If you’re thinking about taking on a renovation project, why not upgrade some of your home’s plumbing fixtures? Modern faucets, appliances, and showerheads save water over older models without sacrificing performance. Lowering your home’s water usage is good for the environment, and it also reduces your utility bills.

New Faucets

Replacing the faucets in your sinks is a great way to reduce water usage. Most faucets are inexpensive and simple to install. Older kitchen and bath faucets (especially those manufactured before 1994) use far more water than necessary.

In the U.S., modern faucets must limit water usage to no more than 2.2 gallons per minute (gpm). Many fixtures also have an integrated aerator, which reduces the water flowrate further.

Modern Showerheads

A low-flow showerhead is another great upgrade for your home, especially when you consider the minimal cost and installation time. While standard showerheads can use as much as 2.5 gpm, must low-flow models use between 1.0 and 1.5 gpm. That equates to between 40% and 60% less water. There are ultra-low-flow showerheads too, which use as little as 0.5 gpm.

Many modern showerheads have several additional perks besides better water efficiency. Different pressure and spray settings allow you to customize your shower experience, and some designs offer a handheld sprayer for versatility.

Low-Flow or Dual-Flush Toilets

In most homes, toilets use more water than other appliances, accounting for 30% of indoor water consumption (on average). There are two basic options to reduce the amount of water your home’s toilets use:

• Low-flow toilets: Some models use as little as 1.6 gallons of water per flush, which is far less than the 6 gallons some older toilets use.
• Dual-flush toilets: This style uses a two-pronged flushing mechanism with provides the option of a less-water flush for liquid waste and a more-water flush for solid waste. These models aren’t overly popular in the U.S. yet, but they are standard in some other countries.

By upgrading to low-flow or dual-flush toilets, you can make a significant dent in your water bill.

Tankless Water Heater

Another plumbing upgrade is a tankless water heater. These tankless designs are far more energy- and water-efficient than older tank-style versions. A tank water heater uses energy to constantly keep a lot of water hot, which is inefficient. Plus, a crack or leak in the tank can waste a lot of water very quickly and damage your home.

A tankless water heater doesn’t offer instant hot water like a traditional model, but it does have several advantages. This style only heats water when necessary, so it’s more energy efficient. Plus, you don’t ever have to worry about running out of hot water, even if you run the dishwasher and shower at the same time.

Low-Flow Appliances

You can also consider upgrading some of the larger appliances in your home, such as the dishwasher and washing machine. Newer models generally use far less water and energy than older styles, so you can lower both your water and electricity bills.

New Pipes

Replacing your home’s pipes is a bigger project than just installing a new kitchen faucet. But in many cases, the results are worth the extra time and expense. Older pipes may have small cracks or leaks that continually waste water.

Pipes can build up internal mineral deposits and rust, especially in areas with hard water. This buildup can affect the quality of your water. If your home’s pipes are old (or if you aren’t sure of their age), it’s a good idea to have an experienced plumber check them.

Lower Your Water Bills with Help from Johns Plumbing

Upgrading your home’s faucets, pipes, and appliances can save a significant amount of water, which is better for your utility bills and the environment. If you aren’t sure which changes to make first, we can help. Our experts can evaluate your home’s plumbing and appliances and recommend upgrades that provide the best return on investment.

Johns Plumbing has been offering residential and commercial plumbing and HVAC services for over 45 years. We serve clients throughout the Greensboro area, and we are available 24/7 for emergency repairs. To schedule a service appointment, contact us online or call our office directly at 336-294-2301.