Introduction
Water-Saving Bathroom Update 01:02
Watch an Overview Video
Step 1
Tools & Materials
WaterSense toilet
WaterSense vanity faucet
High-efficiency showerhead
Vanity
Adjustable wrench
Channel Locks
Hacksaw
Measuring tape
Basin wrench
Pipe wrench
Putty knife
Caulking
Level
Power drill
Tubing cutter
Phillips and regular screwdrivers
Accessories: towel rack, towel ring, paper holder, robe hooks
Step 2
Tips to Start Saving Water
Use online tool to calculate water and money you could save with high-efficiency fixtures.
Pro Tip
When updating bathroom, make choices that save water.
Bathrooms use more than half of household water.
Water-efficient fixtures could save up to 33,000 gallons of water per year.
Step 3
Upgrade Your Toilet
Upgrade to WaterSense-certified toilet.
Pro Tip
WaterSense is partnership with EPA, which identifies products using water more efficiently without loss of performance.
Toilet uses most water: 26.7%; WaterSense toilet could save 4,000 gallons per year.
For a family of four, 3.5-gallon toilet uses over 23,000 gallons of water per year; 1.6-gallong toilet uses nearly 11,000; 1.28-gallon, WaterSense toilet uses less than 9,000 gallons.
Family of four flushes 20 times per day or 7,300 times per year.
Some new toilets can be installed without tools.
Step 4
Install a Wall-Hung Vanity
Install wall-hung vanity to free up floor space.
Pro Tip
Anchor vanity to bottom rear stringer.
Step 5
Upgrade Your Faucet
1. Upgrade vanity faucet to WaterSense model; could save 500 gallons per year.
2. Caulk seam between vanity and wall to prevent water damage.
Pro Tip
Faucets use 15.7% of household water.
Pre-assembled drain will make installation easier, not as many parts to install; no need for special tools or plumber’s putty
Step 6
Upgrade Your Showerhead
Upgrade to high-efficiency showerhead.
Pro Tip
Showers use 2.5 gallons of water per minute.
Upgrading to low-flo showerhead could cut water usage by 40% and save more than 300 ten-minute showers per year with no loss of performance.
Step 7
Upgrade Your Accessories
Upgrade accessories: towel bars and rings, robe hooks, paper holder.
Pro Tip
Anchor accessories to wall studs or cross braes; on tile or drywall, use tile anchors and screws.