- Seen this play out too many times—city hands out rebates for “efficient” fixtures, but the stuff they approve is bottom-shelf.
- I’ve had clients call me back within a year because their “eco” faucet started leaking or the cartridge failed.
- Honestly, I’d rather pay a bit more upfront for something that’ll last a decade, not just until the next inspection.
- Curious if anyone’s actually seen a city program that factors in durability, not just water use? Or is it all about the numbers on paper...
Haven’t seen a city program that really weighs durability, to be honest. Most rebate lists I’ve come across just focus on flow rates and certifications. It’s frustrating—cheap fixtures might save water on paper, but if they fail early, it’s a waste all around. I’d rather see incentives for proven brands or even require a minimum warranty period. Otherwise, it feels like we’re just cycling through landfill fodder every couple years...
- Can’t agree more about the durability issue.
- I’ve swapped out “city-approved” low-flow showerheads twice in three years—both times, internal seals failed and caused leaks.
- Honestly, I’m willing to pay extra upfront for something with solid brass construction or a 10-year warranty.
- Curious if anyone’s seen any city actually audit long-term performance before approving rebates? Or is it all just about initial specs and certifications...
- Feels like we’re incentivizing landfill waste instead of real efficiency sometimes.
WHAT IF YOUR CITY PAID YOU TO USE LESS WATER?
You nailed it—most of these “approved” fixtures are just cheap plastic with a sticker slapped on. I’ve seen clients swap out city-rebated stuff within a year because it’s leaking or just feels flimsy. The rebate programs rarely look at what happens after install; it’s all about ticking boxes for flow rate and certifications. Honestly, if cities cared about real savings, they’d push for quality hardware that actually lasts. Otherwise, we’re just trading water waste for landfill waste... doesn’t make much sense.
Otherwise, we’re just trading water waste for landfill waste... doesn’t make much sense.
That’s the part that gets me too. I’ve put in a bunch of those “approved” fixtures, and half the time I end up replacing them way sooner than the old-school stuff. It’s weird how the rebates focus on numbers and not what actually works long-term. Like, what’s the point if you have to toss a low-flow showerhead every year because it cracks or gets clogged?
I wonder if cities could partner with brands that actually make durable hardware. Or maybe offer a bigger rebate for folks who buy higher-quality stuff, even if it costs more up front. Has anyone seen a city do that? I’d rather get a smaller rebate on something that’ll last ten years than a freebie that’s landfill in eighteen months.
Also, sometimes I just retrofit the old fixtures with better aerators or gaskets. Not as flashy, but they last way longer. Anyone else try that route?
