Introduction

Water-Saving Bathroom Update 01:02

Here is the DIY Download on Water-Saving Bathroom Update.

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.