How much water do you think you’re wasting? According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), shower use alone accounts for more than 1.2 trillion gallons of water used in the United States annually. When you consider how many plumbing fixtures you have in your home, how much water do you think you waste yearly? Installing low-flow plumbing fixtures can increase your home’s water efficiency and save you hundreds of dollars per year.
Cutting Down on Seasonal Water Usage
The arrival of the winter season brings cooler temperatures throughout Texas. By December, Mesquite and other cities in Dallas County drop down into the 30s. As the temperature goes down, energy and water use in your home goes up. In addition to using more energy for lighting and heating our homes, water use goes up as the need for hot showers increases and families prepare meals for holiday get-togethers. You may even host guests throughout the season, driving up water use even further.
One of the most effective ways to cut down on water use in your home is to introduce low-flow plumbing fixtures. These fixtures use less water to accomplish the same activities, like washing your hands, showering, or cleaning up the dishes. The EPA regulates what products count as low-flow fixtures, setting rigorous standards for low-flow qualifications. Our experts at Metroplex Leak & Line Locators can provide a range of plumbing services and help you find and install low-flow fixtures.
The Benefits of Low-Flow Toilets
For many homeowners, investing in low-flow toilets is a good place to start. According to the EPA, your old toilet uses up to 6 gallons of water per flush, while new low-flow toilets use only 1.5 gallons per flush. If you do the math, you’ll see how changing to a low-flow toilet introduces significant yearly savings on home water usage.
Low-flow toilets fit into two categories:
- Pressure-assisted toilets: Pressure-assisted toilets are the type of toilets you often see in public bathrooms. They are also commonly referred to as “jet flush” toilets because they utilize a pressurized water tank to force water into the bowl and flush the contents away quickly.
- Gravity-flow toilets: Gravity-flow toilets are what most people traditionally think of as a conventional toilets. These use gravity to do the bulk of the work of getting rid of waste in the bowl. New models include a modified trap that requires far less water pressure to get the job done, creating a siphoning effect to clear out the bowl.
Reach Out for Expert Help Today
Our specialists can fit your home or business location with the latest and greatest low-flow fixtures for year-round savings. We’ll assess your home or business location and determine the best ways to introduce cash-saving plumbing fixtures. Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment.
