California businesses are fortunate when it comes to guidance and assistance in going “green.” The state mandates that certain standards are met in plumbing fixtures, and other state entities offer rebates for commercial installation of a wide variety of fixtures.
Strict laws and rebates seem like overkill to some, it’s true. However, the current California Energy Commission (CEC) regulations specifically spell out how you should set up your faucets and other fixtures to be the most efficient and cost cutting when it comes to your commercial water usage.
Efficiency and reduced expenses are good for every business. The rules tell you precisely how to achieve these two goals with your water resources.
Call in a full-service plumber to update the plumbing in your business to meet the latest water-sustaining codes. There are several areas in your plumbing system where you should refresh your commercial operation now with new fixtures and appliances.
Check All Faucets and Shower Heads
Because faucets and shower heads make up one-third of all residential indoor water use, all faucets and shower heads must conform to reduced-flow requirements in jets and aerators. Faucets that are impacted by the new standards include those installed on public lavatory faucets, kitchen faucets, and kitchen aerators.
Since July 1, 2016, lavatory and kitchen faucets have been allowed a maximum flow rate of 1.2 gallons per minute (fpm.) at 60 pounds per square inch of pressure (psi) of water delivery. If your faucets and aerators haven’t been checked for flow rates in a few years, it’s time to have that done. Faucets in mop closets and utility sinks are not included in these restrictions.
Your shower heads also need attention. Currently, you’re allowed shower heads with flow rates of 2.0 gpm at 80 psi. As of July 1, 2018, all shower heads may only have flow rates of 1.8 gpm at 80 psi. The rules apply to fixed, handheld, and body-sprayer shower heads.
Update your shower heads now to be one step ahead of changing regulations. If everyone complies, it’s estimated that the combined faucet and shower-head water savings will add up to 154 gallons over the next 10 years.
Check All Flushable Fixtures
Urinals—both wall-mounted and non–wall-mounted—are rated by how many gallons per flush (gpf) they consume. Your non–wall-mounted urinals are allowed a maximum of 0.5 gpf. Wall-mounted urinals may consume water at only 0.125 gpf. maximum.
All other urinals may have 1.0 gpf. rates to conform to the standards. Trough urinals must be only 16 inches in trough length.
Toilets must be highly efficient to meet California’s stringent water standards. The goal is to have enough water to flush toilets for many years to come, so it’s a great idea to conserve water with eco-friendly fixtures. But all of your toilets may need to be replaced to conform to the CEC standards. Currently, water closets (toilets) are allowed a maximum of 1.28 gpf.
No matter which type of commercial operation you manage, it’s wise to develop a relationship with a trusted, experienced plumbing service. Rapid Rooter Plumbing serves commercial operations in Yolo, El Dorado, Sacramento, and Placer counties. Call us today to get started on your plumbing repairs and updates, and count on us whenever you need emergency plumbing services in the future.
