seat 1
Low Flow Fixtures
It's not just low flow, it's the law. In 1995, the National Energy Policy Act mandated the use of toilets that use no more than 1.6 gallons of water per flush. Since then, low-flow plumbing fixtures including toilets, faucet aerators and showerheads have been developed that save substantial amounts of water compared to conventional fixtures while providing the same utility.
seat 2
Faucets
The aerators in low flow fixtures cut your water usage, but not your comfort. These faucets use as much as 40% less water than conventional faucets, or about 2.5 gallons per minute compared to the standard 4 gallons per minute. Though less water is delivered, few people notice a difference at the tap. Low flow faucets and showers are simple and inexpensive to install. Installation is no different than that of conventional faucets. Directions will be included in the product packaging.
If you are not ready to replace your faucets entirely, aerators may be added to your existing faucets. Aerators can be found in any hardware store and typically cost less than $5. To add a new aerator to a fixture, simply unscrew and remove the old aerator. Apply white pipe tape around the threads of the new aerator. Put the rubber washer inside the end and screw the new aerator onto the faucet. Run the water to test, making sure no water leaks out the side. If there is a water leak, gently tighten by hand until it is sealed tightly.
seat 3
Showers
Low flow shower heads save about 50% of the water a conventional shower requires, or about 2.5 gallons per minute as compared to the conventional 4 or 5 gallons per minute. A good fixture will save water and still deliver a great shower. Using less hot water for your shower also saves energy because less water must be heated for the shower. Aerators can also be added to existing shower heads if you are not ready to replace the entire unit. Various models are available that increase spray velocity, reduce splash, while saving both water and energy.
seat 4
Toilets
The toilet is the single biggest water user in your home. Flushing accounts for about 38%, more than a third, of the water used within your home each day. Replacing an old model toilet with a new low-consumption toilet could automatically and permanently cut your home water consumption by 25% or more.
New toilets require less than one-third the volume of water of older models. Low-flow toilets use a maximum of 1.6 gallons of water per flush compared with about 3.5 gallons of water used by a standard toilet. If you are not planning to replace an existing toilet, you can install water-saving devices such as a toilet dam. A toilet dam can be made by simply filling a small plastic water bottle and placing it in the tank. Be sure to place it away from the moving parts in the tank so as not to interfere with flushing.
Page 6
HIGH-EFFICIENCY DISHWASHERS
You can spend less money on water and spend less time in the kitchen if you switch to a high-efficiency dishwasher. Again, the Energy Star label will point you to the best water-savers.
High efficiency dishwashers use about 6-10 gallons of water per load of dishes (some use as little as 3.7 gallons!). Compare that to 9-12 gallons per load for average dishwashers and 20 gallons for hand washing.
Many newer models require little or no pre-rinsing of dishes that's more water and time saved.
Page 7
HIGH-EFFICIENCY WASHING MACHINES
Thinking about replacing that old, worn-out clothes washing machine? High efficiency clothes washers save water, energy and space in your home. Most are front-end loaders that use tumbling action to get clothes clean. Look for the Energy Star Label to ensure that you're buying the most efficient product possible. Consider this:
High efficiency clothes washers use 30% - 50% less water, that's 5,000 gallons per year!
*They use 50% - 60% less energy to run.
*They require 1/3 less detergent.
**Your clothes will get less wear and tear in a high efficiency washer.
They'll need less time in the dryer, too.
