With so much talk about the environment these days and what ordinary people can do to help make a difference, it’s no surprise that the topic of green plumbing comes up a lot. We all have plumbing systems in our homes, and it is one area where homeowners can make a few adjustments to help the environment and save some money, too.
Here are some tips that will point you in the right direction:
Get to Those Leaky Faucets
It may sound like a slow and insignificant “drip, drip, drip” coming from your faucets, but it can add up over time. In fact, just one faucet that produces one drip every second will waste almost 19 litres of water per day and close to 7,000 litres over the course of a year. If you notice any of your faucets leaking, take the time to fix them or get a professional to do it and save water and money on your bills. For hidden leaks, you can also purchase a leak monitoring device that will let you know anytime there is a leak in the house.
Break Out the Plunger
Over the counter chemical drain cleaners may be convenient, but they can also be harsh on the environment and your pipes. A good solution is to use a standard plunger whenever possible to break the clog loose. You can also install inexpensive screens in sinks, tubs, and showers to prevent clogs from happening at all.
Energy Efficient Appliances
Appliances like washing machines and dishwashers that have Energy Star ratings are generally more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Using these machines is a green plumbing idea that more and more homeowners are taking advantage of to save on water and energy bills and help the environment at the same time.
Protect Your Pipes
Most homeowners don’t think about the heat loss that occurs when pipes in exterior walls are unprotected, but it can happen as hot water flows from your tank to your faucets, which is especially true if you live in a place with cold winters. By insulating these pipes with inexpensive foam insulation, you can prevent this energy loss and save on your utility bills.
Consider Going Tankless
Having a tankless water heater installed is a green plumbing tip that will help the environment and your bank account, not to mention make your life a lot more convenient. These units are also known as ‘on demand’ water heaters because they only produce hot water when you need it. No tank is filled with water that must be heated all the time, so after the initial installation, you will save money each month.
Low Flush and Low Flow
Low flush toilets and low flow tubs and showers are great ways to conserve water without affecting the performance of your everyday fixtures. Sometimes, you may be able to reduce your water consumption by up to 40 percent, which is significant for the environment and your water bills.
Harvest Rainwater and Grey Water
Collecting water for plants, grass, and gardens that isn’t coming fresh from your plumbing system is a valuable green plumbing tip that can also save you money. Harvesting rainwater in your backyard with a rain barrel or two, or using grey water from tubs, showers, and sinks for your backyard needs will make a big difference over time.
It’s no secret that most of us can do more when it comes to green plumbing, and by following these tips you can help make a big difference. For expert plumbing services that always produce great results, get in touch with us at Marco Plumbing today.