Water-Saving Upgrades For Commercial Plumbing in Arlington, TX

In Texas, water is precious. And for a commercial building owner, water waste can really impact your bottom line in a big way. So, it’s a matter of conservation and cost savings.

But commercial plumbing systems can be extremely complex inner workings of a building. Maximizing efficiency to conserve water and reduce the need for plumbing repairs isn’t always easy. Usually, it isn’t one single solution that’s needed but a collection of upgrades that make the biggest difference, and some upgrades can even reduce energy use.

If you’re ready to reduce water use and increase efficiency at your commercial building in Arlington, TX, then reach out to a professional plumber to see if some of the options below are worth the investment.

Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures

The easiest upgrade to make is swapping out old fixtures with low flow alternatives. Low-flow fixtures are designed to provide the same level of performance with less water use. How this is accomplished depends on the plumbing fixture. Let’s take a look at each one for more on how they work.

Low-Flow Toilets

Modern high-efficiency toilets use as little as 1.28 gallons per flush, compared to older models that may use up to 6 gallons. If you step it up to a dual-flush toilet that allows users to select a reduced flush for liquid waste, they can save even more water.

Low-Flow Urinals

New urinals are built to use minimal water per flush, and some are even designed to operate without water at all.

Low-Flow Faucets and Aerators

Replacing faucets with low-flow faucet fixtures that have the WaterSense designation will give you a water flow rate of just 1.0–1.5 gallons per minute without affecting the water pressure or the ability to deliver hot water. By comparison, the EPA has found that regular faucets use 2.2 gallons a minute. 

Touchless Sensor-Operated Faucets and Toilets

Automatic faucets and toilets only run when needed, cutting out the potential for user error. Studies show the high-tech fixtures can reduce water consumption by up to 54% compared to manual fixtures that can be left on unnecessarily. They are especially beneficial in high-traffic commercial bathrooms where there is a lot of hand washing.

Now that you have a better idea about how low flow fixtures work, let’s delve into the benefits you can expect by making the switch.

• Lower Water Bills: Households and commercial properties that upgrade to low-flow toilets can save about $90 per year, and up to $2,000 over the lifetime per toilet. Faucet upgrades can cut water consumption by at least 30%, with annual savings of $50–$90 per faucet. Of course, the cost of water keeps going up, which means you’ll save even more in the future.
• Water Conservation: If your Arlington business is on a mission to help conserve water in Texas, switching to low-flow fixtures is a smart move. It can save thousands of gallons annually, up to 13,000–20,000 gallons per year for small commercial properties (such as a home that’s been converted into an office) and much more in larger commercial settings. ADDED BENEFIT: Put up signs in the bathroom letting visitors and customers know your fixtures support water conservation and sustainability to help boost your image.
• On-Par Performance: Well-designed low-flow fixtures, particularly those that are certified by WaterSense, generally maintain pressure and effectiveness through advanced engineering features like pressure-assisted flushing, dual-flush mechanisms, and aerators.

When the right fixtures are selected and installed you’ll get the benefits of substantial water conservation, lower operating costs, reduced maintenance, better environmental sustainability, and even a bump up in the property value of a commercial building all while getting performance that’s equal to or better than conventional plumbing fixtures.

Leak Detection Systems That Prevent Waste and Water Damage

Something no property manager or commercial building owner ever wants to have to deal with is a water leak. They not only waste a significant amount of water with absolutely no benefit, but they can cause expensive water damage as well.

Luckily, you don’t need a full-time professional plumber on staff to monitor the plumbing system. There are advanced sensor-based systems that can monitor the situation 24/7 to look for leaks in real time, alerting facilities managers immediately, and allowing fast intervention.

• Instant Alerts and Early Intervention:
  Smart sensors and AI-supported systems can detect abnormal water flow, pressure drops, and unusual usage patterns. If something seems off the designated facility manager will be notified immediately so they can inspect the system and call in the pros for plumbing repairs. Connected mobile apps make it easy to access water usage statistics and alerts for more efficient supervision, especially after hours or on weekends.
• Automatic Shut-Offs:
  Smart sensors continuously monitor plumbing for abnormal flow, pressure drops, or unusual water usage, allowing prompt detection and alerts for leaks before they cause significant water damage or disruption. Some leak detection systems are set up to automatically trigger shutoff valves if the sensors sense something is off. However, cutting off the water supply may not be ideal for every business. Instead of keeping the shutoff option on all the time, some can be set to trigger shutoff values only when the business isn’t operating.
• Continuous Water Use Data:
  While monitoring the plumbing system for leaks, you can also collect data on water use. IoT sensors and smart meters use advanced analytics and machine learning to constantly analyze water data. It will give you insight into your water needs, how to minimize waste and enable you to predict when maintenance is needed.

Automated leak detection systems play a crucial role in proactive water conservation for commercial properties by combining real-time technology, predictive analytics, and the ability to respond immediately to water leaks. You get better operational efficiency, increased sustainability, and lower utility bills.

Some More Smart Plumbing Services That Save Water

Smart plumbing technology goes much further than low-flow fixtures and leak detection tools.

Key mechanisms and benefits include:

• Pressure-Reducing Valves: These advanced pressure regulators maintain optimal water pressure for your building, which does more than reduce water waste. By preventing excess pressure and overuse you reduce stress on pipes, helping to avoid leaks and premature pipe failure. They can be designed to control building-wide water pressure for a one-and-done solution.
• Automated Maintenance Scheduling: Regular inspections and maintenance go a long way in keeping the plumbing system up-to-speed. Smart technology can schedule routine maintenance so there’s less risk of neglected plumbing components.
• Water Temperature Control and Monitoring: There are systems that provide precise adjustment and monitoring of water heater temperature, protecting users from scalding and preventing costly issues like pipe freezing.
• Smart Irrigation Systems: Does your commercial space include a green space? Smart irrigation controllers dial in landscape watering based on real-time climate conditions. They can also monitor water use to tip you off if there’s a problem that needs repair.
• Smart Metering For Water Consumption Control: Smart meters track water consumption, identify abnormal patterns, and can impose limits to curb excess use. Not only does it reduce water use and cost, smart metering also supports facility compliance if regulations are in place.
• Hot Water Recirculation Systems and Tankless Water Heaters:
  Installing a hot water recirculation system can eliminate waste while you’re waiting for hot water. Another solution is to switch to tankless water heaters that provide hot water on demand and use less energy.

Which upgrades will be the most beneficial for your commercial property in Arlington, TX? The only way to find out is to have a professional plumber inspect the existing plumbing system to see where water can be conserved.

Made’s Plumbing provides in-depth inspections and diagnostic services that will tell you everything you need to know. We’ll explain the strengths and shortcomings of your system along with what upgrades we recommend to get the most value out of your investment.

If you’re ready to reduce water use and save money, give us a call at 817-962-2257 or contact us online!