As a homeowner, focusing on sustainability can be very important. This doesn’t just help to protect the environment; you’ll also end up with a lighter utility bill at the end of every month. There are many sectors you can focus on to make your home eco-friendlier. But in this guide, we will look at the plumbing sector specifically. So, which plumbing tips can make your home more sustainable? Read on!
1. Deal with water leaks
Water leaks may not look like much of a big deal, but over the course of a year, they can lead to the waste of over 10,000 gallons of water. Failing to fix these leaks can also cause damage to water fixtures and surrounding surfaces. Similarly, mould can start to grow thanks to water leaks, and you’ll eventually have to deal with health hazards.
The good thing is that it can be very easy to fix most leaks. Just monitor your water bills to make sure you spot the non-obvious leaks.
2. Insulate your pipes
Ever used a hot water shower or tap? Then you’ve probably noticed that it can take a while for the water to properly heat up. This usually happens because of poor pipe insulation. This can make it harder for the water to maintain its temperature as it travels through the pipes. The result is that you’ll waste a lot of water waiting for it to properly warm up. So, what’s the solution? One way of insulating your pipes is to wrap fibreglass around the hot water supply pipe. But it’s better to contact a professional plumber to handle the process.
3. Upgrade your toilets
Most water faucets, toilets, and showers allow more water flow than is needed. The amount of water wasted through toilets is especially huge. Many countries have even had to enact legislation to require new homes to get low-flow toilets. If your house was built before the 1990s and still has its old toilets, you’ll be surprised to learn that you can save up to 50% on your water bill just by switching to modern toilets.
4. Install low-flow showerheads
You should also get your plumber to install low-flow showerheads. These can save up to 40% on your energy bill. Make an effort to also educate the members of your family on the importance of taking shorter showers.
5. Replace your water heating unit
The other thing you can do to make your home eco-friendly is to replace your water heating unit, especially if yours is very old. Newer models are generally more energy-efficient. You should especially consider picking tankless water heaters as they only boil water when needed. Another great option is the heat pump water heater. Instead of generating heat, this type of heater moves heat from one place to another.
6. Treat your water in an eco-friendly manner
The way you treat your water can have a major impact on the quality and safety of your water. This is because the chemicals and elements you use will eventually find their way to the groundwater. Be careful whenever you flush water down the drain as well. Harsh chemicals or tough food waste should never be disposed of through the toilet.
Similarly, you should consider working with a plumber whenever you get a clogged toilet. They’ll know the best products to use to prevent contaminating the groundwater. As an extra advantage, the products they use will be gentler and won’t contribute to the damage to your pipes, drains, and septic tank.
7. Install motion sensor faucets
Technology can help you significantly lower your water consumption. With motion sensors, you can save as much as 50% on your water bill. The benefit of this technology is that it only turns the water on when needed. As an example, you won’t need to keep the water running while you brush your teeth or wash your face. The water will simply be available as soon as you put your hands in position. Another advantage of motion sensor faucets is that they are a lot more hygienic compared to regular taps.
8. Hire a plumber for regular maintenance
Inefficiencies in your water systems can be hard to detect as they develop slowly. By hiring a plumber for regular maintenance, you’ll be able to spot issues long before they significantly increase your water bill. It’s also worth noting that damages in your systems can be easier to fix if they are spotted earlier, and this can save you the trouble of replacing the parts entirely.
Conclusion
Creating an eco-friendly home helps to protect one of the most important resources in the world: water. To lower water waste, you should fix water leaks, install low-flow faucets and showerheads, insulate your pipes, and install motion sensor faucets. Be sure to also upgrade your water heater to the most efficient units. To avoid costly repairs, it is equally important to hire a plumber for regular maintenance of your water systems.
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