Benefits of Low-Flow
Toilets and Showerheads
Are your old toilets or showerheads looking a bit worse for wear? Before you purchase their replacements, consider upgrading to low-flow options. There are a number of perks that come with installing water-saving models, which can impact everything from your comfort to your wallet.
Benefits of Low-Flow Toilets and Showerheads
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Less Waste, Lower Bills
As the name implies, low-flow toilets and showerheads dramatically cut down the amount of water you use. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a low-flow toilet can save up to 16,500 gallons of water per year. For low-flow showerheads, the annual savings come up to 2,700 gallons.* You’ll see your water bill drop, and you may even be eligible for incentives offered by your utility provider.
*It’s important to note that these savings projections are based on using products with WaterSense labeling. The EPA’s WaterSense program certifies products that have proven to meet their water efficiency minimum, which is at least 20% higher than standard competitors.
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Environmentally Friendly
Low-flow toilets and showerheads can help to reduce the amount of wastewater that needs to be treated and processed, which can be energy-intensive and expensive. That means a lower carbon footprint for your water usage.
Better Performance
Yes, it’s true: low-flow fixtures are now better at rinsing and flushing than standard models. That’s because they’ve adopted a few design features aimed at improving water pressure. We’ll cover that in detail further below.
Longer Lifespan
The reduced water flow makes it so that these fixtures are subject to less wear over time. This is especially true in regions that have hard water, such as Indianapolis, which has some of the hardest water in the entire nation.
Installing a low-flow fixture will get you far more mileage out of your investment, meaning you get more suds for your soap, and more flushes for your…er… well, you get the picture!
Will My Toilets or Showerheads Work Worse if I Change Them to Low-Flow?
A common misconception is that low-flow fixtures are weaker than their standard counterparts. This attitude came about in the 90s and early 2000s, when the technology was just being introduced – with disappointing results.
If you were unlucky enough to use one of these early models, then you may be having flashbacks to stepping out of the shower still covered in suds, or panicking when a toilet failed to flush during the biggest house party of the year.
Such humiliation can leave scars for decades!
The good news is, many of today’s low-flow toilets and showerheads are designed to maintain a strong water pressure, despite using less water. This means that showers will actually get you clean, and you won’t have to deal with the embarrassment of a half-flushed toilet.
Now, it is worth noting that on this point, you get what you pay for. A lower-quality product is more likely to have a cheap design that doesn’t bother trying to deliver good water pressure. Mid-range to higher-end products are the ones that will incorporate pressure-enhancing features, such as air integration with the waterflow, or in the case of toilets, dual flush settings. Often, modern low-flow toilets actually offer better flushing performance than traditional models.
How Much Do Low-Flow Toilets and Showerheads Cost?
Toilets
WaterSense-certified toilets can be found for as little as $100, but most models seem to be priced in the range of $200-$500. Luxury brand low-flow toilets can cost thousands.
Showerheads
WaterSense-certified showerheads have a pretty wide price range as well. The cheapest are only around $10, while most mid-range models seem to sit somewhere between $30-$75. Higher-end products with luxury features like massage settings, decorative finishes, or handheld attachments are typically $100-$200+.
Get Expert Help Installing Your Low-Flow Fixtures
If you’re looking for a professional to make sure your low-flow plumbing installation is done perfectly, give Hamm and Sons a call. Our team of specialists has the insight you need to choose the best low-flow products, and the expertise to ensure they’re set up right the first time.
Call us at 317-202-9853 to schedule a visit. We’re also available for 24/7 emergency plumbing services throughout the Indianapolis area.Contact Us
