Conservation

Published on July 22nd, 2014 | by Peter Young

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How To Install A Water Efficient Shower Head

Water Efficient Showerhead

Are you looking for an easy way to be more efficient with both your water and electricity use, but don’t want to drastically change your daily routines? If so, you’re in luck. By swapping out your old shower head for one that’s more efficient you’ll accomplish both of your savings goals, and the best part is you won’t have to change any of your daily usage habits. Every heated gallon of water used in your home contributes to both your water and electric bills, so by installing a more efficient shower head you’ll reduce the work load on both. Thus, you’ll be saving money on both of your monthly utility bills and eliminating CO2 emissions in process!

Things you’ll need for the job:

  • A Water Efficient Shower Head (rated from 1.5-2.0 gallons per minute)
  • Wrench
  • Teflon Tape
  • Towel

Instructions: how to install a water efficient shower head

1. Remove your old shower head. To do this, simply turn the entire unit counterclockwise. If the old shower head doesn’t move independently of the water line, try using your wrench to get it started. If it is still stuck, don’t force it. Mineral buildup and gunk is holding it in place. To remove that, take some white vinegar, soak a paper towel with it, and wrap that around the connection area between the pipe and the old showerhead. Wait 15 minutes and it should come loose easily. Once it’s loosened, continue unscrewing the old shower head till it comes off completely.

2. Apply a thin layer of teflon tape to the threaded end of the water line. Take your teflon tape and place a thin layer of it around all the threads in the water line. This will help to ensure a snug fit between your new shower head and water line. Once you’ve covered all the threads, take your scissors and remove any excess tape.

3. Attach and test your new, more efficient shower head. Simply take the new shower head and screw it onto the threaded end of the water line clockwise. It doesn’t need to be much more than finger tight. Overtightening is not a great idea. So finger tighten it, test the water by turning on the shower, and if there’s no leaks, you’re good to go. If there are, maybe use your pliers to give it a slight turn to be sure it’s attached securely, and try again.

Now all you have to do is stick to your daily routine, and in doing so you’ll use less water and electricity in the process. If you’re curious about other ways that you can save, check out this article on saving energy by saving water.

BUY A HIGHLY RATED HIGH EFFICIENCY SHOWER HEAD HERE!

Also, be sure to check out our other green home improvement projects: Green Living Ideas, after all, is a top 20 home improvement website!

Photo courtesy of Leduc and Dexter Plumbing.


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About the Author

graduated from Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) with a degree in journalism and has made sustainability and eco-conscious living mainstays of both his professional and personal life. It was during his time at PLU that he began his journey with sustainability and it's what has led him to writing for Green Living Ideas. He currently resides in Honolulu and works for Pono Home, an energy efficiency company focused on reducing carbon emissions and promoting a healthier, greener lifestyle.



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