High-efficiency Fixtures
High-efficiency Fixtures | Commercial Plumbing | Plumbing | Apison
From bustling restaurants on Ooltewah-Ringgold Road to innovative tech startups near the Apison Pike corridor, Apison businesses count on HEP for water-smart solutions that never compromise performance. Our specialists upgrade restrooms, kitchens, and process lines with high-efficiency faucets, flush valves, and sensor-activated fixtures that slash utility costs while elevating comfort and hygiene. Because every installation is tailored to local water pressure and code requirements, you get turnkey reliability backed by 24/7 emergency response.
Whether you’re renovating a single suite or equipping an entire campus, our commercial plumbing expertise streamlines the project from design to final inspection. We calculate ROI up front, handle rebates on WaterSense-certified products, and stage work to minimize downtime for your staff and customers. Put simply, HEP turns Apison’s high-efficiency fixture goals into measurable savings you can see on the next water bill—and feel good about for years to come.
FAQs
What counts as a high-efficiency plumbing fixture for a commercial property in Apison?
High-efficiency (HE) fixtures are products that meet or exceed EPA WaterSense or equivalent performance standards. For commercial restrooms this typically means: • Toilets using ≤1.28 gallons per flush (gpf) • Urinals using ≤0.5 gpf or waterless designs • Sensor-operated faucets flowing at 0.35–0.5 gallons per minute (gpm) • Pre-rinse spray valves at ≤1.0 gpm • Showerheads at ≤1.5 gpm. All of these deliver the same or better performance as older models while using 20–60 % less water and are recognized by local inspectors and building officials in Hamilton County.
How much can my business save by switching to HE fixtures?
Savings depend on existing fixture age, building occupancy, and utility rates, but most Apison businesses see: • 20–50 % lower water consumption (10,000–100,000+ gallons/year for mid-size facilities) • 10–20 % reduction in water-heating energy because less hot water is used • Simple payback in 1–3 years. For example, replacing thirty 3.5 gpf toilets with 1.28 gpf WaterSense models can cut water use by roughly 60,000 gallons per year, translating to $600–$900 in combined water and sewer savings at current Chattanooga-area rates.
Are there codes, rebates, or tax incentives in Apison for installing HE fixtures?
Yes. Tennessee has adopted the International Plumbing Code (IPC) and International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) 2018 editions, both of which cap commercial fixture flow rates at WaterSense levels. Hamilton County inspectors will expect compliance on new builds and major remodels. While the State of Tennessee does not offer direct rebates, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Business & Industry program occasionally provides custom incentives for water-saving projects that reduce associated energy use. Municipal utilities such as the Tennessee American Water Company also run periodic bill-credit programs. Our team monitors current incentives and completes all paperwork for you.
Will replacing fixtures shut my business down, and how long does it take?
In most cases upgrades are done with minimal disruption: 1. Pre-site survey to map water shut-off zones. 2. Work scheduled during off-peak hours, evenings, or weekends. 3. Restroom banks are isolated one at a time so other facilities remain open. Small offices (≤10 fixtures) are normally completed in one day. Restaurants, schools, or manufacturing plants with 20–60 fixtures typically need 2–4 days. We coordinate with facility managers to ensure ADA compliance and continuous restroom availability.
Do high-efficiency toilets, faucets, and urinals require special maintenance?
Maintenance is virtually identical to standard fixtures: • Periodic seal and flapper checks (annually) • Filter screens on sensor faucets cleaned every 6–12 months • Batteries in sensor units replaced every 2–5 years. Because HE fixtures use less water, mineral buildup can occur slightly faster in areas with very hard water. For that reason we recommend quarterly visual inspections and using manufacturer-approved cleaners. We provide a customized maintenance checklist and can set up preventative service contracts if desired.
How do I choose the correct flow rate and fixture style for my commercial application?
Our plumbers start with a usage profile: occupant load, gender split, peak vs. average demand, hot-water demand, and local code requirements. From there we recommend: • 1.28 gpf or 1.1 gpf toilets for most applications; 0.8 gpf models for low-use settings only. • Waterless urinals for high-traffic male restrooms or stadiums; 0.125 gpf pint urinals for areas where custodial staff prefer traditional flushing. • 0.35 gpm sensor faucets for handwashing; 2.2 gpm aerators only where code or user needs (e.g., medical scrubbing) demand higher flow. We provide a life-cycle cost comparison so you can balance upfront cost, user satisfaction, and long-term savings before making a final selection.