What does gpm mean on a shower head?

Gallons per minute, commonly abbreviated as gpm, is the measure of how much water flows out of a water fixture each minute.

How much does a low flow showerhead cost?

The most common low flow showerheads cost between $20-$100 and have a payback period of up to 1 year. High-performance models that can significantly reduce water and kilowatt-hours are available between $100-$500. Many high-performance low flow showerhead manufacturers can communicate the anticipated payback period, which is an important factor to consider.

How much money and water can a low flow showerhead save a family?

By installing a Watersense labeled showerhead, a family of 4 could save 2,700 gallons of water and 330 kW h (kilowatt-hours) of electricity per year used to heat the additional water. This represents large water savings and roughly $40 in electricity per year (calculated at $0.12 per kW h).

What types of low flow showerheads are commonly available?

Aerating showerheads mix air and water to forming a consistent flow or spray. Laminar-flow showerheads form individual streams of water. They are ideal for humid climates,as they don't create as much steam and moisture as other types of showerheads. Atomizing showerheads - converts or reduces water particles into smaller droplets to cover more surface area while using less water.

Do low flow showerheads affect water temperature?

Aerating low flow showerheads are the most common low flow showerhead. When a low flow showerhead mixes air with water (aerating), the temperature of the water could decrease. Non-aerating low flow showerheads maintain the temperature of the water.

Learn about Low-Flow Showerhead

Low-flow showerheads are designed to minimize the flow of water. Traditionally, showerheads used 5 to 8 gallons per minute (gpm). The standard for low flow showerheads is 2.5 gpm at 80 pounds per square inch (psi). Many new and exciting showerheads are engineered to use less than 2.5 gpm while providing a similar or better shower experience. This is done by reducing the water flow while maintaining or increasing water pressure (psi).

Look for Watersense certified showerheads; these have a maximum flow rate of 2.0 gpm (7.6 liters/minute). The U.S. EPA Watersense label ensures that products have completed a third-party certification process, which includes independent lab testing to ensure adherence to EPA criteria.

Low-flow showerheads can reduce a households water consumption by up to 20% compared to a standard model. Using less hot water also saves the energy used to heat the water!

The average family uses up to 150 liters of water per day just for showering!