More customers are looking for "green" solutions today, and low-flow showerheads are one of the more popular requests made of contractors during home improvement projects. These showerheads use half the water of traditional showers, but preserve the "feel" of a traditional shower. A 10-minute shower that uses up to 190 liters of water with a conventional showerhead consumes just 92 liters of water (or less) with a low flow shower head model.

Becoming a low flow showerheads provider will allow you to better serve customers who are interested in reducing energy costs and their negative impact on the environment. Low-flow showerheads are better for the environment because they help homeowners conserve water, a limited resource. They are also beneficial because, over time, they pay back their installation costs via energy and utility bill savings. If you have customers looking for low flow showerheads, consider:

1. Buying from smaller retailers who can offer personalized information and customer care.

2. Speaking with manufacturers for good prices and a high quality selection.

3. Choosing wholesale businesses that can fill large orders at a discount.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase low-flow showerheads from online retailers serving contractors and businesses

If you want not only energy-saving showerheads but also low flow showerheads information so you can speak knowledgeably with your customers, smaller online retailers are your best bet. These businesses work with contractors, providing personalized customer service, and can offer you relatively small or large cases of showerheads, depending on expected demand.

I recommend: AM Conservation Group sells a variety of what they term "water saving showerheads" with a 1-year warranty. The company sells their showerheads in cases of 72 to businesses. Plumbing Supply sells energy-saving showerheads and boasts an easy online order system and comprehensive return policy.

Buy low flow showerheads directly from manufacturers for best savings

If you want great prices and don't need to offer a wide range of brand names, try directly contacting energy-saving showerhead manufacturers. Manufacturers are able to offer low flow showerheads at list price because there is no middle man, and they can fulfill large or small orders for businesses. One potential drawback is that you may need to contact more than one manufacturer if you want to offer your customers a selection of styles.

I recommend: American Standard makes three types of water-efficient showerheads. Their commercial division sells directly to retailers and contractors. Moen manufactures ultra low-flow showerheads as well, which they sell directly to contractors and retailers.

Find a wholesale or discount supplier for larger low flow showerhead orders

If you expect high demand for energy-saving showerheads among your customers, discount wholesale suppliers can often help you fill your orders on time and with some savings. These larger companies can also usually handle larger commercial requests and many can put you in touch with suppliers for special orders, as well.

I recommend: Auburn Supply Company is a family business that has specialized in wholesale plumbing supplies for more than six decades. Their impressive low-flow showerheads list includes models from American Standard, Gerber and Toto fixtures, including low-flow showerheads. Niagara Conservation offers wholesale and discount bulk purchasing on their energy-saving Earth Massage 1.5 gpm (gallons per minute) or 2.0 gpm showerheads.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Low flow showerheads work by forcing water through very small apertures, which aerates and speeds up the water flow, resulting in a pleasant shower that uses less water. Most models calculate gallons of water used per minute. While traditional showerheads use three to four gallons or more per minute, low-flow models use two or less gallons per minute. To provide customers with additional savings, find low-flow showerheads that come with a push-button that can temporarily shut off water during a shower (such as when the shower user is soaping up).