You may be surprised that about 30 percent of all household water use goes to showers. Overall, bathroom water use comprises around 50 percent of water use in the household. These statistics have prompted many governmental bodies to conserve water and promote products that encourage less water use, including low-flow showerheads.
Most households save up to 10,000L of water annually by installing a low-flow showerhead. When you multiply that number by the number of bathrooms in each home in your state, the numbers can add up very quickly. The first low-flow showerheads introduced many years ago were not the best option for most people because they had poor water flow with low pressure. Newer designs offer more water volume while still conserving water.
Main Benefits of Low-Flow Shower Heads
The first and most important benefit of a low-flow showerhead is conserving water.
Low-flow showerheads have dropped household water usage by up to 40%. While it is good to do your part in water conservation, the more obvious benefit is the cost savings in that you will not have such a large water bill. With newer models of low-flow showerheads, you will probably use about 2 gallons per minute, whereas older models use as much as 8 gallons per minute.
The second benefit is energy conservation.
A low-flow showerhead will reduce your monthly electrical bill because using less hot water and fewer liters of heated water translates to more savings on your energy costs.
Lower carbon footprint.
Using less energy with a low-flow showerhead will also lower your carbon footprint with lower carbon dioxide emissions.
Types of Low-Flow Showerheads
According to Refined Plumbing Sunshine Coast, there are two main low-flow showerheads: aerating and laminar flow. The aerating showerhead mixes air and water, producing a mist-like spray. The laminar flow shower head has streams of water which are each separate. Some newer showerheads even offer an option where the water temperature can be preset, so you do not have to waste too much water waiting for that water to heat up to an acceptable temperature.
Other Water-Saving Options
If you are looking to save as much water as possible, you may want to investigate these options:
Pause Function:
This allows you to step out of the shower momentarily and shut off the water, then return and have the water turn back on at the same temperature you enjoyed before. This saves water needlessly flowing down the drain if you need to step out of the shower for soap, a cloth, or a razor.
Volume Control:
There are times when you want more water. You can adjust your showerhead to a higher level to better flow if you are extremely dirty or need that extra rinse. If you want a fast rinse, you can lower your flow to get in and out quickly.
Timer:
If you get carried away in the shower and lose track of time, a timer can help you stay on track. Plenty of low-flow showerheads have a timer that can be preset to provide you with a warning so that you have time to rinse the soap and shampoo before the water shuts off.
Stream Control:
If you like to have a variation on your water stream, you will not have to give that up with a low-flow showerhead. Plenty of nozzles allow you to adjust your water flow so you can have a stream, a mist, or a pulse. You may also have a permanently installed showerhead or one that can be removed and is handheld.
Aeration:
This is the process whereby air is added to your water flow. This allows the stream of water to be stable and steady and has much less splash. This helps you to have a full spray while using less water. If you want a more forceful stream, you may not want to have as much aeration.
Temperature Control:
You do not have to run water to get it to the right temperature. Instead, you can have it at a trickle while waiting for it to heat to the desired temperature. The total water flow should only be turned on when you are ready for your shower and are standing inside the storm.
Consider the installation of a low-flow showerhead to save money and water. You will not be disappointed with all the great options available now. It used to be a trade-off, but your water flow will not be affected directly.
