Install a Water-Saving Showerhead

Why Install a Water-Saving Showerhead?

In an era of increasing environmental awareness and fluctuating utility costs, conserving water at home has never been more important. Showers account for nearly 17% of residential indoor water use in the United States. The average American shower uses approximately 17.2 gallons and lasts for 8.2 minutes at an average flow rate of 2.1 gallons per minute. By retrofitting your shower with a WaterSense labeled showerhead, you can save a considerable amount of water. Installing a water-saving showerhead isn't just an eco-friendly choice; it’s a financially savvy one that can lead to significant savings on your water and energy bills. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about water-saving showerheads, from understanding their benefits to the simple steps of installing one yourself.

Switching to water-saving shower heads is a smart choice for both your wallet and the planet. For instance, a WaterSense showerhead can save $16 on water bills, $19 on wastewater, and $30 on energy annually. The potential impact is enormous—if all U.S. households made the switch, it could result in $2.9 billion saved on water bills and $2.5 billion on energy costs each year.

Understanding Water-Saving Showerheads

A water-saving showerhead, also known as a low-flow showerhead, is designed to reduce the amount of water used during a shower without sacrificing water pressure or shower quality. The current standard is a shower head that dispenses 2.5 gallons of water each minute, or lower flow shower head which disperses 2 gallons or less of water per minute. These showerheads employ various technologies to achieve this, making them an efficient and effective tool for water conservation.

How They Work

Water-saving showerheads use flow restrictors and aerators. Flow restrictors control how much water comes out, while aerators mix air into the water to keep it flowing well.

• Flow Restrictors: These devices limit the amount of water that can pass through the showerhead, typically reducing the flow to 2.0 gallons per minute (GPM) or less.
• Aerators: These mix air with the water stream, creating the sensation of higher pressure while using less water. The aerators in an energy efficient showerhead have a mechanism that integrates air with the water stream.

Types of Water-Saving Showerheads

There are several types of water-saving showerheads available, each with unique features and benefits:

• Low-Flow Showerheads: These showerheads have a small nozzle that restricts the flow of water that passes through. Some also allow air into the water stream that gives you an aerated showering experience while also reducing water consumption by up to 50%.
• Aerating Showerheads: These shower heads blow air into the water stream that creates a misty showering experience you'd otherwise get in high-end bathrooms. Since the water pressure stays the same, it doesn't make you feel you are using a lesser amount of water.
• Rain Showerheads: Unlike ordinary showers, these showerheads are designed to offer a rainy showering experience that is normally limited to luxury bathroom settings. They feature bigger showerheads that spread out the water to a larger area for a rainy sensation, but in reality, they consume less water than a typical shower unit.
• Handheld Showerheads: Explore Shower Head Types Hand Held.
• Fixed Mount Showerheads: Explore Shower Head Types Fixed Mount.
• Dual Showerheads: Explore Shower Head Types Dual Showers. This shower system uses a combination of a traditional shower head unit along with a handheld showerhead. The handheld shower offers you complete freedom over your showering habits without wasting excess water. They can be used separately or together, depending on your mood.
• Adjustable Height Showerheads: Explore Shower Head Types Adjustable Height.
• Smart Showerheads: These showerheads are embedded with smart sensors that monitor the amount of water flowing through a showerhead and adjust the flow to the appropriate degree, reducing wastage. The interactive controls allow users to turn off the water supply when not in use. These shower heads help you reduce water consumption by more than 50%.

Benefits of Switching

• Water Conservation: Water-saving showerheads can decrease water consumption by 40% or more! This not only conserves water.
• Cost Savings: Using water-saving shower heads can lower your water and energy costs. Save on your hot water costs – by switching from an inefficient shower head to a low-flow shower head.
• Reduced Energy Consumption: Since these water savings will reduce demands on water heaters, they will also save energy. Reducing the amount of water you use for showering promotes energy efficiency and water conservation, while also saving you money.
• Environmental Impact: These shower heads protect the environment by saving water and cutting carbon emissions. Using less water also means less energy to heat it. Water-saving shower heads are good for the environment. They help save water, which is becoming harder to find. Using less water also means less energy is needed to heat it, cutting carbon emissions.

Choosing the Right Showerhead

Selecting the perfect water-saving showerhead involves considering several factors to ensure it meets your needs and preferences.

Factors to Consider

• Flow Rate: Look for showerheads with a flow rate of 2.0 GPM or less to maximize water savings.
• Spray Settings: New water-saving shower heads have cool features like adjustable sprays and strong pressure. They make showers fun while helping the planet. Consider your preferred shower experience – do you like a massage spray, a gentle rain, or a combination of settings?
• Water Pressure: Before buying a shower head, check if it matches your home's water pressure. A shower head that works well in one house might not work the same in another. Water pressure depends on your plumbing, so finding the right fit is important.
• Style and Finish: Water-saving showerheads come in a variety of different styles. The most common type is the handheld showerhead. However, there are also wall-mounted models and rain showerheads. Ultimately, the style that you choose is a matter of personal preference. However, remember that some types may be more challenging to install than others.
• Certifications: Look for showerheads with a WaterSense label from the US EPA.

