Everyone showers at least once a day. Yes, some people do it far fewer times, but let’s talk about how things are supposed to be. Don’t worry, this article won’t be about hygiene, or about Hollywood stars who don’t shower. We’re looking at you, Ashton Kutcher. Instead, let’s focus on the device that helps us take a shower when we’re in the mood to do it.
Many thoughts are going through everyone’s head during a shower. Reddit even has a page dedicated to shower thoughts. Check it out, it’s pretty cool. But we’re not talking about that either.
Instead, let’s focus on what matters: shower heads and GPM. That’s right, there is no shower to talk about without a shower head and Gethai can tell you a few things about that subject. But, do you know what GPM stands for?
Now, that’s an interesting subject too. It refers to the gallons per minute ratio. So, the water consumption while showering doesn’t only depend on the time you’ll spend under the shower. It also has something to do with your shower head. That’s what we’ll focus on today. So, take a look at five things you should know about shower heads GPM.
What is GPM?
Source: noprobsplumbing.com.au
Let’s start with the basics. GPM equals gallons per minute. In the majority of places, it is better known as water flow rate. It is a measurement used to determine how many water gallons are spent each minute. In the paragraphs below you’ll learn that GPM is mandated by the government in many areas in the world.
The law regulating it in the US has stood since 1992 where 2.5 GPM is the maximum allowed. If you own an old house or simply an older type of plumbing you should check your shower heads. Older models easily reach into the 3.5 GPM category and in some cases even go above that. In any case, shower heads water flow is important and you should look to learn more about it and invest if it’s necessary.
Shower Heads GPM is Important
As we said, you probably haven’t given it too much thought. You should have. It’s important. In countries such as the United States of America, they’re part of the law. That’s right. The water flow rate in the US is regulated by law. The maximum is set at 2.5 GPM. This is one of the primary measures of saving water by the government.
There are many places all over the world where water shortages and various forms of drought are an everyday problem. So, it makes sense from that side too to have limitations on GPM. From the individual standpoint, it should matter too. All of us should take better care of our planet. Saving an eater is a great way to do it. By installing a 2.0 GPM shower head you can save thousands of gallons of water a year.
It Impacts Your Budget Too
Now you’re probably listening. It’s all about small changes. Take a look at your shower head. If it’s 2.5 GPM or even higher, which is not good at all, change it. Let’s say you switch to a 2.0 GPM model. That’s a small change in general. As far as your budget is concerned it can play a great role.
Let’s say you’ve used the 2.5 GPM model so far. Also, let’s say you’ve been spending 10 minutes each day showering. That translates roughly to almost 10 gallons of water a year only on showers. Once you adjust and take the 2.0 GPM model things change drastically. You’ll be saving almost 2 gallons of water a year. That equals $25 a year. Let’s say you have a family of four, and you have a nice $100 put on the side only on water savings. Not bad math when you think about it.
Laws Regarding Showerheads and GPM
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As we said, both things are regulated by law. The law regarding GPM and shower heads is different from state to state. While the majority of states still allow bigger heads for showering, and we are talking about the 2.5 GPM ones, other places are taking things more seriously. For example, Rhode Island is a state that will soon require all of them to be 2.0 GPM or below.
The states that are already on this page include Vermont and NY. You can also put Maine, and Colorado in the mix. There are even places with more regulatory rules in the US and those include Washington and the island land of Hawaii, in addition to Oregon, and Cali. These states have their GPM limit set at 1.8. What this means is that soon enough everyone will have to change their heads to more modern ones. We’re talking about heads with GPM levels lower than 2.5.
Flow Rate and Water Pressure Differences
Source: qualitybath.com
This is what gets people confused. Water flow is the amount of it that gets every minute from your shower. GPM represents it. At the same time, you also have water pressure. Think about it as a force or pressure under which showers release water. As you can see they are not too similar. But, people without practical knowledge of the subject often confuse them.
Water pressure usually has little to do with the selection of shower heads. It is more correlated with the overall plumbing of your household and the water supply directed by the municipality you’re living in. If we’re talking strictly about America the water pressure in most areas is somewhere between 40 and 80 PSI. Now, here we have a new term. PSI stands for pounds per square inch. The interesting part, and a fact you must know, is that the older the house the lower the WP is.
Bottom Line
Above you have some of the most important things you ought to know about showering heads and GPM. As you can see both things are equally important. Not just to save money but to obey the law which was implemented more than three decades ago. Water is vital for our well-being and it’s not wise to waste it. It’s so simple to make a change that it can be done through simple shower head replacement.
