Bob Vila Radio: Water-Saving Fixtures
Showers account for more than a fifth of the water Americans use every day. You can conserve more of this precious resource with a low-flow showerhead.
Photo: familyhandyman.com
Listen toBOB VILA ON WATER-SAVING FIXTURES, or read the text below:
Costing between $8 and $50, low-flow showerheads limit flow to 2.5 gallons per minute or less. Contrary to popular belief, they don’t really reduce the water pressure of your shower. Some mix the water with air, others pulse instead, and some are elevated to provide a rainshower effect. For between $70 and $250, you can buy one that will even filter chlorine and other chemicals from your water for a truly clean shower that won’t dry out your skin.
现在,你的faucet? Most are threaded to receive an aerator. If your existing aerator has a number greater than 2.75 GPM written on it or there isn’t one at all, it’s an easy upgrade. Faucet aerators only cost $5 to $10 and will pay for themselves in water savings in only a few months.
Remove the old showerhead or faucet by turning it to the left. Use vice grips or pliers gently if it’s stuck and add a piece of teflon tape over the threads before screwing on the new one for a tight seal.
Bob Vila Radiois a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 60 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day.
For more on water conservation at home and in the garden, consider:
5 Ways to Save H20 at Home
Ways to Save Water in Your Garden
Rain Barrels That Perform with Style
