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Water in Texas isn’t just a hot topic in the summer; it’s a long-term concern for homes across the state. Whether you’re dealing with drought conditions or just trying to lower your monthly bills, swapping in the right fixtures can make a big impact without changing your habits.
Low-Flow Toilets That Meet State Standards
Toilets use more water than almost any other fixture in your home. Swapping yours out for a modern low-flow model can make a sizeable difference in your monthly water use. You don’t have to worry about weak flushes anymore.
Today’s models rely on gravity-assisted designs or pressure-boosted systems that remove waste without needing extra gallons. Texas sets a 1.28-gallon-per-flush limit for new toilets, but many of the newer models come in well under that without performance problems.
Some toilets even offer dual-flush options, allowing you to choose the amount of water used based on the type of waste being flushed. It’s a small choice, but across hundreds of uses each year, it adds up.
If your current toilet was installed before 1994, you’re probably using two or three times more water per flush than necessary. Making the switch doesn’t mean learning a new system or sacrificing convenience. Once installed, you’ll barely notice the difference, except when you open your water bill.
Showerheads That Cut Water Use Without Changing the Way You Shower
Older showerheads can dump out 5 gallons of water per minute. That adds up fast, especially in a home where multiple people shower every day. Newer showerheads use far less, typically around 1.75 gallons per minute, without giving you that weak spray that used to come with low-flow models. The difference lies in how the water is distributed.
Instead of pushing a high volume of water, newer designs add air to the stream or direct the water through narrow channels that maintain pressure. You still get that satisfying rinse, but you don’t waste water every second you’re under the spray. Some models also include pause features, which let you stop the flow while you lather or shave without messing with temperature controls. With the right shower head, the water you save from a new shower installation can help you recoup part of that investment.
Faucets That Do More With Less
Sink faucets might not seem like a big source of waste, but they add up, especially in homes with kids or frequent guests. If you still have an older faucet in your kitchen or bathroom, it’s likely using twice as much water as necessary. Upgrading to a low-flow faucet or adding an aerator can cut the flow rate significantly without changing how the water feels when it hits your hands.
Many aerators simply twist onto the end of the faucet. They mix air with the water, so you get a full, steady stream while using much less. You won’t notice much of a difference in daily use, but you might catch yourself wondering why your sink never splashes like it used to. Some newer faucets also come with motion sensors or touch controls. Those extra features can help prevent sinks from running too long while washing dishes or brushing teeth.
Leak Detection Tech That Saves You From Surprises
Leaks are one of the biggest causes of wasted water in any home. A slow drip under the sink or a pipe that leaks behind the wall doesn’t always show up right away. Meanwhile, gallons of water could be going to waste without you knowing it. Installing a smart leak detection system gives you a way to track usage patterns and catch problems early.
These systems often include sensors that sit near common leak points, like behind toilets, under sinks, or near the water heater. If moisture is detected, the system alerts your phone and may even shut off the water to prevent damage. Some setups track your daily usage and notify you if the flow spikes while no one is home.
Upgraded Appliances That Prioritize Water Efficiency
Many older dishwasher and washing machine models pull far more water than necessary, and they don’t do a better job of cleaning. In fact, a newer high-efficiency washer can clean a full load using less than half the water.
When shopping for replacements, look for models certified for water efficiency. These appliances often feature cycles that adjust water levels based on load size, so you don’t waste water washing a few items. Some dishwashers come with targeted spray arms that clean more effectively while using less water overall.
You don’t need to wash your dishes by hand to save water. In most cases, newer dishwashers use far less water than doing it yourself at the sink. Replacing old appliances doesn’t just improve efficiency; it often adds quiet operation, better features, and fewer repair needs, too.
Smart Irrigation Systems That Work With Texas Conditions
Many homeowners set their sprinkler systems to run on a schedule and forget about them. But if rain comes through or your lawn doesn’t need it, those watering sessions waste hundreds of gallons. Smart irrigation controllers change that by adjusting based on weather conditions and soil moisture.
These systems often connect to local weather data or use sensors placed in the yard. If it rains, they skip the cycle. If it’s cloudy and cool, they reduce the amount of water. You don’t have to remember to make manual changes throughout the season. You just set your preferences once and let the system do the rest.
Some controllers even break your yard into zones and customize the watering by area. That way, shaded parts of your lawn don’t get the same treatment as sun-soaked spots. It’s a more accurate way to care for your lawn while cutting down on waste.
Water Heaters That Pair Efficiency With Performance
Water heating makes up a big part of your home’s energy and water use. Traditional tank-style heaters keep water hot all day, even when you don’t need it. That constant cycle leads to energy loss and can also increase water waste if you have to run the tap to get hot water. Tankless water heaters solve that problem by heating water only when you need it.
When you turn on the tap, cold water passes through a heated coil that raises the temperature instantly. You get hot water on demand without waiting, and because there’s no standing tank, there’s no risk of running out mid-shower. These systems work especially well in homes with limited space or inconsistent hot water access.
Backflow Prevention Devices
Backflow happens when contaminated water flows the wrong way through your plumbing system. It can pull pesticides, cleaning products, or even sewage into your drinking water if the pressure drops unexpectedly. That’s why Texas plumbing codes require backflow prevention in certain situations, especially for irrigation systems, outdoor faucets, and some commercial setups.
Adding a backflow preventer creates a one-way gate that only lets clean water move forward. If the pressure drops, the valve closes automatically, blocking the backward flow. Some homes already have one installed, especially if a sprinkler system was added, but not all do. Getting yours tested or adding one where needed helps protect your water supply.
Upgrade Your Plumbing Today
With a few thoughtful upgrades, you can spend less, waste less, and avoid future plumbing headaches. We offer residents of Garland, TX, full plumbing services, including water heater replacements, drain cleaning, and slab leak repairs. Call On Time Experts today.
