How to save water - an overview of devices for saving water
There are many ways to rationally use the water resource in everyday life. However, not every consumer knows what modern devices are, allowing both to save water and significantly reduce the cost of paying utility bills. The purpose of this article is to provide objective and comprehensive information regarding the most effective water-saving devices and the principles of their operation.
Content:
What types of mixers save more water?
A significant cost item in payments for housing and communal services in many houses and apartments consists of sinks and sinks installed in kitchens, the use of which involves mixing cold and hot water. In cases with obsolete dual-fan mixers, it is often impossible to quickly achieve the required flow temperature, as a result of which a large amount of the consumed resource is wasted. This problem can be solved by modern water-saving mixers, which have not only structural, but also functional differences.
Single lever mixers
When using this plumbing equipment, the process of adjusting the temperature of the water flow, as well as the pressure intensity, takes much less time, compared to dual-valve devices. Due to the design features, the mixing of cold and hot water is controlled by a single lever. It also has the function of controlling the flow. In this case, both processes can be performed simultaneously.
To stop the water supply, simply lower the lever. At the same time, the temperature setting will be saved. This is quite convenient from the point of view of periodically blocking the flow during water procedures, since the next time you turn it on you will not have to re-perform the adjustment procedures.
Thermostatic mixer
Using thermostatic mixers, you can maintain a predetermined water temperature for a long period. This is especially true in houses where water supply is far from perfect, and frequent pressure drops in the risers lead to quite noticeable discomfort during water consumption. When using a thermostat, which is assigned the function of automatic adjustment, there is no need to constantly engage in manual adjustment. In an unstable water supply system, this can significantly reduce the amount of water consumed.
In addition, thermostatic devices make it possible to economically consume water during the shower process, since the user can minimize the flow rate at any time. Most modern thermostats have special eco-buttons that are located directly on the case. To reduce the pressure, just press such a button, instantly reducing, thus, the water flow. After pressing again, the normal mode is activated.
The principle of operation of the mixer with thermostat:
Contactless mixers with IR sensors
Often, even when using single-grip devices, for some reason there is an overspending of the consumed resource. In manual control, one way or another, the human factor is laid. In order to completely eliminate wasted water consumption, modern manufacturers offer contactless mixer models that are equipped with infrared sensors. During the operation of such equipment there is no need to touch it.It is enough that the user's palms are in the range of sensors. Water will flow evenly until hands are below the spout.
Such devices are considered the most hygienic, since in the process of carrying out water procedures there is no direct physical contact of a person with the surface of sanitary equipment. From the point of view of efficiency, they are not only ideal for home use, but also can significantly reduce the consumption of resources when used in public places. Having certain needs today, you can choose a combined model. Such mixers are simultaneously equipped with a programmable IR sensor and a conventional lever, which allows you to manually adjust the temperature and pressure.
Since these devices operate due to the built-in electronics in them, it is necessary to take care of uninterrupted power supply. The operation of the equipment can be carried out both by connecting to the power grid, and using autonomous sources. With timely replacement of the batteries, the mixer can be used at times when there is no light in the house.
The principle of operation of a contactless mixer:
Batch Mixers
In these devices, as in electronic models, a limited water supply cycle is provided. However, unlike contactless products, pressure mixers are designed for manual control. Turning on the flow is carried out by pressing a button, and turning off takes place automatically after the set time has elapsed. If necessary, the operation can be repeated repeatedly.
Thanks to this technology, water consumption will be minimized regardless of the human factor. Today, the range of proposed models of pressure type is quite extensive, which makes it easy to choose the right equipment for a washbasin, bathtub or shower. In addition, thermostatic mixers of this type are often found on sale.
The principle of operation of a pressure batch mixer:
Aerators to save water
The aerator is a water flow restrictor in the form of a nozzle mounted on the tip of the spout. At the exit, the jet is saturated with air, so that it becomes more voluminous. Thus, the flow restriction is almost imperceptible, while saving the consumed water resource reaches 10-15%.
In addition, the jet, which contains air bubbles, is soft enough and more pleasant to touch. The integrated diaphragm distributes pressure evenly. When using an aerator, as a rule, there are no water hammers, and splashes do not fly apart. Using this device, you can also adjust the direction of the jet.
Aerator with a metal mesh.
Aerator with a plastic mesh.
Aerator with start / stop function.
