Facts on Low-Flow Faucets
As people become more conscious about conserving natural resources and money, the number of low-flow faucets available to consumers grows. The styles and models available fit the needs of individuals just building their home or performing upgrades to existing systems. Whatever your reason, with a little research, you can have the best faucet for your needs. Does this Spark an idea?
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Features
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Low-flow faucets generally use approximately 30 percent less water than standard faucets, according to ConsumerReports.org, by making use of aerators that allow air to mix in the water, creating more volume with less waste. To keep the faucets at their peak performance, these aerators require clearing or replacing when clogged with particles in the water, but the expense compares favorably to the savings. In some cases, installation can occur on existing faucets.
Standards
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Though they use less water, low-flow faucets also must meet certain standards put in place by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to ensure the products' usefulness to for consumers. These products come marked with the WaterSense label, which according to the EPA's website, make "it easy for consumers to recognize products and programs that save water without sacrificing performance or quality." It goes on to state that an independent laboratory certifies that the criteria are met.
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Uses
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Bathroom sinks are generally one of the more popular places to install faucets, but keep in mind all the sinks in your house. A suitable product will allow you to keep the same washing power in the kitchen or utility room that standard products have. As bathing can be one of the largest uses of water in a typical house, you can also install low-flow shower heads.
Purchasing
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You'll find low-flow faucets at a variety of retailers, including national locations such as Lowe's or Home Depot, as well as local hardware stores or plumbing stores. The EPA provides a list of low-flow products at its WaterSense website, which allows you to search by what kind of product you want, and then by brand. Some communities also offer rebates to help cover the purchase cost.
Availability
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The rise in products available to help conserve natural resources has spurred large growth in low-flow faucets in a number of brands, much in the same way that low-flow toilets have become standard in the last decade. Trusted professionals selling and installing the fixtures know the latest trends to assist customers in selecting the right product, while answering questions.
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References
- Photo Credit faucet image by Laura Dynan from Fotolia.com
