Low-flow fixtures
The fixtures are old. What can we change?
Fixtures are the quickest saving there is, and the one that needs no permit in most cases. We swap the old for low-flow, and we time the flow before and after, so you see the difference as a number.
Many toilets from before 1994 use 3.5 gallons a flush or more. A current one uses 1.28 gallons or less.
Toilets, showers and faucets
Flow timed at every fixture before we start
Old fixtures hauled away
What we swap
Three fixtures, three kinds of saving
Toilets
The biggest user in most houses. We replace the toilet and check the shutoff valve and supply line while it is off.
Showers
A showerhead has a flow rating in gallons a minute. We time yours with a bucket and a stopwatch, then time the new one.
Faucets
A new aerator can cut a faucet’s flow without cutting how it feels. We fit one and time it.
Measure first
Numbers before and after
Time it
At the visit we time every shower and faucet and note what each toilet uses.
Swap it
We install the new fixtures and replace any worn valves or lines we find.
Time it again
We repeat the timing and leave you a sheet with both sets of numbers.
How pricing works for fixtures
What decides the price
The price follows the number of fixtures and how hard each is to reach.
Toilets, showers and faucets on the list
Shutoff valves that need replacing
Access: tile, tub surrounds, tight cabinets
What the estimate includes, and what it doesn't
The estimate lists each fixture, valves, supply lines, labor and haul-away of the old fixtures.
Left out unless listed: tile or drywall repair
Left out unless listed: fixtures you pick yourself
What happens at the visit
At the visit we time the flow at every shower and faucet and note what each toilet uses. We tell you the visit fee when you book, and it comes off the job if you hire us.
When you get the number
A fixed price, in writing, before work starts. We time the flow again when we finish and leave you the numbers.
Questions
Fixture questions
Will a low-flow shower feel weak?
Not if the head is chosen well. We bring two or three to try, and you pick the one you like before we install.
Do I need a permit to swap a toilet?
Usually not for a like-for-like swap. If we move a pipe, that can change, and we tell you before we start.
Is there a rebate?
Some water providers and cities offer them for toilets and other fixtures. Programs and rules change, so ask yours before you buy. We give you the invoice details a program asks for.
Can you fix a running toilet?
Yes, as part of a planned visit. If it is flooding, call an emergency plumber first.
Start with the stopwatch
Tell us how many bathrooms and kitchens, and we will plan a visit.