Water.
Think of all the ways we use this precious resource every day.
From washing our hands to that hot cup of coffee to that refreshing shower, it’s an essential part of our routines. It also gets our clothes clean and keeps our lawns beautiful and green.
But did you know the average American family uses 300 gallons of water every day?
Finding ways to improve water efficiency can save big bucks on utility bills while also benefiting the environment. The good news is there are many simple improvements to your plumbing system that can help you do just that.
Low-Flow Showerheads
Traditional showerheads have a flow rate of about 5.5 gallons per minute (GPM). A low-flow showerhead gives you the same functionality with a flow rate of less than 2.5 GPM. That could save a four-person household as much as 2,000 gallons per year.
A shut-off nozzle lets you pause the water flow while applying soap or shampoo, then turn it back on to rinse. You can also get a shower timer that tells you how much water you’re using so you can identify ways to conserve.
Low-Flow Faucets
It’s also easy to conserve water while doing the dishes and brushing your teeth with upgrades to your kitchen and bathroom faucets, respectively.
While traditional faucets have a flow rate of about 2.5 GPM, many newer models use less than 1.5 GPM. So you can boost your water efficiency and enhance your kitchen or bathroom decor. An aerator reduces water usage by mixing air with the water as it flows from the tap. Depending on the model you choose, a quality aerator can save up to 500 gallons per year.
Low-Flow Toilets
A low-flow toilet can save up to 20,000 gallons of water per year for a family of four. While a traditional toilet uses about 3.5 gallons per flush (GPF), a low-flow model cuts that in half at about 1.6 GPF. Some include features that let you adjust the amount of water used for flushing liquid or solid waste.
There are additional items you can purchase to help you use your toilet more efficiently. An inflatable tank bag displaces water in your tank, saving you additional water every time you flush. A fill cycle diverter helps your bowl and tank refill at the same rate, saving about ½ gallon per flush. Toilet dye tabs or strips can be placed in the bowl and will alert you if a leak is occurring.
Ways to Save Water Outdoors
Looking for more efficient ways to water your lawn? A rainfall shutoff device will automatically turn your sprinkler system off when it rains or when the system detects moisture in the soil. A soaker hose releases water slowly and directly onto the root of the plant, reducing the amount of water lost to runoff or evaporation.
A rainwater tank lets you capture extra water naturally, through a hose attached to your gutter in place of the downspouts. The water runs through the hose into a collection tank where it is stored for you to use.
Additional Plumbing Improvements
There are additional items you can purchase that will help you use water more effectively and efficiently.
A gray water converter will recycle water from your laundry or shower, which can then be reused for flushing or watering the lawn. A pressure-reducing valve lowers the strain on your pipes. This helps water flow more easily and reduces the risk of leaks, pipe damage and wasted water. Lower water pressure also means a lower flow rate and greater efficiency.
Are you wanting to update your plumbing? At Elite Renovations & Design, our experienced plumbers will install new fixtures and help you achieve better efficiency and lower water bills.
Call us at 417-708-8393 for fast service on plumbing repairs, or contact us online for a free quote on a plumbing update or home remodel.
