Does a Bath or Shower Use More Water?
Does a bath or shower use more water? This age-old question varies significantly depending on the person and their bathing habits. For those trying to save money on heating water or water usage, finding out whether a bath or shower uses more water is the first step in cutting down your costs.
At Advantage Plumbing & Sewer Co., our team has years of experience resolving plumbing issues. We are Hanover Park’s trusted plumbers and are licensed, bonded, and insured for your ultimate satisfaction. Our experts provide essential information on bath vs. shower water usage in this article.
Bath vs. Shower Water Use
Does a bath or shower use more water? While it depends on the individual, typically, bathtubs use slightly more water. The average bath enthusiast fills their tub with 25 to 35 gallons of water.
Showers vary depending on the showerhead. Regular showerheads use around 2.5 gallons each minute. That means a ten-minute shower will use approximately 25 gallons of water. Low-flow showerheads will use significantly less water, while waterfall showerheads could use more.
Low-Flow Showers
Low-flow showerheads are gaining popularity for their water-saving capabilities. They use around 2 gallons of water per minute, meaning you’ll use 20 gallons of water during a 10-minute shower. Some low-flow showerheads use even less water.
If you have a large household, you may benefit from low-flow showerheads in your home since you’ll decrease your water bill and contribute to a smaller environmental footprint.
Factors Contributing to Water Usage
While averages are helpful to know, everyone’s water usage is different. Factors that help determine “does a bath or shower use more water?” include your bathtub size, how full you fill it each time, how long you shower for, your showerhead’s age, and whether you turn the water off during your shower. By knowing how these factors affect your water usage, you can tailor your baths or showers appropriately.
Bathtub Size
Your bathtub’s size directly correlates with water usage. While most people don’t fill their bath to capacity, smaller bathtubs will require less water, and larger ones will warrant more. It may take several more gallons than average to fill your bathtub to a comfortable level.
More oversized bathtubs will require you to run the water for longer. This difference could mean you could use more water than in a shower even though the water does not run while you bathe.
How Full You Fill It
Some people prefer to soak in deep water, while others need only a few inches in the tub. How full you fill the tub will determine how much water you use. Are you filling it up as high as possible or filling it only partially?
The average bathtub faucet expels anywhere from four to seven gallons of water per minute. Knowing this, you can calculate how much water you’ve used by timing how long it takes to get the water level to an adequate height.
Duration of Shower
Those curious to know the answer to “does a bath or shower use more water?” will find it varies with duration. The longer your shower, the more water you use. Are you spending five minutes in the shower or 50 minutes?
The average shower length is around eight minutes. With a showerhead that employs 2.5 gallons of water per minute, an eight-minute shower takes up 20 gallons of water. A low-flow showerhead would use 16 gallons.
Turning Off the Water
Many people don’t consider that the water is running while lathering their hair or shaving. Additional hygiene steps such as washing your face or repeating a wash also contribute to higher water usage. You can reduce your water usage significantly by turning it off at points in your shower when you’re not using it.
Lathering your hair and body takes considerable time. Turning off the water when you’re not under it will only increase your energy savings.
Showerhead Age
Using an older showerhead will result in higher water consumption. Your outdated showerhead may use up to five gallons of water per minute. By switching to a modern, low-flow showerhead, you’ll reduce water usage to around two gallons each minute.
If your energy savings don’t improve after upgrading your showerhead, consider a low-flow option or contact the professionals at Advantage Plumbing & Sewer Co. to get accurate advice and appropriate plumbing and sewer services.
Determining Your Water Usage
Determining the answer to “does a bath or shower use more water?” is easy. You can calculate your personal water consumption with a few steps or use a device to limit your showers.
To determine your water usage, plug the drain and shower normally. Mark the water’s height with tape and drain the tub. The next time you take a bath, mark how high the water is with another piece of tape and compare the two to see which results in higher water use.
If you’re serious about reducing your water usage, you can buy devices to measure water usage. Waterproof shower timers can help you be mindful of shower length as well.
Low-flow showerheads are available for purchase to help you conserve more water. A tankless water heater is another excellent solution to save energy from heating water. It only heats water as necessary, so you’re not paying for hot water you don’t need.
Get High-Quality Plumbing Repairs and Installations From Advantage Plumbing
Those wondering, “does a bath or shower use more water?” can get the answers from Advantage Plumbing & Sewer Co. Our company features friendly and educated plumbers who can answer your questions and make effective repairs and installations. Call us if you suspect that a leak is increasing your monthly water bills.
Whether you need services for your bathtub, toilet, bathroom sink, or another fixture, we can help. With a toilet installation and repair by Advantage Plumbing, you can save money on services from more expensive competitors. We remain affordable and transparent for everyone.
Decrease your personal bath and shower water usage today! When you need plumbing services in Hanover Park, IL, or beyond, contact Advantage Plumbing & Sewer Co. in Elgin, IL, at (847) 613-1344.