Top Brands and Models

Several brands offer high-quality, water-saving showerheads:

• Waterpik: WATERPIK ECOFLOW shower heads are affordable and attractive. They offer a wide range of innovative functions, styles, and finishes, including: Multiple spray settings, from pulsating shower massage to invigorating PowerSpray to water-saving trickle. Easy-to-clean anti-clog nozzles. Chrome, white, or brushed nickel finish options. Quick installation - no plumber needed! Lifetime limited warranty.
• Cobbe: Cobbe DS Filter Shower Head uses smart technology and thoughtful design for a better shower. Here's why it's special: 20-Stage Filtration System: Removes over 99% of chlorine and impurities. This keeps your skin and hair safe from harmful chemicals. Water Conservation: Uses 2.5 GPM, saving water while keeping strong pressure. Cost-Effective Solution: The filter lasts six months, costing less than $0.08 daily. Versatile Spray Modes: Offers five spray settings like rain, massage, and mist. You can pick what feels best. Stylish Design: Its classic look fits any bathroom style, combining beauty and function.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Installing a water-saving showerhead is a straightforward DIY project that most homeowners can complete in under 30 minutes. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Tools and Materials You'll Need

• New water-saving showerhead
• Adjustable wrench or channel-lock pliers
• Teflon tape (also known as plumber's tape)
• Clean rag

Installation Steps

1. Remove the Old Showerhead:
   • Protect the finish of your shower arm by wrapping a rag around it.
   • Use the adjustable wrench or pliers to gently loosen and unscrew the old showerhead. Remember, "righty-tighty, lefty-loosey."
   • If it’s been a while since the showerhead was last removed, you might need to apply a bit of extra force.
2. Clean and Prepare the Threads:
   • Take a moment to clean any residue or buildup off the threads of the shower arm. This step is crucial for ensuring a tight seal.
   • Wrap the threads with Teflon tape clockwise, ensuring it’s snug but not overly tight.
3. Install the New Low-Flow Showerhead:
   • Take your new low-flow showerhead and screw it onto the shower arm by hand.
   • Once it’s hand-tight, wrap the rag around the showerhead to protect its finish.
   • Use the wrench to tighten it just a bit more. Avoid over-tightening, as this could damage the threads or the showerhead itself.
4. Test for Leaks:
   • Turn on the water to check for any leaks.
   • If you notice a drip, try tightening the showerhead a little more.
   • If the leak persists, remove the showerhead, add more Teflon tape, and re-tighten.

Tips for a Leak-Free Installation

• Double-check the Teflon tape application. It should cover all threads evenly.
• Tighten the showerhead securely, but don't overdo it. Over-tightening can lead to damaged threads and potential leaks.
• After installation, turn on the water to check for any leaks. If you notice a drip, try tightening the showerhead a little more or reapplying Teflon tape.

Maintaining Your Water-Saving Showerhead

Regular maintenance ensures your water-saving showerhead continues to perform efficiently and lasts longer.

Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

• Regular Cleaning: Mineral deposits and buildup can clog the showerhead, reducing water flow. Clean your showerhead every few months to maintain optimal performance.
• Vinegar Soak: Soak the showerhead in white vinegar for a few hours to dissolve mineral deposits. Use a small brush to scrub away any remaining residue.
• Check for Leaks: Periodically inspect the connections for leaks and tighten as necessary.
• Replace the Water Flow Restrictor every few years: Or, clean with white vinegar and bicarb soda solution, using a pin to push out large deposits.

Additional Water-Saving Tips

Beyond installing a water-saving showerhead, there are many other ways to conserve water at home:

• Take Shorter Showers: The duration of the shower has a direct effect on water usage. Try to keep your showers to 4 minutes or less. Lots of water companies will send you a shower timer for free – check with your provider to find out.
• Turn off the Tap: Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth. Running taps waste as much as 6 litres of water a minute. So remember to turn off the tap when you're brushing your teeth, or try filling a bowl of water when rinsing vegetables or fruit to keep your veg clean and your water usage low!
• Fix Leaks: The average family can waste 180 gallons per week, or 9,400 gallons of water annually, from household leaks. Fixing leaks is an easy way to reduce your water footprint. Check your taps for any leaks under the sink, or for any drips when the tap is fully off. Lots of water companies also give away free 'leak strips' which stick to the toilet bowl and change colour if your toilet is leaking water. Fixing a leaky loo is surprisingly easy and there are lots of how-to videos online.
• Efficient Appliances: Use full loads for your washing machine and dishwasher.
• Water your garden efficiently: There's lots of ways to water your garden without them – invest in a water butt that collects water throughout the year for you to use, or try using cooking water (not salted) instead. Your plants will benefit from the extra nutrients! Sticking to your watering days and only watering once on those days is enough. Before 9am is best as it allows the water to soak into the plant's roots, helping plants use water throughout the day and reducing evaporation.
• Choose a shower over a bath: Naturally, having a bath instead of a shower consumes more water and energy.
• Reuse water: Wash your veggies in a bowl instead of under running water. You can then use the waste water to water your plants.

Conclusion

Installing a water-saving showerhead is a simple yet impactful step towards conserving water, reducing your utility bills, and promoting environmental sustainability. With the right showerhead and a few easy steps, you can transform your shower experience while making a positive difference. Take the plunge today and start saving water—one shower at a time!

Next Steps

• Research and purchase a WaterSense-certified showerhead that fits your needs and preferences.
• Gather the necessary tools and materials.
• Follow the installation guide to replace your old showerhead.
• Monitor your water bill to see the savings in action.