5 Water-Saving Technologies to Buy for Your Home
There are good reasons to conserve water whether you live in a region subject to droughts or one where rain falls year round. Toilets, showers and faucets represent three of the top four water users in most households. We’ve identified five convenient devices that reduce water consumption in these key areas.
- Flush converters. Toilets are the top water-using appliance in most households, so reducing the volume of water per flush delivers a comparatively big bang for your buck. Flush converters come in a variety of configurations. Some allow you to control general flush volume, while others offer a two-button dual-flush mechanism, so you can use less water for liquid waste.
- Leak detection sensors. When water-using appliances develop a leak, you can lose a large volume of water in a very short time. There are two basic approaches: One relies on individual sensors strategically placed near the washing machine, water heater, dishwasher and toilets. The other monitors and shuts off water flow into the home if it exceeds parameters you establish. Simple systems emit an audible alarm, while advanced versions send emails, text messages and/or alerts to your home alarm system.
- Water heater recirculation kits. A significant volume of water is wasted by running faucets and showers while you wait for the flow to heat. The kits are designed for traditional tank heaters and feature a low-power pump that uses minimal electricity. The pump keeps hot water circulating, so it’s instantly available at every faucet, showerhead and appliance you designate.
- Low-flow showerheads with temperature sensors. If you’re not ready to invest in a hot water recirculating kit, opt for replacement showerheads with integrated temperature sensors. Most models reduce water flow by 30% to 40%. They also feature an automatic switch that reduces flow to a trickle once it’s heated to avoid letting hot water (and the money and energy it took to heat it) go down the drain. To restore normal flow when you’re ready, just flip the switch.
- Mini water heaters. These compact, energy efficient units are designed to be installed under kitchen and bathroom sinks. They immediately deliver between 2 and 3 gallons of hot water, so you can cut energy costs and stop wasting water while you wait for it to grow hot. They’re particularly useful for sinks located farthest from the main water heater.
Prices for the above run the gamut from a few bucks to several hundred dollars, based on the complexity and sophistication of the specific devices you choose. Spend a little now to implement a mix of technologies suited to your needs and budget, and you can save water and money all year long.