The age-old question: what’s the bigger water guzzler – shower vs. bath? The answer? It depends on your bathing habits. But if you’re looking to trim down those water heating bills, it’s worth figuring out which one’s draining more resources in your case.
Shower vs. Bath: The Water Consumption Showdown
On average, baths tend to use a tad more water than showers. A typical bath can consume anywhere from 90 to 130 liters (24 to 34 gallons) of water. In contrast, a standard showerhead dispenses about 9 to 10 liters (2.4 to 2.6 gallons) per minute, meaning a 10-minute shower might use around 90 to 100 liters (24 to 26 gallons).
However, if you’ve got a water-saving (low-flow) showerhead, you can slash that down to 7 liters (1.8 gallons) per minute or even less. On the flip side, those fancy “rain” or “cascade” showers can guzzle up to 15 liters (4 gallons) per minute or more.
How to Conserve Water During Bathing
Several factors influence water consumption, regardless of whether you’re a shower or bath person:
- Bathtub Size: The bigger the tub, the more water it takes to fill it up. While most folks don’t fill their tubs to the brim, some large models can hold over 150 liters (40 gallons) of water. Opting for a smaller tub is a step towards water conservation.
- Fill Level: Do you like a deep soak, or just a shallow dip? The amount of water you use depends on how high you fill the tub. Since faucets typically release 15 to 25 liters (4 to 6.6 gallons) of water per minute, you can estimate your water usage by timing how long it takes to fill the tub.
- Shower Duration: It’s a no-brainer: the longer you linger in the shower, the more water you use. For instance, an 8-minute shower with a standard showerhead uses about 80 liters (21 gallons) of water, while a water-saving one uses 60 liters (16 gallons).
- Turning off the tap: Many people leave the water running while lathering up, shaving, or washing their hair. But turning off the water during these moments can save dozens of liters per session.
- Showerhead Age: Old showerhead models can guzzle up to 18 to 20 liters (4.7 to 5.3 gallons) of water per minute! Replacing it with a modern, water-saving version can halve or even triple your water savings.
How to Track Your Water Usage:
Here are a few simple ways to keep tabs on your water consumption:
- Bathtub Test: Take a shower with the drain closed, and then measure the water level. Next, fill the tub to your usual level and compare.
- Shower Timer: Inexpensive waterproof timers can help you keep track of time and shorten your showers.
- Showerheads with Built-in Water Meters: These modern gadgets offer real-time water usage tracking for eco-conscious households.
Other helpful things:
- Water-saving showerheads: easily installed, and found at most home improvement stores.
- Tankless water heaters: A great option for saving water and energy.
Choosing between a bath and a shower isn’t just about comfort; it’s also about conservation. To use less water, shorten your showers, install a water-saving showerhead, and remember to turn off the tap when you’re not using it. And save those baths for when you truly need to unwind—and do so mindfully.