I am one of those plumbers who is in between the old school thinking of “more water is better” and the new “environmental stuff.” But I do think there are some commonsense approaches to commercial buildings and their water usage.
Water efficiency is becoming increasingly important to society as we continue to recognize the importance of conserving and protecting our natural resources. One area where businesses can make a significant impact is through the installation of water-efficient plumbing fixtures in commercial bathrooms.
Here is a look at the benefits of installing water-efficient plumbing fixtures in commercial restrooms and why it makes good business sense.
Saves water and money
As a plumber, you can make a difference. The most significant benefit of installing water-efficient plumbing fixtures is that it saves both water and money. Installing water-efficient fixtures can reduce water usage by 20%, translating to significant annual savings on water bills.
Additionally, installing water-efficient plumbing fixtures can contribute to lowering utility costs, saving businesses a lot of money in the long run.
Minimizes environmental impact
Besides the financial benefits, installing water-efficient plumbing fixtures brings environmental benefits. According to the EPA, an estimated 1.2 trillion gallons of water is wasted annually in the United States, up to 30% of which is lost in commercial buildings.
Wasted water can harm ecosystems as well as our water sources. By installing water-efficient fixtures, businesses can minimize their environmental impact by reducing their water consumption and the amount of wastewater generated, ultimately helping to conserve our precious natural resources. It’s a feel-good approach for everyone.
Improves sanitation and hygiene
Commercial bathrooms can harbor bacteria and viruses, which can lead to the spread of disease. Installing water-efficient plumbing fixtures enhances sanitation and hygiene in commercial bathrooms.
Water-efficient technology can provide greater water flow control and reduce the risk of bacteria building up on faucets, ensuring a safer and healthier environment for employees and customers. Additionally, hands-free, motion-activated plumbing fixtures eliminate the need for hand contact, significantly reducing the transmission of germs and disease. A proud plumbing moment during the pandemic was when customers could walk into bathrooms and never have to physically touch anything to flush the toilet or wash their hands.
Enhances user experience
Bathrooms are a fundamental part of any commercial building, and ensuring the comfort and satisfaction of users is paramount. Installing water-efficient plumbing fixtures enhances the user experience by providing a more comfortable and enjoyable environment.
The modern and sleek designs of these fixtures look elegant and improve functionality and ease of use. It adds value to the brand of the commercial enterprises that they serve. Additionally, the ease of operation of water-efficient fixtures offers a quick and effortless experience for any user, making the overall experience more enjoyable.
Enhances public perception of a business
The public's perception of a business is essential in maintaining and increasing customer loyalty. Installing water-efficient plumbing fixtures demonstrates a business' commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, which could significantly enhance the public's perception of that business.
Moreover, water conservation is increasingly becoming a crucial issue for many customers, and showing that a business is actively committed to sustainable practices, such as installing water-efficient fixtures, can attract environmentally conscious consumers and employees who want to support such practices. Have you ever noticed that most rest stops have those water saving stickers on each low-flow toilet? That’s not because they just like putting stickers on the wall — it’s because of the perception of the user.
Complies with regulations
The world is changing and it’s changing fast. Installing water-efficient plumbing fixtures is not just an optional initiative for businesses; it is also a legal requirement in many places.
Federal and state regulations have been put in place to ensure that companies meet water conservation requirements, and failure to comply could result in costly fines and legal repercussions. Therefore, if a business wants to avoid legal penalties and remain compliant with the law, installing water-efficient fixtures is a straightforward and cost-effective way. Building automation requirements for gas appliance run times, insurance companies requiring automatic shutoffs for buildings that don’t have activity or tenants after hours, increased costs of utilities — it’s all coming plus much more.
Increases property value
Installing water-efficient plumbing fixtures in commercial properties can increase the property's value. Water conservation measures are becoming increasingly important to potential buyers of commercial properties, and it is not uncommon for investors to ask for information on a building's water consumption before making a purchase. By installing water-efficient plumbing fixtures, the value of a building can be enhanced, and it could sell at a higher price due to its eco-efficiency.
A final word
Water efficiency is becoming increasingly important in society and installing water-efficient plumbing fixtures in commercial bathrooms is an excellent way for businesses to conserve and protect our natural resources. You have an opportunity to make change, get paid to do so, and convince building owners of the benefits.
About the Author
Anthony Pacilla is a registered master plumber for McVehil Plumbing in Washington, Pennsylvania. He has over two decades of experience in the plumbing and HVAC trades, and has a bachelor’s in business and economics from Thiel College.
