High-efficiency Fixtures
High-efficiency Fixtures | Commercial Plumbing | Plumbing | Philadelphia
HEP helps Philadelphia businesses turn everyday water use into a showcase of sustainability and savings. Our team installs and maintains high-efficiency toilets, urinals, faucets, and smart leak-detection systems that can cut utility costs by up to 40 %, all while elevating guest comfort and meeting the city’s rigorous building standards. When you partner with us, you gain seasoned technicians who plan around your schedule, minimize downtime, and leave work areas spotless—so your operation keeps flowing without a hitch.
Whether you manage an office tower, a brewing facility, or a bustling hotel, our mastery of commercial plumbing delivers measurable ROI from the very first utility bill. HEP’s forward-thinking solutions shrink your environmental footprint, strengthen LEED credentials, and future-proof your property against rising water rates—making high-efficiency fixtures an investment that pays you back every single day.
FAQs
What counts as a high-efficiency plumbing fixture for commercial properties in Philadelphia?
High-efficiency fixtures are products that meet or exceed EPA WaterSense or equivalent performance standards. Typical benchmarks are: toilets using 1.28 gallons per flush (gpf) or less, high-efficiency urinals using 0.5 gpf or even 0.125 gpf, public lavatory faucets flowing at 0.5 gallons per minute (gpm) or lower, and kitchen or service faucets with flow-restricting aerators of 1.5 gpm. Many commercial projects also add sensor-activation or pressure-assisted flushing to maintain performance at these lower flow rates.
How much water and money can a Philadelphia business save by upgrading to high-efficiency fixtures?
Savings vary with building size and current fixture age, but most facilities see a 20-50 % reduction in indoor water use. For example, replacing twenty 3.5 gpf toilets with 1.28 gpf models cuts annual water consumption by roughly 120,000 gallons, saving about $1,200 per year at Philadelphia’s combined water and sewer rate of roughly $0.01 per gallon. Payback for a full restroom retrofit is commonly 2–4 years, and ongoing savings continue for the 20-year life of the fixtures.
Are rebates or incentives available in Philadelphia for installing high-efficiency fixtures?
Yes. The Philadelphia Water Department occasionally offers commercial water-saving rebates for large projects, and PECO’s commercial energy-efficiency program provides incentives for touchless electric-sensor faucets and flush valves that reduce hot-water demand. Businesses may also qualify for federal tax deductions under Section 179D for overall building efficiency upgrades. We track all active programs and complete the paperwork so clients capture every available dollar.
Will high-efficiency fixtures comply with Philadelphia’s plumbing code?
Absolutely. Philadelphia follows the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code, which currently references the 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC). The IPC mandates maximum flow rates that are already met—or exceeded—by modern WaterSense-labeled products. We supply code-compliant spec sheets, handle the permit application, and coordinate with the Department of Licenses & Inspections (L&I) to pass final inspection.
What is the retrofit process like for an operating commercial building?
Most upgrades can be completed after hours with minimal disruption. We begin by surveying existing fixtures and shut-off locations, then order like-for-like replacement sizes to avoid wall or floor demolition. Old fixtures are removed, new high-efficiency units are set, and supply/flush valves are recalibrated. A typical eight-fixture restroom can be finished in one night or over a weekend, including post-installation leak and performance testing. We haul away and recycle the old porcelain and brass in accordance with city regulations.
How do touchless high-efficiency fixtures improve hygiene and maintenance?
Sensor-activated faucets, flush valves, and soap dispensers minimize hand contact, reducing the spread of bacteria and viruses—a major benefit in high-traffic facilities such as schools, hospitals, and office towers. They also prevent accidental run-ons and over-flushing, which lowers water bills and lessens wear on plumbing infrastructure. Maintenance teams appreciate built-in diagnostic LEDs that alert staff to low batteries or valve issues before they become service calls.