 Are you in the market for a new showerhead or faucet, or a lower water bill? Maybe you just want to do your part to conserve our high desert resources. In any case, the dizzying array of choices for energy-efficient and water-saving devices can be, well, dizzying. But don’t let that dissuade you; the rewards are definitely worth the effort. Here is some basic information to get you started.Installing low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators is the single most cost-effective way you can save water in your home. Inexpensive and simple to mount, these devices can reduce water consumption and reduce your energy cost for heating water by as much as 50 percent. They pay for themselves quickly and do a great job, too. In fact, low-flow showerheads now dominate the market.
Low-Flow Faucet Aerators
A faucet aerator is a small gadget that attaches to your existing faucet. It mixes air into the water that is dispensed through your faucet so that you don’t use as much. To be “low-flow” an aerator must be rated at 2.75 gallons per minute (GPM) or lower. You can check your existing aerators for their rating by looking on the side; if it says 2.75 GPM or lower, you’re good to go. If not, or if you don’t have aerators on your faucets, you can get them for about $5 to $10 at any hardware store. Just make sure your faucet has threads on the inside of the outlet and that the threads are compatible with the aerator you purchase.  If you already have an aerator and your water pressure is a bit low or you see an irregular spray pattern, you may need to clean or repair the aerator. This is a simple and quick procedure. Turn off water at the faucet and remove the aerator by unscrewing it with your fingers or pliers. (If you use pliers to remove or install your aerator, remember to wrap area where pliers will be applied with a cloth or masking tape to avoid scratching the surface.) Keeping the parts in order for ease of reassembly, inspect them, and replace any that are worn out. If there is buildup on anything, soak it in white vinegar for a few minutes and then scrub. Reassemble and screw the aerator back into the faucet. Hand tightening should be sufficient, but if the faucet leaks, tighten slightly more with pliers.
Low-Flow Showerheads
There are two types of low-flow showerheads, aerating and non-aerating. Because of the air that is added with the former, water temperature may decrease slightly toward the shower floor. In terms of output, they create a steady pressure for an even, full shower spray. Non-aerating showerheads maintain a steadier temperature and deliver a pulsing stream. Not sure that you need a low-flow showerhead? Here’s an easy experiment to determine whether or not you do:
• Set a 2-quart saucepan on the floor of your
shower in the middle of the water stream.
• Turn the water on high and count how many
seconds it takes to fill the pan.
• If it’s less than 12 seconds, you should consider
a newer, water-efficient model. You can get low-flow showerheads at hardware and home supply stores. Many high-end models are available, but prices for decent showerheads range between $20 and $50. Either way, the quality of your shower won’t diminish, but your water bill will. When installing a new showerhead, low-flow or not, be sure to turn off the water at the faucet first. Then remove the old head with an adjustable wrench, and follow the directions for attaching the new one. This process is straightforward and should take about 15 to 30 minutes, says Paul Fuhrmann at Savage and Son Plumbing and Heating in Reno. “And don’t forget,” he adds, “some of the older Delta-style faucets have a ball instead of pipe thread. Those require an adapter.” Check your showerhead before you go to the store so that you can get an adapter if necessary, and be sure to grab some Teflon tape, too. You can call a professional if you’re concerned about getting it right, or ask plenty of questions when you’re at the hardware store purchasing your new device. Marnee Benson is a Reno-based freelance writer.
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