The Top 3 Water-Saving Plumbing Technologies

When you run less water in your home, not only does this save you money, it also helps the environment by diverting less water away from our rivers, bays and estuaries. Here are three plumbing technologies that can appreciably lessen the amount of water you use.

1. Low-Flow Showerheads

Taking a shower uses up less water than taking a bath. However, the average showerhead is fairly inefficient.

By switching to low-flow showerheads, you can save about five gallons (20 litres) of water when taking a 10-minute shower — and potentially hundreds of dollars a year off your water bill!

There are two types of low-flow showerheads: aerating and non-aerating. Non-aerating showerheads use very small holes to restrict water flow, which produces a hard, massaging water stream. Aerating ones pump oxygen into the water, creating a soft, bubbly stream.

All types of low-flow showerhead use less water than a regular showerhead to produce the same amount of pressure.

2. Low-Flush Toilets

Older toilets use more than 7 gallons (25 litres) of water every time you flush. Many low-flush toilets, on the other hand, use only just over a gallon (four litres) of water, and are thus about 80 per cent more efficient than older toilet models.

Modern low-flush toilets are able to flush away waste using less water because they deliver a much more powerful flushing action than older toilets.

3. Faucet Aerators

Faucet aerators are similar to low-flow showerheads in their functionality. They’re small devices with mesh screens that can be screwed on to the end of faucets. The mesh screens break up the flow of water, allowing the incorporation of air. This reduces the volume of water coming from your tap without changing the water pressure.

Faucet aerators are an especially good investment if your current faucets use more than 2.5 GPM (gallons per minute). Installing an aerator can bring the flow rate down to 1.5 GPM.

In addition to reducing your water usage, faucet aerators prevent splashing and make your faucet quieter.

Looking for an Experienced Plumber in Greater Vancouver?

If you need a new plumbing fixture installed, or if you require any plumbing repairs, trust the licensed experts at Hillcrest Plumbing & Heating. For over 60 years, we’ve offered superior plumbing and heating services, including furnace and water heater repair and replacement. We serve the whole Lower Mainland, including North Vancouver, Westminster and Langley. To call in an experienced plumber, contact us today.