To Save More Water, American Homes Need Smaller Pipes
Briefly

The oversized plumbing pipes in American homes move water inefficiently and waste money, especially as homeowners are increasingly opting for water-saving fixtures that demand less water. Climate change exacerbates this issue, making water efficiency crucial.
Christoph Lohr emphasizes that the current method for sizing plumbing pipes was developed in the 1940s with unrealistic assumptions, leading to an inefficient system that does not reflect modern water usage patterns and needs.
As more households adopt water-saving appliances, many plumbing systems remain outdated, designed for flow rates that are rarely utilized, highlighting a significant disconnect between fixture design and plumbing infrastructure.
Demanding the right-sized pipes during the design phase of homes and multiunit properties is essential for enhancing water efficiency and combating the inefficiencies rooted in historical plumbing standards.
Read at www.nytimes.com
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