The Complete Guide to Water-Efficient Bathroom Faucets

Picture of a water-efficient bathroom faucet

Are you looking to upgrade to a more environmentally friendly bathroom? Water-efficient bathroom faucets can help you conserve this precious natural resource and save money.

The average family of four uses more than 300 gallons of water a day. By installing a water-efficient faucet, that same household can save 20% on their water usage. That equates to an annual savings of $200. 

If you are ready to do your part in negating the looming threat of climate change, this complete guide to water-efficient bathroom faucets will help you decide which faucet is right for you. Let's get started! 

Key Takeaways

  • Based on the standards set by world conservation groups, a water-efficient faucet delivers a maximum flow rate of 1.5 gallons per minute (GPM).
  • You should install one of the top three water-efficient faucets for better water conservation. These include a touchless model, a metering faucet, or one with a low-flow aerator.
  • There are several benefits to installing a water-efficient faucet. Conservation, cost savings, and increased property value are just a few.
What Makes a Faucet Water-Efficient?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the standard flow rate of a faucet is 2.2 GPM. A faucet that delivers 30% less than the standard flow rate falls into the category of being water efficient. 

Image showing how you can save water by replacing faucets and aerators with water-efficient models

These faucets have a flow rate of 1.5 GPM and can bear the WaterSense label given by the EPA. If everyone in the United States were to switch to a WaterSense faucet, it would save billions of gallons of water each year.

3 Top Water-Efficient Bathroom Faucets 

To upgrade your bathroom faucets to one that conserves water, you should consider installing one of the three listed below. Not only will they save on water usage, but they also have additional benefits this guide will outline a little later.

1. Touchless Faucets  

With sensors you can use to turn the water off and on, touchless faucets allow you to use only the amount of water you need. All you must do is wave your hand over the sensor.

It makes it easier to turn the water off while lathering up your hands to help conserve water. That way, you don’t have to touch the handle with soapy hands, and you can do your part to conserve water by using less of this precious resource while using the sink.

These touchless faucets also have metering technology that allows you to control how much water a person uses each time they turn on the water. Let's talk a little more about metering faucets.

2. Metering Faucets   

The controls on a metering faucet allow you to set a predetermined amount of water to flow through the spout whenever you activate the sink. You've probably seen these faucets in public bathrooms.

Whether you are installing one in a commercial building or your own bathroom, they can reduce water usage by more than 30% a year per faucet. The amount of savings is up to you, as you can control the flow rate from 0.5 to 2.2 GPM.  

3. Faucets with Low-Flow Aerators

Also known as a tap aerator, you install these essential plumbing accessories at the mouth of the faucet. They work to reduce the amount of water that flows from the faucet.

aerator disassembled Low-flow aerators do not mean you have to sacrifice water pressure. There are varying configurations that offer various stream options.

When you install a low-flow aerator in your bathroom faucet, you slow the rate of the water to 1.5 GPM no matter the type of faucet you have in your bathroom. Pair that with a water-efficient bathroom faucet, and your savings continue to increase. 

They have one-touch aerators that allow you to increase the water flow when you may want more water pressure for specific tasks. You can also install these aerators on:

  • Bathtub spouts
  • Showerheads
  • Kitchen faucets
  • Utility sinks
  • Lawn and garden hoses

Water efficiency doesn't stop at faucets. You can install water-saving toilets, showerheads, bathtub spouts. If you're looking for some inspiring bathroom ideas and tips on how to find the best faucet for you, check out this video.

Benefits of a Water-Efficient Bathroom Faucet 

 As the name suggests, the primary benefit of a water-efficient faucet is that it reduces water usage each time you turn on the sink. Yet, that is not the only advantage these bathroom fixtures offer.

Environmentally Friendly

According to a Government Accountability Report, 80% of the states in the U.S. will experience water shortage in the next ten years. When you install water-efficient faucets, you combat the effects of global warming by preserving one of the world's most valuable resources. 

The Earth consists of 70% water. Yet, only 2.5% of it is fresh, and 1% of this freshwater is accessible. Without usable water, life on Earth becomes increasingly difficult to sustain.

Cost-Efficient

Reduce your water and sewage bill by installing a water-efficient faucet. As mentioned above, the average household can save $200 per year. 

For commercial buildings, they can see the same 20% savings. However, that amount of savings far surpasses $200. Total savings depends on overall usage. 

Since commercial buildings account for 17% of all water consumption on average, that also turns that commercial building into an eco-friendly facility.

Increase Property Value

Upgrades of any kind in your bathroom increase the value of your home. More people are environmentally conscious and want to invest in homes (and even commercial properties) with water-efficient bathroom fixtures. Since the bathroom is one of the most important rooms in the house, eco-friendly upgrades always increase property value.

Finding the Best Water-Efficient Bathroom Faucets, Fixtures, and Fittings 

Are you looking to upgrade your bathroom to be more sustainable and environmentally friendly? If so, you want to get your bathroom fixtures from a company you know cares as much as you do about the environment.  

At Chicago Faucets we manufacture sustainable plumbing products with a focus on preserving natural resources. We do this from how we build our products to educating others by conducting social projects that emphasize the responsible conservation of water. 

It is our corporate responsibility to do our part to combat the battle with global warming. We help build a better future, one bathroom at a time. 

Let's upgrade your bathroom with a more water-efficient faucet. Contact us today to learn about all of the plumbing products we offer. 

Topics: water-efficient bathroom faucets