A lot of people overlook the fact that plumbing offers a great opportunity to go green. Many people automatically think about solar panels and smart home thermostat systems when it comes to domestic energy efficiency and neglect water, which is one of the most precious natural resources of all.
That is why there is tons of room for improvement in your plumbing system. Green plumbing can save you money, it is better for the environment, and it could even make for a healthier home.
In the following article, we will go over some of the ways you can go green with your plumbing.
Water Filtration
Our first tip can not only save you money in the long run but can also improve your and your family’s health. Installing a whole-house water filtration system can remove harmful chemicals, particulate matter, bacteria and other trace minerals that can be detrimental.
Even if you don’t plan on using tap water as drinking water, water filtration systems can help if you have hard water. Softening your water can extend the life of your appliances and improves its consistency. If you have been noticing that your skin feels dry or irritated after a shower, hard water may be to blame.
Plus:
If you do plan on using your tap water as drinking water, a built-in filtration system will make it much healthier and more refreshing.
Low Flow Appointments
Most people think of toilets when they hear the phrase “low flow”. But did you know that they also make low flow showerheads and faucets? Low flow bathroom appointments are a quick and affordable way to maximize water efficiency.
You will not need to sacrifice anything in the way of water pressure either. Modern faucets and showerheads are designed to be water-efficient and deliver high pressure. Adding low flow appliances to your home can boost its resale value too.
Indoor Piping
If you are building a new home from the ground up and are looking to go as green as possible, consider piping that is exclusively indoors. The problem with pipes that are routed to outdoor areas is that a lot of heat escapes them that way.
As your hot water travels from the source (your water heater) to its destination (your faucets, showers, appliances, etc.) heat may escape in transit. This means your water heater will have to work extra hard and more water will be wasted as it is cycled through; costing you more money on your water and heating bill, not to mention possibly shortening the lifespan of your water heater.
Calling a plumber for indoor piping is ideal for green plumbing systems. If this is not a viable option for you, consider insulated piping which also helps to prevent heat escaping through pipes.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters are made for heating and water efficiency. They are much better than traditional water heaters because they don’t require a reservoir tank in which water is stored and heated periodically.
Instead:
Water is fed through a tankless water heater and is heated as it passes through it only when a hot water faucet or appliance is turned on.
Low Flow Toilets
According to Dallas plumbers, older toilets use 3.6 gallons of water with each flush on average. That is a lot of water when you consider how many times a day your toilets are being flushed. This figure is compounded when you consider all the people under your roof who are using the facilities.
Low flow toilets, on the other hand, need only 1.6 gallons of water per flush, so installing them in your home can automatically cut your water bill by more than half.
While the initial investment into low flow toilets may be a bit steep, it’s one option that yields immediate savings and, in the long-term, you stand to save a ton. What’s more, low flow toilets can also boost your home’s resale value.
High-Efficiency Appliances
Nowadays appliance manufacturers are working to meet the demands of a newly eco-conscious market. That means there is a wealth of high-efficiency appliances to choose from. These include water-efficient dishwashing machines and water-efficient clothes washers.
Again, you may be a bit reluctant to replace your working appliances just for the sake of higher efficiency but as time has passed, high-efficiency appliances have newer dropped significantly in price.
A Better Choice All-Around
Whether you want to do your part for the environment or just want to save money, going green with your plumbing should not be overlooked. It offers a rare opportunity to be mutually beneficial to the Earth and your wallet. Use these tips for small ways that you can go green with your plumbing.
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