Let’s Talk Energy Efficient Plumbing Fixtures

For those who may not know, climate change is the significant change of global temperature to the point where it affects the natural habitats and species of the Earth, which also serve as resources for us as humans. The causes of climate change lead right back to each individual’s household and how we use our water and energy. As one individual it may not seem like we have much of an effect on the environment, but when we all do the same thing, then collectively we have an impact. So, the more of us that change our plumbing systems, the more we can reduce global warming, and save money at the same time! One way to start reducing global warming is to lower your energy and water usage wherever you can – read on to find out how changing your plumbing fixtures can help.

So how do I go about changing my plumbing system?
You can begin this by installing water efficient fixtures and appliances that use less energy and water without you even noticing the difference in water pressure. Many of these are known as “low flow” fixtures because they have limited water flow thresholds. There are three main fixtures that you can change in order to save (remember to call your trusty plumber to help you do the job quickly and correctly):

1) Toilets
Toilets account for about 30% of a household’s water use. Most average toilets use more than 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf). There are a few options you can consider when wanting to change to a green toilet – a high efficiency flushing toilet that reduces the gpf every time you flush, and uses no more than 1.28 gpf; a dual flush toilet that has two flush buttons (one for liquid waste and using less water, one for solid waste and using slightly more) as opposed to the average toilet that uses the same amount for liquids and solid waste flushes; or a composting toilet that uses chemicals to break down waste and uses almost no water. Another nifty trick that won’t cost you a thing is to insert a plastic bottle filled with water into your toilet flush tank – this will ensure that when you flush, there is a smaller volume of water is available in the tank to be used.

2) Shower heads
Showering accounts for about 20% of household water use. By installing low flow showerheads, the amount of water flowing through the showerhead per minute is reduced significantly so that the gallons per minute (gpm) is not wasteful – a moderate flow is about 2 gpm. At the same time, you will be saving on electricity bills because less water needs to be heated. You should probably also watch how long you spend in the shower as an extra precaution.

3) Faucets
According to the UN, 783 million people do not have access to clean water! Many of us tend to forget the blessing of clean running water flowing out of a faucet. Most average faucets are also more wasteful than they should be, exerting more than 2.5 gallons of water per minute. A reasonable faucet need not exert more than 1.5 gpm. So, by installing a flow restrictor to your faucet, or an aerator (a device that causes air to be mixed with the water when flowing out, so that less water flows out while still retaining a strong pressure), you can reduce your faucets gpm by a significant amount.

There are many other little ways that you can save water, but by making these 3 simple changes you can make a big difference. At Art Plumbing and Air Conditioning, we are more than happy to give you some more tips and help you choose and install the most water wise fixtures in your home!