Water-Efficient Plumbing Fixtures Can Help Homeowners Conserve A Valuable Resource

Lance Plumbing is celebrating its 20th anniversary helping homeowners reduce their water usage and save money.
Courtesy of Lance Plumbing

By Chris Graf

As water conservation becomes more important across the country, homeowners are turning to innovative plumbing solutions to reduce their water bills and their environmental footprint. While these water-saving solutions are not yet a widespread trend in some regions, they are quickly becoming the norm in drought-prone areas.

“They're not really a big deal here,” said Roy Lance, owner of Lance Plumbing in Saratoga. Lance, a master plumber, will celebrate his company's 20th anniversary in January. His team of four serves both residential and commercial clients throughout the region. Although local adoption has been slower, Lance believes more homeowners could benefit from water-saving upgrades.

One of the easiest ways to reduce water usage is to install low-flow showerheads. While traditional showerheads use about 2.5 gallons per minute, low-flow models can reduce water usage by as much as 40%. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this could save the average homeowner up to $100 per year in water costs.

“They're designed to make you feel like you're getting the same amount of water,” Lance explained. “You won't notice a difference in performance, but you'll use a lot less water.”

By maintaining the right water pressure while reducing flow, low-flow showerheads can reduce a household's water usage by up to 2,900 gallons per year. And because less hot water is used, homeowners can also expect savings on their energy bills, creating a double benefit.

Another powerful improvement is installing high-efficiency toilets. Older toilets, especially those made before 1994, can use over 3.5 gallons of water per flush. In contrast, modern high-efficiency models use just 1.28 gallons. This is made possible by larger, more efficient trap openings that allow for more effective flushing despite using less water.

“Many of the more modern toilets use fewer gallons per flush and actually flush better because the opening in the trap has been increased from 2.5 inches to 3 inches,” Lance said.

For those looking to reduce water usage throughout the home, water-efficient faucets are another smart option. These faucets work similarly to low-flow showerheads by using aerators to mix air into the water stream, reducing flow from about 2.2 gallons per minute to 1.5 gallons.

For outdoor water usage, Lance recommends installing a separate water meter for lawn sprinkler systems. This option allows homeowners to pay a lower rate because sprinkler water does not enter the sewer system, potentially saving significant money during the summer months.

“That would save you money on your water bill because you're paying a reduced rate. You're not paying for sewerage at the same time,” Lance said. “All in all, installing a separate meter generally costs about $500. It definitely pays off in the long run.”

Additionally, low-flow sprinkler heads can help homeowners maximize water efficiency. These pressure-regulated sprinklers use fewer gallons per minute while providing effective lawn watering.

For homeowners unwilling to invest in new technology, Lance stresses the importance of fixing leaks. A leaky toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water a day—that's 6,000 gallons a month. Dripping faucets may seem insignificant, but they can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water a year.

“If your faucet is dripping or your toilet is leaking, you're wasting a lot of water,” Lance said. “It's a simple fix that can make a big difference.”

By making these small changes, homeowners can significantly reduce their water usage, save money on their bills, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Whether it's switching to low-flow faucets or simply fixing leaks, the benefits – both financial and environmental – are clear.