I usually stick to a simple rule: spend more on stuff that directly affects water or energy use. Learned this after my "eco-friendly" but cheap showerhead cracked in 6 months... ended up wasting water and money. Lesson learned, lol.
"Learned this after my 'eco-friendly' but cheap showerhead cracked in 6 months... ended up wasting water and money."
Had something similar happen with a kitchen faucet. Bought a budget-friendly "water-saving" model, thinking I was being smart. Two months later, it started dripping non-stop—probably wasted more water than it ever saved. Makes me wonder if cheaper eco stuff is ever really worth it long-term...
I've had mixed experiences with budget eco-fixtures too, but I don't think it's fair to dismiss them all outright. Got a low-priced water-saving showerhead about three years back and it's still going strong—no leaks or cracks yet. Maybe the key is checking reviews and brands carefully rather than just going for the cheapest option labeled "eco-friendly." Sometimes spending just a little extra gets you better quality without breaking the bank. Also, installation matters... learned that the hard way when my DIY faucet replacement started dripping after a month. Had a plumber redo it properly, and no issues since. So maybe it's not always the product itself that's faulty? Just something to consider before writing off affordable eco-friendly options completely.
Totally agree that installation plays a huge role. I've been renting out a few properties for years, and I've seen tenants complain about fixtures I knew were decent quality, only to find out the install was rushed or sloppy. Once redone properly, zero complaints since. You're right though—reviews can be lifesavers when choosing budget-friendly eco stuff. I've had a few cheap fixtures outperform pricier ones just because I spent ten extra minutes checking ratings beforehand. Glad your showerhead is holding up well! Gives me hope for my next round of replacements...
Had a similar experience with a kitchen faucet last year. Thought I'd save some cash by having my handyman install it—big mistake. Tenants complained about leaks within weeks, and I ended up paying double to get a plumber in to fix the mess. Lesson learned: even decent fixtures can turn into money pits if the install isn't spot-on. Now I just bite the bullet upfront and hire someone who knows their stuff...cheaper in the long run.
