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Improved high-efficiency showerheads make the most of lower flows. (BUILDING PRODUCTS Magazine)

Justin Wilson has been specifying ultra-low-flow showerheads for more than three years. But his biggest surprise when comparing water-efficient fixtures to typical builder-grade showerheads is that there is no surprise at all. "Most people don't know the difference," says the president of Colorado Springs, Colo.-based Building Performance Solutions, a building science consulting firm. Perhaps the pattern of water is a little different or less water goes down the drain, but most homeowners think they're just getting the regular showerhead, he says. "It's a showerhead," he states. "It works." That seemingly mundane statement reveals just how far water-efficient showerheads have come from the days when the low-flow experience felt more like a trickle than a refreshing, drenching flow. These days, manufacturers are providing a satisfying experience with a lower flow than the standard 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm), and some even offer styling options that match a variety of bath hardware.

Improved High-Efficiency Showerheads Make The Most of Lower Flows (BUILDING PRODUCTS Magazine)

Neptune Offers Two-Person Tub (ebuild)

Neptune is proud to offer a two-person bathtub. Taking two of life's most simple pleasures, like relaxing in the bathtub and peacefully resting in bed, and merging them into one fantastic product like the Agata is pure genius.

PF Waterworks Touts First Ever Self Cleaning Green P-Trap System (ebuild)

PF Waterworks has announced the availability of PermaFLOW™ -- the "world's first ever self cleaning 'GREEN' P-Trap System." the maker claims. PermaFLOW has been selected for the Charleston Concept Home demonstration project -- a housing R&D program sponsored by US HUD and its PATH program -- with the goal of showcasing and speeding builder's adoption of elegant innovations. The main project goals are production efficiency, sustainability, and flexibility in the home. A few of PermaFLOW's features and benefits are detailed below:

MasterShower Ecofficient showerhead (BUILDING PRODUCTS Magazine)

The MasterShower Ecofficient showerhead and handshower are engineered for optimized performance at 2.0 gpm, according to the manufacturer. They include three sprays options: soft coverage, rhythmic pulse, and aerated sprays. Flexible spray nozzles prevent hard water buildup and are easy to clean, the maker adds. The showerheads are available in polished chrome. 800-456-4537.

Water Saving Showerhead (BUILDING PRODUCTS Magazine)

The Water Saving showerhead uses innovative spray formers that concentrate the flow of water, reducing the amount of water to 1.75 gpm while still providing a satisfying shower experience, according to the manufacturer. The showerhead is available in chrome, LifeShine brushed nickel, and oil-rubbed bronze. 800-289-6636.

Earth Massage Showerhead (REMODELING Magazine)

The 1.5-gpm Earth Massage chrome showerhead uses flow control technology to provide greater force at low pressure, the maker says. The nine-jet turbo massage is adjustable from a gentle needle spray to a forceful jet. The showerhead's non-aerating spray means less heat is lost, the firm says. The fixture has a non-removable flow compensator and a chrome-plated finish. 800-831-8383.

Decreased Consumption Showerhead (BUILDING PRODUCTS Magazine)

The SH-1.5ADP water reducer is designed to decrease showerhead water consumption. The unit is adaptable to any of the manufacturer's showerheads. Through the injection of air into the adapter, the showerhead's flow is reduced to 1.5 gpm while giving the user the same feeling as using a 2.5-gpm showerhead, the manufacturer says. 800-842-7277.

Fluidics Showerhead (BUILDING PRODUCTS Magazine)

Fluidics spray technology features a series of chambers that control the shape, velocity, and thermal dynamics of water, producing larger water droplets that stay hotter longer for a more saturating, soaking experience, the maker says. Fluidics showerheads are available with a 1.85-gpm spray, a 1.75-gpm spray, and a 1.6-gpm spray. A two-spray unit is also available. 800-421-0001.

Water-Efficient Showerhead (BUILDING PRODUCTS Magazine)

Operating at 1.6 gpm, the Water-Efficient Showerhead with H2Okinetic Technology manages water droplet size and velocity, spray coverage, and thermal dynamics, the manufacturer says. The technology controls the movement of water without moving parts within the body sprays, eliminating the risk of malfunction. Larger droplets provide more water coverage, creating a more saturating, drenching sensation, the maker adds. 800-345-3358.