New faucets, showerheads, and toilets that save money and water, plus tips for shopping smart
The toilet is a home’s worst water-hogging offender, so every tenth of a gallon really does count. That’s why Niagara’s innovation to shave off water use with each new product release is so important. Their latest is a toilet whose half flush uses only half a gallon, and the full flush less than one gallon. Stealth® UHET® Dual Flush Toilet - Elongated Model #N7717EB-DF, N7714T-DF, $360.50; niagaracorp.com
California’s 2013 CALGreen building code requires showerheads in new homes flow at 2 gallons per minute (GPM) or less. But you can replace your showerhead with something better right now, regardless of your home’s age: This showerhead has three flow settings: 0.5 GPM for soaping, 1.0 GPM for light rinsing, 1.5 GPM for a heavy rinse. Niagara Conservation Tri-Max 3 Flow Rate Showerhead, $17.99; simplyconserve.com
Thanks to the WaterSense label (EnergyStar’s liquid counterpart), it’s easy to find a bathroom faucet that complies with a low 1.5 GPM flow rate. After that, it’s a matter of style, and we like this sleek new Euro-inspired design. Diva Single Hole Low Lavatory Faucet, from $695, calfaucets.com
Imagine being able to set a water temperature and flow rate for every member of the family. (Mom just needs a light rinse, the teenagers require full blast.) Now you can with a digital bathroom fixture system from Blu Bathworks. Their digitally-enabled Electronica collection can be controlled from your smartphone, including turning off the tub if one of the kids leaves it running. Electronica collection, prices vary per component; blubathworks.com
Thermostatic technology—valves that mix hot and cold water to ensure a safe temperature—has been popular for a few years. California Faucets delivered the first unit to gain CalGreen approval because they offer the option to toggle between a high and low flow setting. Available in many styles. Multi-Series Styletherm Trim Only with Dual Volume Control, Model # TO-THC2L-34 $429; calfaucets.com
Most hot water tanks run almost constantly to keep the stored water at a temperature that won’t breed bacteria. A tankless water heater uses up to 50 percent less energy, and new models like TruTankless deliver hot water so fast, you don’t have to waste any waiting for it to heat up. Some models are even solar powered. TruTankless, from $1,295; trutankless.com
Most faucets on the market now have a high-efficiency aerator—the screw-in tip of a faucet that determines water flow—built in, but if you suspect yours to have higher than 1.5 GPM, an aerator is an inexpensive retrofit. Neoperl 0.5 GPM Dual-Thread Water-Saving PCA Spray Faucet Aerator, $3.04; homedepot.com
A low-tech reminder that no matter how low-flow your showerhead or faucet is, a fixture saves the most water when it’s off. Stop in Time Shower Timer, $3.33; simplyconserve.com