How To Make Your Plumbing System More Eco-Friendly This Earth Day
Earth Day is nearly here, and there are countless ways to celebrate. Some people like to plant a tree or start composting, while others set up a carpool system with their coworkers or pledge to start riding their bikes more to reduce carbon emissions. For homeowners, one of the best ways to honor Earth Day and help the environment is to make eco-friendly upgrades to the home - and there’s no better place to start than the plumbing system!
A typical home’s plumbing system and all of its fixtures and appliances can have a major impact on a household’s overall energy and water usage. And in many homes, these fixtures may be so old and outdated that homeowners waste huge amounts of water and energy without even realizing it. So this article will share some of the most powerful upgrades homeowners can make for a greener, more eco-friendly plumbing system!
Water-Saving Plumbing Fixtures
When it comes to upgrading plumbing fixtures, water conservation is the name of the game. The EPA gives its “WaterSense” label to fixtures that meet a certain water efficiency standard. For instance, the current federal standard for toilets is 1.6 gallons per flush (GPF), but today’s water-saving toilets can use as little as 1.28 GPF on average - a 20% decrease! And since toilets account for the vast majority of water usage in a typical home, upgrading the toilets can reduce water consumption dramatically.
While they may consume less water than toilets individually, other fixtures can greatly impact water usage. Installing low-flow showerheads, for example, can save multiple gallons of water on each shower, which can add up over time. Today’s models are designed to simulate high water pressure through aeration or other methods, so homeowners can save water without sacrificing water pressure.
Low-flow faucets have similar benefits, but homeowners can take it further by installing touchless faucets. These are motion-activated, so the water will shut off automatically when not actively used, further improving water savings. And whether it’s a touchless kitchen faucet or a touchless bathroom faucet, these can also help stop the spread of germs and bacteria for a healthier home!
Energy-Efficient Appliances
Of course, one can’t discuss eco-friendly plumbing fixtures without mentioning appliances like laundry machines, dishwashers, and water heaters. Manufacturers are constantly improving these appliances to make them more efficient regarding water and energy usage. The most energy-efficient models will bear the EPA’s and Dept. of Energy’s “EnergyStar” label.
Energy-saving water heaters (traditional or tankless) can reduce energy costs significantly since the water heater tends to be one of the biggest energy consumers in an average home. High-efficiency washing machines and dishwashers can save water and electricity, helping homeowners lower their utility bills and do their part in helping the environment.
How Water Pipes Can Affect Efficiency
It should be clear how upgrading the plumbing system’s fixtures and appliances can save water and energy - but what about the water pipes themselves? Many homeowners may lose significant water and energy through outdated or improperly maintained water supply pipes.
Regarding the nitty-gritty, everything from pipe material and diameter to the piping layout can affect energy efficiency. These concerns are more important in industrial settings, where larger pipes and pump systems are used, but many of these principles still apply to individual homes.
For instance, materials like galvanized steel and copper are more susceptible to heat loss and corrosion, so upgrading to PEX piping may be a good way to improve water heating efficiency and prevent leaks. Likewise, insulating water supply lines (both hot and cold) can prevent heat loss and reduce the risk of bursts and leaks due to freezing. So to make sure their water pipes are as energy-efficient as possible and don’t have any hidden leaks that are wasting water, homeowners would do well to have their plumbing systems inspected annually by a professional plumber to determine what kinds of repairs or upgrades may be necessary to improve efficiency!
About All Clear Plumbing
The family-owned and operated All Clear Plumbing has proudly served the Belleville community since 1952. As a highly-rated local plumber with an A+ BBB rating, they are proud to offer competitive up-front pricing, 24/7 emergency service, and a money-saving membership program. Their punctual, friendly technicians are all licensed, insured, background-checked, and drug-tested, so homeowners know they’re in good hands when they call All Clear for plumbing services in Belleville, NJ!
