Many homeowners who embark on bathroom remodeling projects are concerned with minimizing their water consumption. Utilizing water-sparing fixtures is a step in the right direction, but making the correct choice between a shower and a tub is crucial. Here’s what you should know about their water usage.

Which Conserves Water Best?

From a statistical and mathematical standpoint, showers are more eco-friendly than tubs. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), showering accounts for some 17% of water usage inside the home, which can amount to almost 40 gallons each day for average-size families, assuming they use standard showerheads that consume 2.5 gallons of water per minute (gpm). Outfitting them with water-saving showerheads during your bathroom remodel, however, will reduce water output to 2.0 gpm. By comparison, standard bathtubs hold up to 36 gallons of water.

What Factors Impact Consumption?

Water consumption depends on a few factors. Most people don’t fill the bathtub to the top. If you fill it partially, you may be using between 25 and 30 gallons per bath. Using a standard showerhead will put you in a similar range if you shower for a little over 10 minutes. Swapping that for a water-sparing showerhead means you can enjoy showers between 15 and 20 minutes long before using the same amount of water as an average bath. The shorter your shower, the less water you’ll consume.

Remodeling for Conservation

Installing high-efficiency water fixtures during your bathroom remodel is key to reducing your daily consumption. Low-flow showerheads that feature the WaterSense® label use under 2.0 gpm, making them an eco-friendly option. If you prefer to take baths but want to reduce your water usage, consider installing an aerator at the end of the faucet. This mesh screen disrupts waterflow into multiple streams so that there are pockets of air in between the drops. This reduces the amount of water that flows out without causing a disturbance in the pressure, so you can still enjoy your baths but with less water.

Are you seeking a reliable bathroom remodeling professional? Turn to the team at London Plumbing & Remodeling in Pine Grove, CA. As the area’s leading plumbing service, they offer faucet repairs, clogged drain fixes, toilet inspections, and more. Visit their website for more information, or call (209) 296-3613 to schedule an appointment.