Benefits of low-flow shower heads and taps

Bathing or showering uses up a lot of water, which can quickly add to your water and electricity bill. This very necessary part of life accounts for 18% - 20% of water usage in a household and takes up to 40% in water heating costs. A normal shower, as an example, uses between 10 - 20 litres of water per minute. So even with a quick 5 to 10 minutes shower, there is a lot of water that goes down the drain.

Unfortunately, many shower heads and taps in households were not designed to reduce your water and electricity use. In this article we will explore how low-flow water fixtures have developed in recent years and how they can save you a lot of money.

What is a low-flow shower head or tap?

A low-flow shower head or tap is a water fixture that has a flow rate of less than 10 litres per minute. It is designed to reduce the amount of water that passes through the nozzle by increasing the pressure of the water as you shower. This type of tap or shower head also uses less hot water and can save you up to 40% on your electricity and water bill every month.

While initial low-flow fixture design may have been less than pleasing on the eye, modern design features have allowed for eye-catching fixtures with all the pleasures of boosted water pressure, but with less wastage.

Not only do they provide a good showering or bathing experience, but they are also often high-quality design features with impressive capabilities. Some include a timer setting to let you know when it’s time to finish up showering and come in a variety of nozzles for different water pressures and temperature control.

Here are different types of low flow shower heads option you can choose from:

• Aerating head: This type of shower head or tap adds air to the flowing water, so you don’t use up as much of it. This also helps to make the pressure stronger and gives off a steady flow. 
• Non-aerating head: It provides a good stream of water without mixing it with air. This type of shower allows you to save water but is not as effective as the aerating head.
• Dual-flow shower head: This shower head is designed to allow the user to switch between the different types of flows and water pressure.
• Rain shower heads: It mimics rain by providing a flat spray pattern for a gentle and relaxing shower experience, using up only what you need per shower.
• Handheld shower head: These offer the best experience as they allow the user to unmount it from the wall and direct the water flow to any part of the body that needs massaging without using up too much water.

You can expect to pay R150 for the most basic and up to R2000 for an advanced low-flow shower head with extra features, while low flow taps go for around R300 to R1 000.

Replacing the shower head is quick and easy and can be usually done without the help of a plumber or expert and most are made to fit on any conventional shower arm.

Remember to always check that the tap or shower head you are buying has the South African National Standards (SANS) approval to guarantee that it is indeed a water efficient product. If you are unsure which one would best work for you, consult an expert and arm yourself with more information through research. 

Investing in making your home more water and electricity efficient should include installing low-flow shower heads and taps. With the current water shortages and as affordable as they are, there is no reason why you can’t switch and save.