.
Make Your Faucet a Water Conservation Superhero
We suggest getting your hands on some new aerators. Not only will this help you maintain a steady water pressure, but it’ll also cut your water usage by a solid 0.7 gallons per minute. That might not sound like much, but trust us – those savings add up over time. So make your faucet a water conservation superhero with these handy add-ons! You can purchase a new faucet aerator for less than five dollars.
A faucet aerator is a small mesh screen installed at the end of your faucet to disperse water by introducing air into the stream. Rest assured, you still enjoy the same desired water pressure – no compromises here! However, this pressure is achieved through air and water, enhancing efficiency. Remarkably, faucet aerators achieve significant water conservation without any drawbacks. In fact, they contribute to cost savings. According to the EPA, “installing aerators on your plumbing fixtures is the most effective change for conserving water.” Using less water directly correlates to lower monthly water bills.
Adding an aerator to your existing bathroom or kitchen sink, and even your shower head, is straightforward. Yes, even with a high-pressure shower head, you don’t need to sacrifice water pressure for water savings. In this case, you can enjoy the best of both worlds!
Space-saving and Energy-Efficient Tankless Water Heaters
Are you tired of waiting for hot water to heat up while your energy bill continues to skyrocket? It’s time to say goodbye to traditional water heaters and hello to tankless water heaters. Not only will it provide endless hot water on demand, but it also reduces energy usage by up to 30%. Remember the added storage space without a bulky tank taking up valuable real estate in your home. Say goodbye to inefficiency and hello to savings with a tankless water heater. You’ll also be supporting the environment by lessening your carbon footprint. Don’t wait any longer; switch and enjoy hot water without the high water bills.
Smart Plumbing Investments: Pressure-Reducing Valves at Work
Investing in a pressure-reducing valve for your home is a wise choice. Most homes have them; however, there are those that don’t. This small device regulates the water pressure in your home. And while there is no evidence that water pressure can cause water loss alone, it will wreak havoc on appliances. Those fixtures and appliances can leak and cause significant water loss. Installing pressure-reducing valves extends your fixtures’ lifespan and saves you money in the long run by reducing your water bill. Plus, think about the peace of mind of knowing your pipes aren’t constantly subjected to the harsh demands of high pressure.
Invest in a water pressure gauge and check your water pressure by fastening the gauge to the closest spigot to your incoming water supply. It should read between 45 and 65 pounds per inch (psi). If the water pressure doesn’t adjust, then your pressure regulator needs replacing.
Plumbing Maintenance Tips: Catching Problems before They Grow
Keep an eye on your plumbing fixtures to catch leaks or problems early on. Check all your fixtures, like faucets, toilets, and showers, for any drips or puddles around them. Sometimes, leaks are sneaky and hard to spot, so keep an ear out for any strange sounds, like hissing or dripping, that might signal a leak. You can also check for a water leak by shutting all the water off in your home and checking your water meter. The small triangle or round dial on your water meter is a leak indicator; if it is spinning while all your water is off, you have a water leak in your home.
To maintain your fixtures, it’s a good idea to clean and inspect them regularly. Clean your drains and remove any debris or hair that might block them. Make sure your faucets and showerheads are working well by removing mineral buildup. For toilets, check the tank and bowl for any signs of damage or leaks. If you notice anything unusual or suspect a problem, it’s best to call a plumber to look closer and fix it before it becomes a bigger issue.
Upgrade with Confidence: BIG B’s Plumbing’s Water-Saving Fixtures!
Are you looking for experienced plumbers who can install fixtures that save water and money? Discover excellence at BIG B’s Plumbing! Our capable professionals are here to address all your plumbing concerns with the utmost care and attention to detail. With years of experience under our belt, we know exactly how to install fixtures that are not only water-efficient but also cost-effective. You can trust us to do the job seamlessly, leaving you with a worry-free plumbing system that will last years. Whether you want to update your bathroom plumbing fixtures or reduce your water bills, BIG B’s Plumbing is at your service. So why wait? Contact us today, and let us help you start saving water and money!
