3 Ways Local Water-Conservation Codes Can Affect Plumbing Fixture Choices During A Remodel
In some areas of the country, having enough water available for every resident is a challenge. Due to the need to fairly offer substantial water resources for everyone, many cities have enacted legislation that requires the installation of water-conserving water fixtures. While you may be fine with the fixtures you have if your home was built before a certain year, you may have to follow new code requirements if you remodel your home. Take a look at just a few of the ways local water conservation codes can affect plumbing fixture choices during a home remodel.
1. You will have to be careful about picking the right type of toilet.
Low-flow toilets, which can also be referred to as low-flush toilets, are a requirement in some parts of the country. These toilets use 1.3 gallons per flush or less instead of the standard 1.6 gallons or more that has been common with other toilets for many years. If you are getting a residential plumbing professional to help you with a bathroom remodel, they will help you make sure you get the proper type of toilet to align with code requirements. Keep in mind that low-flow toilets work just as well as any other toilet; they just use less water to do the same job.
2. You may only be able to install certain types of faucets.
Faucets in the kitchen, bathrooms, or other parts of the house are also a type of residential plumbing fixture that can be affected by local water-conservation laws. In some areas, there are restrictions on how many gallons per minute a faucet is allowed to distribute. Therefore, if you have a certain type of faucet in mind because it has a high rate of water distribution, you may have to adjust your ideas of what you can have attached to your sinks. Work with the plumber you choose to narrow down your options.
3. You could face issues with certain types of showerheads.
While less common, some areas will require that you only use showerheads that have a low gallon-per-minute water usage rate. While it can seem like a shower with lower water rates would have less water pressure, this is actually not the case. A residential plumber can help you pick out a showerhead that will give you the water pressure and distribution you need without having to utilize a large amount of water to do so.
To learn more, contact a resource like Roto Rooter.