Here's an interesting statistic: the average American uses an average of 88 gallons a day. Undeniably, that's a lot of water! That said, if you want to improve your conservation efforts (and save money simultaneously), you can start by saving water.
Fortunately, routine plumbing maintenance and investing in the right plumbing upgrades can cut your water utility bills by more than a third and save you a substantial amount of water. Plumbing fixtures come in all finishes, profiles, and styles, and the options can seem endless.
Below are some of the plumbing upgrades that can help minimize water consumption, help conserve water, and keep your water utility bills low:
Pressure-Reducing Valve
While unfortunate, many households often use more water than they need because there's too much water pressure in the pipes. In reality, homeowners won't notice any change if the home's water pressure has dropped from 70 to 35 psi (pressure per square inch).
Fortunately, this is where installing a pressure-reducing valve can come in handy. A pressure-reducing valve works by automatically controlling the amount of pressure that flows into the pipe system. You will need the help of a professional and competent plumbing contractor to measure the psi and install the pressure valve.
Electric Water Heater
This might not be common knowledge, but the water heater is one of the biggest consumers of electricity in households. This is especially true if you are using an older model. The good thing is you can save a significant amount on your heating bill by switching to electric heaters.
Electric heaters work by heating water on-demand, so you won't need to heat water in a tank constantly. To maximize your savings, make sure you pick the most energy-efficient model you can find.
High-Efficiency Toilets
Do you have an idea how much water is used each time you flush the toilet? The answer might just surprise you. If you are using an old bowl, you will send at least 3.5 gallons of water down the drain each time you flush. By investing in a high-efficiency toilet, you will not only save thousands of gallons of water annually, you will also slash your water bills substantially.
Low-Flow Showerheads
Did you know that showering can use as much as 2.5 gallons of water per minute? It's no surprise showering accounts for up to 20% of the typical household's water consumption. If you are the type who loves long and luxurious showers, it would be a smart idea to invest in a low-flow showerhead.
Low-flow showerheads can reduce your water usage by a staggering 70 percent. Another enticing benefit of using low-flow showerheads is that the less water used, the less wear and stress on the water heater. This means you can save on both the water and electricity costs.
Water-Saving Fixtures
In the average household, faucets, toilets, and showers account for 63 percent of water usage. You will be surprised by the amount of water (and money) you can save when you upgrade outdated plumbing fixtures.
Installing a high-efficiency toilet can save you as much as 13,000 gallons of water usage annually. You can also save around $2,000 over the service life of your fixtures.
You can save as much as 2,900 gallons of water annually by investing in low-flow showerheads. The amount of energy you can save on heating water can power your home for almost two weeks!
Low-flow faucets can save you enough water to enjoy 40 showers each year—free of charge. Also, refitting your old faucets with aerators can make them as efficient as today's new models.
Do some research or ask an expert to help you determine plumbing upgrades and leak fixtures that can help you conserve water and save money without compromising performance. It is also recommended that you opt for products that have been tested by third-party organizations to ensure they meet the strict standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Final Thoughts
While investing in plumbing upgrades will require a significant upfront cost, the investment will save you a substantial amount of water and money down the road. If you can use further advice and recommendations on how you can save water and money through your plumbing, don't hesitate to seek the help of a trusted plumbing contractor.
About the author
Rachel Watson is the Senior Content Editor of Precision Air & Plumbing, a full-service HVAC, plumbing, and home performance contractor operating in Chandler, Arizona. Rachel enjoys yoga and writing articles about how to make home living more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
