Improved High-Efficiency Showerheads Make The Most of Lower Flows

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Kohler, for example, says it will offer high-efficiency fixtures similar in shape and style to its FortÉ showerhead, which has long, concave curves and a wider face, and its Stillness showerhead, which has a sharper, minimalist look. American Standard already offers low-flow fixtures in three styles and four finishes, but Troconis predicts a push to offer a variety of designs, just as the company does in its shower systems line.

As for cost, most manufacturers offer their more-efficient products at the same price or with a small premium to their 2.5-gpm fixtures, and utility companies in some water-conscious areas are giving away low-flow fixtures. It appears that saving water is one example of how it doesn't always cost more to go green. -- BUILDING PRODUCTS

Safety Valve

Switching to an ultra-low-flow showerhead seems like an easy way for a homeowner to go green and save money on water bills, but pros need to be aware of the plumbing behind the scenes, specifically the mixing valve. The valves, which usually include a regulator that minimizes any changes in temperature, are designed to work at a minimum flow rate, explains Kohler's Rob Zimmerman; if the showerhead is operating at a very low flow, the valve may not be able to handle changes in hot or cold water pressure, causing those bursts of scalding or freezing water that bathers detest.

The valve probably is not an issue for many 2.5-gpm showerheads, but at some point well below 2.0 gpm, temperature swings can be a problem. "We don't know what exactly that point is," Zimmerman says, adding that research is underway to find out. In the meantime, installers should play it safe. "They need to talk with the [manufacturer] and follow their recommended guidelines," Zimmerman says.

Resources

H2ouse: Calculate water budgets and investigate other water-saving opportunities.
www.h2ouse.org
LEED for Homes:
www.usgbc.org/leed/homes
NAHB's Model Green Home Building Guidelines:
www.nahb.org/gbg
WaterSense: Find labeled products and learn more about water-saving technologies.
www.epa.gov/watersense

FloWise showerheads use a small turbine-like mechanism that spins the water stream through the head to create a powerful, energizing spray, according to the maker.

American Standard. FloWise showerheads use a small turbine-like mechanism that spins the water stream through the head to create a powerful, energizing spray, according to the maker. Three models include a basic unit that delivers 1.5 gpm, a more decorative 1.5-gpm showerhead, and a three-function unit that lets users select between a 1.5-gpm spray or two different 2.5-gpm sprays. When the three-function shower is turned off, it automatically returns to the water conservation mode. 800-899-2614. www.americanstandard-us.com.

TriSpa series showerheads offer three pressurized spray patterns. the Oxygenics core, which infuses air into each drop; a multi-jet hydro massage; and focused streams, which use small pressurized jets of air-enriched water.

ETL. TriSpa series showerheads offer three pressurized spray patterns: the Oxygenics core, which infuses air into each drop; a multi-jet hydro massage; and focused streams, which use small pressurized jets of air-enriched water. All of the manufacturer's showerheads adjust their flow based on the incoming water pressure, lowering the flow for lower PSI rates. At a national average of about 50 PSI, the 2.5-gpm-max (at 80 PSI) TriSpa will emit approximately 1.7 to 1.9 gpm, the maker says. 800-344-3242. www.oxygenics.com.

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.

Delta. 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. www.deltafaucet.com.

Hansgrohe. Using the company's air-injection technology, Raindance AIR bodysprays provide the feel of a conventional 2.0-gpm spray while using only 1.0 gpm, according to the maker. Unlike bodysprays that operate on a rotating ball-joint that protrudes from the wall, the Raindance AIR product mounts flush to the wall and features a rotating spray face with slanted spray channels. Users need only rotate the spray face to change the direction of the water. 800-334-0455. www.hansgrohe-usa.com.

Bricor. Delivering 1.125 gpm at 50 psi, the B100 Supermax showerhead uses a vacuum flow booster valve that aerates and compacts water under pressure. The aerated water "explodes" as it exits the showerhead, creating a powerful stream, the maker says. An adjustable handle allows spray stream modulation from compact to wider sprays. Flow rates are fixed at the manufactured pressure; the fixture contains no removable restrictors that allow increased flow if removed. 830-624-7228. www.bricor.com.

Jaclo. The manufacturer's 25 showerhead models can be equipped with a low-flow regulator that will reduce water usage to 1.75 gpm. The regulators keep the pressure and flow of the water strong, according to the maker. A portion of the company's showerheads can be operated at 1.5 gpm and still perform well, and all of the company's handshowers also can be equipped with the low-flow regulator. 800-852-3906. www.jaclo.com.

Alsons. 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. www.alsons.com.

Niagara Conservation. 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. www.niagaraconservation.com.

Kohler. 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. www.kohler.com.

Watermark Designs. 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. www.watermark-designs.com.

Moen. 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. www.moen.com.