1. In some cases, a newly purchased low-flow showerhead may not fit on the existing pipe. This is often the case when the neck ends in a ball joint. Most necks can be unscrewed and replaced, or an adaptor can be used. Adapters or replacement necks are readily available in plumbing, home improvement, and most hardware stores.
2. When installing the new showerhead, teflon tape or pipe joint compound should be applied to the exposed threads of the new neck so that the joint will be sealed and provide a leakproof connection.
3. If the shower neck has been on for a few years and the neck joint is too stiff to unscrew with moderate pressure, consider having a plumber replace it.
Restricting devices fit into the space between the showerhead and the shower neck. These devices range from a simple washer with a small hole in it to small chrome-plated pressure compensating fittings. While restrictors reduce water flow, low-flow showerheads produce a flow that is more satisfying to most individuals.
Installing Toilet Dams, Toilet Bags and Plastic Bottles to Conserve Water. Many of the toilets in homes today use from 5 to 7 gallons per flush. Several effective retrofit devices are available that can reduce the volume of water used with each flush by 2 to 3 gallons.While these devices can be used in some of the low-flush toilets on the market today that use from 3 to 4 gallons per flush, they generally perform better when used in the older 5- to 7-gallon per flush models.
The height of water in the toilet tank (not just the volume) causes the bowl to flush, so the purpose of displacement devices is to reduce the volume of water used in each flush without affecting water height in the tank. The following three types of devices have proven to be effective.
1. Toilet Dams: To install a dam, flex or bend the dam and insert it into the tank. The dam should fit tightly against the tank sides and bottom and should curve outward away from the plumbing fixtures in the tank. Most tanks work best when a single dam is used.
2. Toilet Bags: Fill the bag with water, securely seal the top of the bag with the bag clamp and hang the bag in the tank by using the bag clip and hanger that are provided. Make sure the bag is located in the tank so it does not interfere with the operation of the toilet tank.
3. Plastic Bottles:Fill a plastic bottle with water and weight down with a few stones, and place in the most open portion of the tank. This will save as much water as is displaced by the bottle. Make sure the bottle does not interfere with the operation of the moving parts of the tank.Check all such devices periodically to ensure that they remain in place.
1. Hot Water Pipes. Where possible, insulate hot water pipes from the hot water heater to fixtures and appliances. This will reduce the time between turning the water on and the time hot water comes out of the faucet and reaches a constant temperature.
2. New or Replacement Fixtures and Appliances. Install low-water use fixtures when remodeling or replacing fixtures. Install toilets that use 3 gallons or less per flush. Install low-flow showerheads that flow at 3 gallons or less per minute.Install water-saving dishwashing and clothes-washing machines. Be sure to check the water efficiency of appliances when shopping for replacement appliances.
3. Pools and Hot Tubs. Run the filter backwash onto the lawn on landscaping rather than down the sewer. Purchase covers for hot tubs and pool to reduce evaporation losses.
4. Electric water heaters. Older water heaters are not as well insulated as newer models. Consider purchasing an insulated water heater insulation blanket to wrap around the heater. These are usually fiberglass covered in a vinyl or plastic material. The ends are taped together completing the seal and the top of the insulation is taped to the top of the heater.
Installing New, Water-Saving Fixtures
