If you’re looking to improve efficiency and reduce costs, upgrading your plumbing system is a good investment. Whether you prefer to make gradual changes or tackle a full overhaul, there are various options to suit your timeline and budget. We provide residential and commercial plumbing services, so whether you’re looking to cut water use at home or at your business, we can help. The upgrades discussed below range from small changes to major improvements, giving you the flexibility to upgrade at your own pace.

Tankless Water Heaters

Traditional water heaters store and continuously heat a large water tank even when it’s not being used. This leads to what’s called standby heat loss, where energy is wasted keeping unused water hot. On the other hand, tankless models heat water on demand. They only run when you turn on a faucet or other fixture. This makes them significantly more energy-efficient, especially in households or businesses with lower or variable hot water usage.

They also take up far less space than traditional tank-style models, which can occupy up to 16 square feet of floor space. A typical tankless water heater is about the size of a carry-on suitcase and can be mounted on a wall. This makes them ideal for smaller utility rooms, closets, or commercial spaces where every square foot counts.

If you’re aiming for even more cost savings, consider a gas-powered tankless system rather than an electric one. Gas models also deliver higher flow rates and perform better for larger households or high-demand commercial settings.

High-Efficiency Toilets

If you’ve had a bad experience with older water-saving toilets, you’re not alone. The first generation of high-efficiency toilets often lacked sufficient flushing power and, sometimes, required multiple flushes, defeating their intended purpose. Fortunately, modern designs have come a long way, offering powerful performance while significantly reducing water use.

Dual-Flush Toilets

Dual-flush toilets give you the option to use less water for liquid waste and more for solid waste, typically using around 0.8 to 1.1 gallons for a light flush and 1.6 gallons for a full flush. This feature allows households and businesses to cut down on water use without sacrificing function.

Standard High-Efficiency Models

You don’t need a dual-flush toilet to reduce water use. Since 1994, all new residential toilets in the U.S. have been required to use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf), a significant improvement over older models that used 3.5 gallons or more. Many newer models now go even lower, using 1.28 gpf or less while still delivering the same results.

Pressure-Assist Options

For even better performance, consider pressure-assist toilets. These systems use compressed air to force water into the bowl more powerfully than standard gravity-flush models. While they’re more common in commercial buildings, residential versions are available and can be a great choice if you’re concerned about flushing power. They also tend to leave the bowl cleaner after each flush, making them ideal for busy households or shared bathrooms.

Low-Flow Fixtures

Upgrading your faucets and showerheads is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to reduce water use throughout your home or business. Modern low-flow fixtures are designed to use less water without sacrificing water pressure. For example, standard showerheads use around 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm), while low-flow models reduce that to 2.0 gpm or less. This saves up to 30% on water use with every shower.

Low-flow faucets for kitchens and bathrooms follow a similar pattern, cutting usage from 2.2 gpm to as little as 1.5 gpm, often with no noticeable change in how they feel to the user. Many newer models use built-in aerators that mix air with the water, so you get a strong, steady stream while using less overall.

Smart Irrigation Systems

Caring for a lawn can use up a lot of water. It’s hard to know when to water and how much to water, and chances are, you’re erring on the side of using more water than you need to. A smart irrigation system uses sensors to check the moisture of the soil and also checks daily weather reports to determine how much watering your lawn or garden requires. Even if your yard is fairly small, this can bring big savings.

Pressure-Reducing Valves

Despite the name, this product doesn’t mean you’ll have to start settling for showers that just dribble out water. A pressure-reducing valve, also known as a water pressure regulator, cuts down on pressure that comes from the municipal water main that you’re connected to. Water often flows into your pipes at higher pressure than is necessary, and over time, this doesn’t just waste water but can wear down your appliances. Water pressure that’s too high can also cause drips from your faucets or even leaks. Your home or business may already have a pressure-reducing valve, but if it doesn’t, adding one can reduce the amount of water you use each day.

Upgrade Your Washer and Dishwasher

If you’re purchasing a new dishwasher or washing machine, you can get more energy-efficient models that use as much as half the water that older appliances did. If your washing machine and dishwasher are more than about a decade old, they probably are much less energy efficient than they could be.

Smart Leak Detection System

It’s easy to assume you’d notice a water leak right away, but many leaks go undetected for days or even weeks. They can be hard to spot if they’re behind walls or under floors and can cause serious damage to flooring, drywall, and insulation, not to mention wasting hundreds of gallons of water.

Smart leak detection systems monitor your plumbing in real-time and can alert you at the first sign of trouble. These systems detect unusual drops in water pressure, unexpected usage patterns, or even small drips and send an alert to your phone. Some models can even shut off the water automatically to prevent further damage. Whether you’re at home or away, a smart leak detector adds peace of mind and can help you avoid costly repairs.

Water Monitoring

Installing a water monitoring device is a good move if you want a clear picture of how your home or business uses water. These systems track your usage and break it down by fixture or appliance, helping you pinpoint where most of the water is being used.

By identifying usage patterns, water monitoring can reveal unexpected sources of waste and help you set practical goals for reducing consumption. Over time, this kind of insight can lead to significant savings on your water bill and help you make smarter decisions about future upgrades.

Dependable Plumbing Services in the Fort Worth Area

At Cattlemans Plumbing, we have over a decade of experience serving the residents of Fort Worth, TX and the surrounding areas. We can help you choose and install plumbing fixtures to reduce water use at your home or business. You can also count on us for repair, drain cleaning, and water treatment services. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced plumbers.

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