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Faucet Purchase Tips

Buying faucet fixtures may not sound like the most glamorous endeavor, but with the tremendous range of styles and configurations, you may have a hard time making up your mind! The federal energy policy act of 1992, signed into law by George Bush, requires that all faucet fixtures manufactured in the US restrict maximum water flow at or below 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm) at 80 psi of water pressure or 2.2 gpm at 60 psi. This ensures that most faucet products available will offer at least minimal water efficiency benefits. For highest efficiency, insist on 1.0 gpm flow restrictors.

Aerators

It is the aerator (the screw-on tip of the faucet nozzle) that ultimately determines the maximum flow rate for water. Typically new kitchen faucets will be equipped with a 2.2 gpm aerator while bathroom faucets usually have aerators that restrict flow to 1.5, 1.2, or even 1.0 gpm.


This aerator has a flip switch to turn the faucet on and off
without losing your water temperature.

Standard faucet aerators are inexpensive and one of the most cost-effective water efficiency measures. It is always a good idea to bring your old aerator (and any associated washers) to the store with you when you purchase a new one to ensure that the new aerator will fit on your faucet fixture.

Faucet Fixtures

Selecting faucet fixtures is more a matter of personal taste and style than practical efficiency. A wide variety of faucet fixtures for the kitchen and bathroom are available. Styles range from traditional to modern and the fixtures come in a variety of materials. There are several commercial web sites that offer images of products from many different manufacturers.

Where to Get Faucet

Faucet fixtures are available at building supply stores, hardware stores, and plumbing supply stores. Many products are also available for order on-line.

Faucet aerators are available at any hardware or building supply store.

All faucet fixtures manufactured in the U.S. must comply with federal standards restricting the maximum flow rate below 2.2 gpm.


Most retail stores that carry faucets offer a wide variety of makes and models.

Faucet Incentives or Rebates

Some water providers, cities, and utility companies give away free faucet aerators as part of their conservation program.

For information about faucet aerator incentive programs in your area, contact your local water provider.

These Niagara Conservation products are an example of conservation kits distributed by local cities or water providers.

Photo source: City of Roanoke, VA

Michael Joseph