Benefits of Low-Flow Fixtures

Low-flow fixtures gained traction in the early 1990s, including toilets, showerheads and faucets to conserve water in households. Their design also helps reduce energy use at multiple steps along the waste management pipeline. As sustainability continues to soar in popularity, learn how low-flow fixtures can reduce your footprint.

What Are Low-Flow Fixtures?

The Energy Policy Act of 1992 set new flow rates for showerheads, faucets and toilets in the United States, with the goal of cutting water consumption. This move spurred manufacturers to encourage greater conservation with low-flow fixtures.

What makes something low-flow? Today, the typical faucet expels about one to three gallons per minute; for models made before 1994, the rate averaged between three and six gallons! For a faucet to be classified as low-flow, it needs to release no more than 1.5 gallons per minute.

Similarly, a typical toilet goes through seven gallons with every flush. Low-flow fixtures dial this back significantly to 1.6 gallons or less.

Yet these disparities cause some people to wonder how well low-flow fixtures manage waste. Manufacturers implement one or more of these technologies:

• Aerators: Common in low-flow faucets and showerheads, an aerator adds air to control water pressure without increasing the amount of water used. In toilets, extra pressurized air increases the flow of the flush without requiring more water.
• Flow Restrictors: Also a feature of low-flow faucets, this monitoring function balances the pressure and flow of the water passing through.
• Dual-flushing: Toilets with this feature include separate controls: one for liquid waste, which uses less water, and a more comprehensive flush for solid waste.
• Gravity: Toilets harness the force of gravity to move waste through the pipes rather than rely on a mix of water and pressure.

Why Use a Low-Flow Fixture?

Now that you know how low-flow fixtures work, learn how they can help you live more sustainably and economically.

Less Water Waste

Installing a low-flow fixture helps your household decrease how much water you go through daily:

• Low-flow Faucets: Sinks account for about 20% of daily water consumption. Low-flow faucets reduce the amount of water used to wash dishes, drink and cook by at least 30% percent.
• Low-flow Toilets: Based on toilet age, you could save anywhere from 0.4 to 5 gallons per flush.
• Low-flow Showerheads: You save 0.5 gallons of water per minute when you install a low-flow showerhead compared to a standard model, which typically releases about 2.5 gallons per minute.

Reduced Energy and Utility Bills

In addition to a visible difference in your monthly water bill, low-flow fixtures place less strain on your water heater. Energy bills drop in response and your water heater should need fewer repairs once you put in low-flow fixtures.

More benefits include:

• Saving up to 13,000 gallons of water a year on average.
• Decreasing the amount of water your local waste treatment facility needs to process.
• Placing less strain on natural resources, helping to preserve local rivers and lakes.
• Rebates and tax incentives for installing low-flow toilets and other fixtures.

A Move Toward More Sustainable Living

Living more sustainably involves using fewer natural resources and generating less waste overall. Low-flow fixtures get you closer to these goals:

• For a building to achieve LEED certification, it needs to include low-flow toilets, faucets, showerheads and appliances.
• Less water to heat and treat decreases the energy generated by your household and community.
• Low-flow fixtures are more drought friendly and allow your community to better manage a limited water supply.

Waste Reduction and Sanitation

Beyond conserving water, low-flow fixtures often include additional waste-management features:

• Automatic flushing mechanisms that activate based on the type of waste.
• Bidet functionalities to help you reduce, if not eliminate, toilet paper.
• Self-cleaning systems for a more hygienic experience.
• Built-in monitoring for flow, temperature and use.
• Greater power through air to fully remove all waste and limit future plumbing issues.

 
Are you thinking about installing a low-flow toilet, faucet or showerhead? The team at MJ Fahy & Sons can smoothly connect the fixture to your plumbing and introduce you to all features. Contact us today to request service!