Efficient Fittings
What are they?
Water efficient fittings include:
- Dual-flush toilets (minimum efficiency 6/4l, better is 4.5/3l).
- Spray, push or sensor activated taps.
- Low-flow showers.
- Presence detection sensors on urinals or waterless urinals.
Most modern and recently refurbished buildings will include at least some of these fittings.
Advantages / Disadvantages
Significant water savings can be achieved.
Only marginally more expensive to install compared to standard fittings and the value of water saved can often pay back the installation cost within 2 years.
Low-flow showers are not as effective as standard showers when the water pressure is low.
Low flow taps should not be used in applications where the primary application is vessel filling (e.g. cleaner’s cupboards and baths)
Water efficiency
Efficient fittings can significantly reduce water consumption in a building.
Running costs
Water efficient fittings reduce water supply and waste water bills, which will offset any additional maintenance costs associated with presence detection sensors (if present).
Retrofit / improvement opportunities
Water efficient fittings are easy to retrofit. They are a low cost measure to install and the value of water saved can often pay back the installation cost within 2-5 years.
Applicable buildings
All building types.
Floor plate implications
None.
Occupant comfort
Low-flow showers might be an issue for users when there is a low water pressure.
Maintenance implications
Presence detection sensors will require maintenance to ensure that they are kept in full working order.
Waterless urinals require changes to cleaning procedures.
Identification
Dual-flush toilets will have two push buttons. Sensor operated taps and urinals will have the sensor in a prominent location. Spray taps, push taps and low-flow showers can be identified upon operation. Waterless utrnals have no flush water.
Questions to ask
- What water efficient sanitary fittings are present in the building?
More information
References to be provided