A green way to shower

Published : 12/07/2010 | Author: Bathroom Bizarre

how to install a showerhead flow restrictor

For a mere R5, Bathroom Bizarre’s new showerhead flow restrictor system offers South African homeowners an affordable way for them to do their bit for the environment and their pockets, by saving thousands on electricity and water consumption every year.

Shower flow restrictors are designed to lower the flow rate of any given showerhead, thereby reducing the total household consumption of water and electricity. Bathroom Bizarre’s director, Sandy Turner, explains: “The flow restrictor available from Bathroom Bizarre can reduce a shower’s water flow by up to 1,34 and 1,66 litres per minute, depending on the water pressure. If you multiply this by the average time spent in a shower, it is easy to see just how much water you can save over a period of a year. This in turn, will also serve to dramatically reduce your electricity bills, as your geyser won’t be working overtime to constantly heat up the inflow of extra water.”

Turner notes that for the most part, Bathroom Bizarre’s high quality restrictors do not decrease the overall quality of the showering experience, and are therefore virtually unnoticeable. However, she does say that this largely depends on the water pressure: “Flow restrictors are not recommended for showers which suffer from low water pressure. Also, all shower roses and hand showers are different, so the results of the restrictors will vary from product to product.”

Flow restrictors are easy to install – here is how:

Unscrew your shower arm/head from where it meets the wall, in an anti-clockwise direction. To avoid scratching or damaging your fittings, place a cloth between the spanner and the shower arm.
If you have an existing washer in the connection, remove it and store in a safe place.
Clean the exposed wall thread and insert one of the rubber washers provided into the connection at the end of your shower arm, pushing it gently into the base.
Then insert the flow restrictor disc on top of the washer with the witches hat facing towards the direction of the water flow (away from the shower head).
Screw the shower arm/head onto the wall thread, making sure that the thread is all the way home on the disc. Be careful not to over-tighten, as this may cause damage.

For more information, contact Bathroom Bizarre’s nationwide help line on 0861 555 000, or visit its website, www.bathroom.co.za, to find a store nearest to you.