With today being focused more than ever on strong water management and cut down on the water usage, the choice of the bathroom faucet has a direct influence on your water bill.
Learn more about five best water-saving options for your next bath faucet design modification.
1. WaterSense Certification
When it comes to products that are low on water usage, there is no better guide than the EPA’s WaterSense label. Speaking of WaterSense, the EPA points out that the faucets and accessories labeled as such can save up to 30 percent of the sink’s water flow while maintaining top efficiency.
- WaterSense faucets make use of no more than 1. 5 gallons per minute (gpm).
- This can be equal to saving the average family a whopping 700 gallons of water per year.
- Make sure you purchase new faucets that carry the WaterSense label.
“Switching to WaterSense labeled faucets and aerators can save a family 700 gallons of water annually, equivalent to 45 showers, and enough energy to run a hairdryer for 17 minutes daily. Nationwide, this could save $1.3 billion and 69 billion gallons of water each year, meeting the needs of over 680,000 homes.” WPA
2. Aerators
There are tiny gadgets that directly fix the end of the faucet with a screw motion; they mix air with water to give a smoother stream at the same time reducing the water flow rate.
- May also reduce water flow, to a minimum of 0. 5 gpm
- Can be installed on most popular types of faucets without any problems
- The aerators according to American Water Works Association can reduce water usage by between 25-50%.
3. Motion Sensors
Handless faucets that are operated by infrared motion detectors are no longer limited to public washrooms only. It is the emergence of technology that has seen them gain popularity in homes because of their convenience and customarily they take less water per use.
- It has an auto shut-off mechanism, the sense you do not have to worry about wasting water especially when you are not using it.
- According to Energy Star, the use of sensor faucets can make a significant drop, in water usage with estimates ranging between 30-50%.
- An additional hygiene advantage is that the controls are touch-free.
Touchless faucets with motion sensors are not just for public restrooms anymore. They’re becoming increasingly popular in homes due to their convenience and water-saving potential.
- Automatically shuts off when not in use, preventing absent-minded water waste
- Energy Star reports that sensor faucets can reduce water usage by 30-50%
- Added hygiene benefit of touchless operation
4. Laminar Flow
Laminar flow faucets create a clear, uniform stream of water without mixing it with air.
- Reduces splashing, which can lead to overuse
- Maintains water pressure while using less water
- Sloan Valve Company studies show laminar flow can reduce water use by up to 15% compared to standard aerated faucets
What is the difference between Laminar & Turbulent Flow?
Laminar Flow
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Water Stream | Moves in parallel lines, creating a smooth and transparent flow. |
| Aerator Function | Layers the water to maintain a steady, quiet stream. |
| Appearance | Clear and transparent. |
| Sound | Quiet, with minimal noise. |
| Water Conservation | Newer models can meet and exceed federal energy and conservation standards. |
Turbulent Flow
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Water Stream | Mixes air into the water stream, creating a white, frothy appearance. |
| Aerator Function | Introduces air to the water, resulting in a more forceful stream. |
| Appearance | White and frothy due to air mixing. |
| Sound | Creates a hiss sound due to air and water mixing. |
| Water Conservation | Often more cost-efficient and earth-friendly due to reduced water usage. |
5. Temperature-Controlled Limiters
These devices allow you to set a maximum temperature for your faucet, reducing the time and water wasted while waiting for the right temperature.
- Can save up to 5% on water heating costs according to the Department of Energy
- Prevents scalding accidents
- Reduces water waste from running the tap until it’s hot enough
Comparison Table: Water-Saving Faucet Features
| Feature | Potential Water Savings | Ease of Installation |
|---|---|---|
| WaterSense Certification | Up to 30% | N/A (Built-in) |
| Aerators | 25-50% | Very Easy |
| Motion Sensors | 30-50% | Moderate |
| Laminar Flow | Up to 15% | N/A (Built-in) |
| Temperature-Controlled Limiters | Up to 5% | Easy |
The Impact of Water-Saving Faucets
Implementing these water-saving features can have a significant impact. The Alliance for Water Efficiency estimates that if every household in the United States installed water-efficient faucets, we could save more than 60 billion gallons of water annually.
That’s equivalent to:
- The annual household water use of over 500,000 homes
- Enough water to fill 90,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools
FAQs About Water-Saving Faucet Features
- Q: Will water-saving faucets affect my water pressure?
A: Modern water-saving faucets are designed to maintain good pressure while using less water. You’re unlikely to notice a difference in performance. - Q: Are water-saving faucets more expensive?
A: While they may have a higher upfront cost, the water savings can quickly offset this. Many utilities offer rebates for WaterSense-labeled products. - Q: Can I add water-saving features to my existing faucet?
A: Yes, aerators and some temperature limiters can be added to most existing faucets. - Q: How often should I replace my faucet aerator?
A: It’s recommended to clean your aerator every few months and replace it every 1-2 years for optimal performance. - Q: Are touchless faucets difficult to maintain?
A: While they have more components than traditional faucets, most touchless faucets are designed for easy maintenance. Regular cleaning and battery replacement (if applicable) are usually all that’s required.
Conclusion: Every Drop Counts
Water-saving faucet features are something that any bathroom should incorporate because of the cost savings and environmental benefits. If you need a major or minor change in your bathroom, it is advisable to adopt the mentioned technologies to save water.
Are you in need of changing your bathroom faucet? What once was a wasteful loss of water is now an opportunity to be smart and save water today with these water-efficient purchases.