Water efficient bathroom products

We live in a world where water flows freely, but a resource we tend to take for granted. According to the United Nations Environment Program, the world’s water supply is slowly being depleted at an alarming rate. What can we do to help? As homeowners we should be making an all out attempt to help conserve our water usage. Leaky toilets and taps and old showerheads can all waste this precious resource. Most leaks are easy to find and fix at very little cost.

The reality is water is not free especially hot water. The monthly energy bill clearly reflects heating costs and typically averages out to 15 percent. A leaky mixer tap or toilet can waste an average of 9000 litres per year. While we can’t be without water, there are ways to save money on our bills and help covet our water supply.

Consumers should examine ways to reduce hot water usage. In this three part series of articles, we will examine the three bathroom fixtures that can substantially reduce your monthly energy bills, reduce water usage and give the bathroom a fresh look. Showers tend to use less water than filling up a bathtub. A five-minute shower, for instance, uses less than 38 litres of water, compared with 57 to 95 litres depending on the size of the bath. It is recommended to change your existing showerhead to a low-flow showerhead. Whether you have a large or small family, generally showering is preferred over soaking in a bathtub simply in part; it is the fastest way of cleansing our bodies.

Luxury steam showers

A family of four that showers on a daily basis can cut your water usage by 30 percent by purchasing a low-flower shower head which in turn reduces your energy bill.  These types of savings can equate to thousands of dollars per year which can be spent on a bathroom fixture upgrade like that luxury steam shower. Steam showers have become a more common bathroom fixture in recent years, primarily due to technical innovations resulting in lower costs, along with an overall increase in the appearance of luxury spa products in the bathroom.

Energy efficient showerheads conserve energy without changing water pressure. A fixed showerhead with low-flow capabilities use up to 60 percent less water compared to a standard shower head. A flow restrictor which is a small disk placed in the showerhead to restrict the amount of water that gets through it is another way of reducing water usage. A flow restrictor can reduce water use from 19 to 11 litres per minute and can save up to 15 percent on your hot water bill.

Another option is a low-flow showering system with an on/off option. This is one way of being water efficient because you can interrupt the flow of water while lathering or shampooing without leaving the water running and then resume your shower at the same temperature and flow. A flow rate of two litres per minute will significantly reduce water your consumption and still have an enjoyable shower. By taking quick showers instead of baths; you can use 50 percent less hot water.