Clean water is a precious commodity. The way our culture is gobbling up this resource while damaging the systems necessary to create new clean water is terrifying. Let’s think about a simple, efficient way to save water from your very home: replace your shower heads with low-flow shower heads. It only takes a few minutes and does not need professional installation; units cost between $10-20, and considering how much money it will save you in the future, it is definitely worth the investment.
Some statistics: With a normal shower head, you use 2x’s as much water as is necessary for a refreshing, thorough shower. Every day, three billion gallons of water flow through shower heads in the United States—half of it being unnecessary. If that does not inspire you, think about it economically: Every new shower head pays for itself almost 4-fold in it’s first year of use, saving you an average of $50-75 on water bills and $20-50 on energy bills. Investing in low-flow shower heads is smart, easy, and saves you money fast.
So what does “low-flow” mean? Low-flow means that the shower head uses approximately 2.5 gallons a minute (or less) of water. Look for manufacturers that boast “aerating” shower heads (i.e. the shower head mixes air with the water) for a high-pressure boost, so you don’t feel like you’re showering under a trickle, but you’re still saving water.
One thing to watch out for, is that low-flow showers are more easily affected by toilets flushing, washing machines running, dishwashers, etc. Pressure will drop quickly if someone starts any one of those things while you are in the shower, and may result in scalding water. There are products and nozzles in the market to prevent against scalding and stabilize low-flow shower heads in those situations.
Top Low-Flow Showerheads on the Market:
Low Flow Shower Head Chrome: 2 for $15.75(green, stylish, and so affordable!)
Massaging Adjustable Low Flow Showerhead: $29.95 (a bit pricier, but certainly worth the shower experience!)
Installing a shower head in relatively simple. To remove your old shower head, just make sure you have the necessary tools: most importantly, a wrench. Take a look at these Expert Village videos on how to remove an old shower head and install a new shower head. While you are on Expert Village.com, check out some of the other self-help videos, such as installing a shower bar or even a handheld shower head.
Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more low flow shower heads.
