A month ago, I installed the combination of an Evolve ShowerStart® TSV and Niagara Conservation Rainfall Spa Showerhead in my shower. My apartment already had an efficient showerhead installed, but I wanted something providing a little more coverage and warmth and I wanted to try the ShowerStart® TSV to see how easy it was to install and use. Based on this first month of use, here are my top three takeaways.
- Installing showerheads is really easy. Full disclosure, I’ve never replaced a showerhead before this mini bathroom improvement project. I learned that with the help of an adjustable or Crescent Wrench, it’s simple to unscrew the old model and screw on your new one. I installed both the ShowerStart® TSV and Rainfall Spa Showerhead at the same time. I first applied the plumbers tape to the ShowerStart® TSV and then screwed it onto the showerhead. I then stood in the shower and installed the combined piece to the existing shower arm. One bonus lesson learned, sometimes righty-tighty lefty-loosey can be backwards when you’re installing plumbing products. This took me a minute to realize, but as soon as I started spinning the fixture to the left, it went on easily. I adjusted the ShowerStart® cord to my liking and turned on the shower to test my work. I was ready to go!
- My shower heats up quickly! According to our research, showers typically get hot and ready for bathing in about a minute. If you’re like me, you’re not standing next to the shower watching the time or standing there with your hand under the water to know when the temperature is just right. Before installing the TSV my get-ready-routine consisted of turning the water on, brushing out my hair, taking out my earrings, taking off my watch, and returning to check the water temperature. With the TSV installed I’m discovering my shower’s actually ready before I’m even done brushing my hair! The ShowerStart® TSV engages it’s Hot Shower Standby mode in less than 20 seconds. So fast! To me, the ShowerStart® TSV is almost like setting the preheat on your oven. Instead of hearing a ding, you hear the water slow to a trickle and you know your shower is ready to go. I pull the cord and my Rainfall Spa Showerhead is at full flow, nice and toasty. Saving water, and all the energy used to heat it is that simple and convenient.
- Not a Single Change to my Routine. I’m a lifelong tree hugger. I used to collect plastic water bottles after my youth soccer games to make sure they were recycled. When I learned to drive a manual transmission, I thought I was awesome because I could put the clutch in and coast down hills to save gas. Two places I won’t focus on reducing my footprint, paper towels (I’ve tried the alternatives, and I can’t help but go back to the wonder that are paper towels) and my shower. I hate being cold and love full coverage with plenty of hot water. I’m here to report that using the ShowerStart® TSV with an efficient showerhead meets all my expectations. My shower is steamy, the water pressure is strong and comfortable, and I don’t feel like I’m having to sacrifice anything. I know that by using the ShowerStart® TSV I’m saving about 1 -2 gallons in what we call “Warm-Up Waste” or the water that is used before I get into the shower, but I don’t feel any changes to my showering experience.
If you’re in a home or apartment where you feel like you or your family or roommates let the water run on and on before actually starting your shower, the ShowerStart® TSV can help lower your water use and energy costs with a simple 5-minute installation. Visit our Water category to explore these two products for yourself – you won’t be disappointed!