Aerator with a change in direction of the tube.
Flexible hose aerator.
Economy Shower Heads
With regard to shower equipment, the issue of reducing the amount of water consumed is particularly acute. For high-grade washing, a sufficiently strong pressure is always necessary, which, in turn, inevitably leads to cost overruns. Therefore, in the production of modern watering cans, special attention is paid to water-saving technologies. All kinds of flow restrictors are quite common today.
In this case, various options are possible:
Insert with holes. The function of the limiter is often performed by an insert installed directly in front of the watering can, in which there are holes of a certain diameter. Since the throughput of such an insert is significantly lower than that of the shower head itself, the use of such an element can reduce water consumption.
Silicone ring integrated in the watering can. To limit the maximum flow, you can use the silicone ring, which is built into the watering can. The product has sufficient elasticity and is able to respond to increased pressure. At this moment, it takes on a flatter shape, as a result of which the hole in the watering can narrows. Thus, by lowering the pressure, much less water is wasted.
ECO mode switch. The flow can be limited temporarily when using a watering can equipped with a special switch, which is located on the body. In this case, there is no need to change the mixer settings or to resort to other complex manipulations. At any time, the user can switch to the mode of economical water flow through a switch. If necessary, it is easy enough to restore the previous settings in the same way.
Aerators for shower heads. In shower heads, as well as in mixers, aerators can be installed, due to which air bubbles form in the water. Air significantly increases the volume of the jet, which reduces the consumption of the consumed resource. When using aeration technology, showers not only become economical, but also cause a pleasant tactile sensation.
Ecostrue. Often, in modern models of shower heads, the eco-jet method is used. In this case, the equipment is equipped with a water-saving mechanism, which is controlled by a rotary ring. When choosing the “Eco” mode, half of the water outlets are completely blocked, as a result of which the flow volume is reduced by exactly 50%.
Economical toilets
The principle of operation of any toilet involves the simultaneous use of a large volume of water. The characteristics of most modern models have a value of 6 liters. That is how much water is needed for proper cleaning. And this is only within the limits of one flush, and during the day the toilet is used more than once. Manufacturers of this sanitary equipment pay special attention to the issue of effective reduction in the volume of drained water.
Double flush
One of the first technological developments in this area was dual-mode flushing mechanisms. The principle of their operation is quite simple: draining can be carried out both with full and partial emptying of the tank. The presence of two buttons on the lid allows the user to independently determine the amount of water needed to clean the bowl.
These technologies, including those used in the manufacture of wall hung toilets. For tanks built into the installation system, both push and touch buttons can be used. There are also models with one long button, which, depending on the choice of mode, can be pressed both from one side and from the other. In addition, installations are quite popular today, when using which you can independently control the flow of water. The presence of the flush-stop function allows you to stop the flow when you press a single button again.
Dirt-resistant bowls
The gradually soiling toilet bowl needs constant cleaning of all its parts. A certain amount of water coming from the tank goes exactly to this. However, even such minor costs can be reduced if desired.
The hygiene characteristics of this plumbing equipment depend not only on the design of the product itself, but also on the quality of the bowl cover. Traditionally, any toilet should be covered with glaze, due to which the surface becomes denser and prevents the absorption of dirt. However, at present, some manufacturers offer products coated with special dirt-repellent materials that have been developed using special technologies. Since such models are much less prone to contamination, much less water is required to clean them.
Rimless toilets
The main and only constructive difference of the rimless models is the absence of an inner edge in the bowl.In classic toilets, it serves as a guiding element for water flow during flushing. It is the presence of the rim that makes some areas inaccessible and requiring a certain amount of consumed water. In this case, the flushing system is equipped with a special divider, through which the liquid coming from the tank is distributed in three directions. At the same time, much less water is required to clean the surface of the bowl over the entire area than in cases with classical designs.
Transition from manual dishwashing to automatic
In the process of switching from manual washing of kitchen accessories to automatic, many dishwasher owners have learned how to save water, with little or no effort. Modern installations are capable of washing 12 sets of dishes at a time, having consumed no more than 10 liters. For comparison: the manual method, in which it is necessary to use running water, involves an average flow rate of 12 liters per minute.
Despite the fact that the full cycle of automatic washing lasts long enough, the amount of consumed water is reduced by at least 10 times. That is, this household appliance can rightly be considered one of the most economical.
