Water-efficient bathroom fixture options

The main water-efficient bathroom fixtures are high-efficiency or dual-flush toilets, low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and, for the water wasted while waiting for hot water, a recirculation system. In California, new fixtures sold for homes already have to meet the state's efficiency standards, which are among the stricter ones in the country, so the choice is less about whether a fixture is efficient and more about how well a particular model performs at that efficiency.

A remodel is the right moment to get this right, because valves, drains and hot-water lines are exposed. If you are planning a full remodel, here is how to think through each fixture.

Why it matters in Southern California

Southern California relies heavily on imported water and goes through recurring droughts, and water restrictions have come and gone over the years. Efficient fixtures reduce household use without anyone changing their habits, which is why the state sets efficiency standards for what can be sold. Using less hot water also means less energy spent heating it.

Toilets

Toilets are usually the largest single water use in a bathroom. Two approaches:

Single-flush high-efficiency

One flush volume, designed to clear the bowl reliably with less water. Good models have well-designed trapways and bowl shapes. Poorly designed ones can need a second flush, which defeats the purpose.

Dual-flush

Two buttons: a lighter flush for liquid waste and a fuller one for solids. Used as intended, it saves more water. Some people find the two-button system confusing, and guests often press the wrong one.

Look for independent flush-performance testing when comparing models, not just flush volume. A wall-hung toilet with an in-wall carrier and tank is another option; it saves floor space and many carriers come with dual-flush buttons.

In older houses with long, low-slope drain runs, a very low-volume toilet can leave waste partway down the line. If your house has old cast-iron drains or long horizontal runs, ask a plumber to check the drain before choosing.

Showerheads

Efficient showerheads use less water per minute. Early low-flow showerheads earned a poor reputation with thin, weak spray. Newer designs use air injection or shaped nozzles to make a lower flow feel fuller. Performance varies a lot between models, so try them in a showroom if possible.

Things to know:

• Multiple heads use more water. A rain head plus a handheld plus body sprays can add up, even if each is efficient. Plan which ones run at the same time.
• Rain heads feel different. A large rain head at a low flow may feel gentle; a smaller head at the same flow feels stronger.
• Water pressure matters. Homes with low pressure may find some efficient heads disappointing; homes with high pressure may need a pressure-reducing valve at the main.

Faucet aerators

An aerator is the small screen at the tip of a faucet. It mixes air into the stream, reducing flow while keeping the water feeling full. Most bathroom faucets come with one. Aerators are cheap and replaceable, and you can pick one with a lower flow if you want. Clean them periodically; hard water, common in much of Los Angeles, leaves mineral buildup that reduces flow.

WaterSense label

WaterSense is a U.S. EPA program that labels fixtures meeting its efficiency and performance criteria. The performance part is the important one: a labeled fixture has been tested to work well, not just use less water. It is a useful shortcut when comparing toilets, showerheads and faucets.

Thermostatic valves

A thermostatic shower valve holds the water at a set temperature, so there is less time spent adjusting the mix at the start of each shower. It does not save water directly but can reduce waste. Thermostatic valves typically cost more than pressure-balancing valves and have a different in-wall body. The body goes in during rough-in, so the choice has to be made early. Many thermostatic valves also let you set a maximum temperature, which is helpful in a household with children or older adults.

The hot-water wait

In many houses, the bathroom is far from the water heater, and gallons go down the drain while waiting for hot water. Options include:

• A recirculation pump that moves hot water through the pipes so it is ready at the tap. Some run on a timer, a button or a motion sensor to limit energy use.
• A dedicated return line, which is easier to install when walls are open.
• A point-of-use water heater for a bathroom far from the main heater.
• Insulated hot-water lines, which keep water hot longer between uses.

Recirculation is usually easier and cheaper to add during a remodel, when the plumbing is exposed.

Performance trade-offs

Check for rebates

Local water utilities, including LADWP, and regional water agencies have at times offered rebates for water-efficient fixtures. Programs change, so check whether any are currently offered before you buy, and read the terms: some require specific models, receipts or pre-approval. If you are budgeting the project, our remodel cost breakdown shows where fixtures sit in the overall budget.

When comparing fixtures, ask for the performance testing on toilets, try showerheads in person where you can, and decide on the valve type before rough-in. For a shower with multiple outlets, like a rain head and handheld, our shower remodeling page covers how the valve and plumbing are planned.