Water-Saving Bathroom Products
Part of our Toilets & Bidets guides.
Toilet
A 1.0/1.28 GPF dual-flush toilet uses far less than older 3.5 GPF toilets.
Less paper
A bidet attachment cuts toilet paper use.
Less waiting
A point-of-use heater or recirculating pump stops running water while you wait for hot.
Free solar heat
Outdoors, a solar shower heats water with sunlight.
Where bathroom water goes
Toilets, showers and faucets account for most indoor water use in a typical home. Toilet upgrades give the biggest single saving in older homes; shower time is the next biggest lever.
Shower habits and hardware
- Use a shower head or panel at its lowest comfortable flow setting.
- Turn off water while lathering (a pause button helps).
- Fix dripping valves; a slow drip can waste many gallons a week.
Energy savings with hot water
Less hot water used means less energy. Point-of-use heaters and recirculating pumps avoid running water down the drain while waiting for it to warm up. Insulating hot water pipes helps too.
Rebates
Many US utilities offer rebates for WaterSense-labeled toilets and fixtures or for water heater upgrades. Check your water and energy utility websites before buying.
Frequently asked questions
How much water does a dual-flush toilet save?
Compared with 1.6 GPF toilets, a 1.0/1.28 GPF model saves roughly 20-35% per flush; versus pre-1994 toilets, much more.
Does a bidet actually save resources?
A bidet uses a small amount of water per use but greatly reduces toilet paper, which saves the water, energy and trees used to make paper.
Are low-flow shower heads worth it?
Yes for most homes. Lower flow means less hot water used, which saves both water and water-heating energy.
What does the WaterSense label mean?
It's an EPA label for products that meet water-efficiency and performance criteria, such as toilets using 1.28 GPF or less.
How can I find leaks?
Put a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank; if color appears in the bowl without flushing, the flapper or valve is leaking.