Plumbing Lessons from Hurricane Irma

How to Buy and Install Water-Efficient Plumbing Fixtures

Here in Florida, water efficiency comes up a lot more often than it does elsewhere. And in the wake of natural disasters such as Hurricane Irma, we really learn what our plumbing systems can and can’t handle.

In many cases, not only does water efficiency protect our ecosystems, but it also protects our wallets and gives us peace of mind that our consumption will not cause a massive impact on an already “flooded” system.

Especially in Florida, water consumption matters. When it’s not hurricane season, Florida is prone to drought conditions. In the late summer and early fall, when we see heavier rains and storm conditions, our septic systems are under intense pressure. At times like this, being conservative with water is key to keeping your house and other homes clean.

But how can you tell which fixtures are a good choice for you and your family? The last thing you want to spend your time doing is pacing around the home improvement store, trying to determine what each company considers “efficient.”

You’re almost certain to make a bad decision in that instance. …and it’s not like you can just go the store with your plumber, asking them to help you make an educated choice.

But your Cape Coral Fl plumbers like Avis Plumbing and Air Conditioning can help point you in the right direction. Here is everything you need to know about water efficient fixtures into your home.

Hurricane Irma & Plumbing Problems

While over 12 million Floridians lost power after Hurricane Irma knocked down thousands of power lines everywhere, they also had to worry about their plumbing. Why? The destructive winds also caused massive damage to lift stations that pump wastewater away from homes and neighborhoods.

From South Florida all the way up to Jacksonville, many towns and cities with lift stations are asking residents to avoid using their toilets and showers (or to do so sparingly). An excess of water flowing through the pipes will cause wastewater to spill near damaged lift stations that need repair across the state.

That’s a big mess for Florida plumbing companies — especially ones like Avis who specialize in lift stations — to clean up!

This might be why more and more Floridians are starting to understand the importance of water conservation. California has already caught on and made some big changes over the last few years, and hopefully the Sunshine State learns to follow suit.

As of 2015, California has the most efficiency-minded water fixture standards. This was in direct response to frequent drought conditions in the state. These standards changed the required maximum flow rates for urinals, residential and kitchen faucets, capping out at a usage of 2.2 gallons per minute (GPM). Projections suggest that these standards will save nearly 100 billion gallons per year. That’s a lot of water — and a lot of money!

Fixtures to Add to Your Home

1. Performance Showerheads – The typical showerhead will use over 2 gallons per minute. Performance showerheads knock that number down to about 1.75 GPM. While that difference may not seem all that substantial, it adds up over time — you’ll notice when you see a decrease in your water bill each month.
2. High Efficiency Toilet (HET) – Look for that WaterSense If you’ve been hesitant to replace your old toilet. Here is some incentive: pre-2006 toilets are usually consuming about 3.5 gallons of water PER flush. Toilets older than those used up to seven gallons per flush! A high-efficiency toilet sits around 1.3 GPF. The brands with the WaterSense label undergo testing for maximum performance and water conservation. And remember, less water won’t equal a weaker flush.
3. Water-Saving Faucets – Like the HET, less water does not necessarily mean a less-powerful product. Faucets designed to save water drop the consumption from 2.2 GPM to 1.5 GPM.
4. Shower Flow Regulator – Attached to your current showerhead? Consider a shower flow regulator. That way, you can receive the benefits of lower water consumption without completely changing your shower’s fixtures. This regulator allows you to slow water to a trickle while lathering up in the shower.
5. Dual Flush Toilets – While this might sound like a great way to use EXTRA water, it’s name is pretty deceiving. The dual flush toilet offers two different flushes: a half or a full. With some, it can even include a flush that you can customize. That way, if you don’t need to flush more than necessary.

But Isn’t It Expensive?

Not exactly! Sure replacing your fixtures does come with a bit of an upfront cost. But in almost all cases, you will see savings on your water and sewage bill in a month or two. While some state-of-the-art showerheads may run you hundreds of dollars, you can find decent models for far cheaper! That includes models with shower flow regulation. Don’t be afraid to shop around and compare prices. If you choose functionality over appearance, you can make your home much more water efficient, without going over budget. And as always, if you don’t know what to pick or how to install it, your licensed Cape Coral plumbers at Avis Plumbing and Air Conditioning are always here to help.

Avis can help you save over $100 per year on water and sewage costs by switching to water efficient fixtures. Home Depot provides a handy calculator to get a personalized estimate of your savings.

Water Efficiency in Florida

While there is not any current legislation regarding plumbing fixtures in the State of Florida, the Sunshine State does lead the South in overall water efficiency. In fact, as of May 2017, urban areas of Florida have decreased their water consumption significantly over the last 30 years. Experts believe that the use of water-efficient plumbing technologies has contributed to this decline.

To further your water conservation efforts, try these tips in your home:

• Lather your hands in soap before turning on the water. That way, you only turn on the faucet once per wash.
• Turn off the water while brushing your teeth. Leaving it on while brushing can waste up to five gallons of water per instance.
• Shorten your showers. This is especially true when storms like Hurricane Irma roll around. Even a five minute shower can use 15-25 gallons of water! Imagine how much a 30 minute shower consumes. To keep your shower times short, pick a song that clocks in around 4-5 minutes. Start the song right before you get in the shower, and finish up as soon as it finishes.

Call a Cape Coral plumber as soon as you notice leaks. A slow drip from your showerhead can quickly add up to gallons and gallons of water, and dollars on your water bill. Check the knobs to ensure the water is fully turned off. If the dripping persists, call an Cape Coral plumber to inspect the issue.

After you finish picking up all the trees Hurricane Irma knocked down, ask yourself: Is it time to replace that leaking showerhead with a more efficient model? Not sure which bathroom plumbing fixtures to add to your home? Call professional plumbers Avis Plumbing and Air Conditioning for assistance with your home plumbing issues, including fixture installation. Save money and our ecosystem with just a few small upgrades.