Showers vs. Baths: Which Saves More Water?

We love having plenty of choices, but sometimes, it all comes down to just two. Cats or dogs, Nintendo or Sony, shorts or pants, Android or iOS – people just love dividing themselves into two camps of anything. So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to you that there’s an ongoing debate between showering and bathing. Are you Team Shower or Team Bathing? Which option can help you save more water? We offer a quick comparison here.

• Bathing

The tub remains a staple in bathrooms because it serves a number of purposes. For starters, it makes bathing kids easier, which is why in real estate, a home with a tub is usually more popular with buyers who are looking to start a family. Plus, having a tub allows you the luxury of a long and relaxing soak after a hard day. Just run a warm bath, put in some scented oil or bath bombs, turn down the lights, hit the play button on Spotify, and you’re all good to go. 

But can you actually justify a long soak in the tub when you’re looking to save more water? According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a full bathtub requires about 70 gallons of water. If you take baths everyday (like most people should), all those gallons of water will add up, and you’ll notice some increase in your next water bill.

• Showering

Those who live a fast-paced, active lifestyle love showering, which offers a more convenient, no-frills experience. For aging family members or those with limited mobility, a shower is also generally safer and more accessible than a tub. That’s because getting in and out of the shower doesn’t require much effort. Not only that, but the shower doesn’t take up as much floor space as a tub, allowing for a more open and spacious feel in the bathroom. These are just some of the good reasons many homeowners invest in a professional shower installation. 

From an environmental standpoint, showers also have the edge over bathing. Using the tub uses up about 70 gallons of water, but a 5-minute shower will only take about 10 to 25 gallons. Showering is clearly the winner if you’re serious about conserving water. Just make sure that the task won’t take you over 10 minutes.

Other Ways to Save Water When Showering

Taking a shower everyday not only keeps your hygiene on point, but also allows you to save a considerable amount of water. It’s good for the environment and good for your budget – a win-win situation for every homeowner. Still, there are a few easy ways to conserve even more water when showering. You can, for instance:

• Keep your showers short. How long you take a shower can directly affect the amount of water used. In fact, an ordinary shower can consume more than 12 gallons of water per minute. Most people are done showering in around 10 minutes, which is a reasonable duration, but if you can cut it down to 5, it’s possible to save up to 22 thousand liters every year.

• Invest in water-saving shower fixtures. Check out low-flow showerheads, which can significantly reduce your monthly water consumption by about 40% while helping you save money on energy and heating bills. You should consider having one added to your bathroom during a shower installation project. Low-flow showerheads are assumed to provide low pressure, slowing down the water coming out of it to a trickle. But that’s not the case anymore; modern low-flow showerheads use an advanced pairing of small apertures and airflow to deliver a strong and consistent water pressure.

Low-flow showerheads are available in two types. A laminar flow showerhead generates separate streams of water while an aerating showerhead blend air and water to create a misty spray. Some low-flow showerheads also allow you to set a timer for more convenient cleaning or preset a temperature so you don’t have to wait too long for the water to warm up. When picking a low-flow showerhead, make sure it comes with EPA’s WaterSense label.

• Go for a tub-to-shower conversion. If your current bath space only has a tub, why not have it converted into a shower instead? This update not only streamlines your bathing experience, but also allows you to benefit from greater water savings. But a tub-to-shower conversion is not something you can DIY. To ensure high-quality results, work with a trusted bath renovation specialist like The Bathroom Store.

We use products from The Onyx Collection to provide you with tough and stylish shower upgrades. They come with a lifetime guarantee and makes conserving water a simpler and more efficient task. American-made and practically maintenance-free, the shower products we use from this excellent brand are sure to elevate the look and feel of your bathroom. 

Discuss your wants and needs with our design team, and they’ll help you customize your new shower from a wide selection of bases, wall surrounds, showerheads, layouts, and doors. Check out the accessories available to you, which include shower caddies, seats, trim, towel bars, grab handles and roll-over vinyl thresholds. Let The Bathroom Store, your premier bath remodel company, transform your bath space into the one you’ve always dreamed of.

Other Reasons to Work With The Bathroom Store

We are a fully licensed, bonded and insured bath remodeling contractor who will always put your best interests in mind. Aside from tub-to-shower conversion, we offer full-scale bath renovations, floor installations and sink, faucet and vanity upgrades. Every member of our team is trained and experienced, ensuring that every job we take on will be completed to the highest standards. To smoothen the experience and eliminate the potential for mistakes and delays, we use a streamlined remodeling process that takes every aspect of your project into account.

The Leading Bath Renovation Expert

Combining innovative design, superior workmanship and personalized service, The Bathroom Store ensures that your bath renovation experience will be smooth and stress-free. No other contractor can offer the same unparalleled service. Schedule a consultation with us by calling (701) 223-1008 or filling out this contact form. Homeowners in Bismarck, ND, and other areas in Burleigh County know that when it comes to top-tier bath remodeling solutions, we’re the one to call.