Want to Help Save the Environment? Try These Simple Eco-Friendly Plumbing Tips
Climate change and environmental issues are hot topics, and we should all do our bit to live greener lifestyles. Of course, you probably already recycle and think about your carbon footprint as you do your bit to save the environment. But have you ever considered more energy-efficient home plumbing?
Being eco-friendly within your home is a good thing. It’s great for the environment and helps you save money on energy bills in the long run.
So if this is something you’re interested in getting started with, here are our top eco-friendly ways to help improve the plumbing in your home.
Upgrade To An Eco-Friendly Toilet With Reduced Water Usage
We all need to go to the bathroom. But how many of us think about how much water we use when doing so?
If you’re working on your bathroom or need plumbing work on your toilet, the best thing to do is to upgrade to a low-flow system. Not only is it friendly to the environment, but it also saves you money on your water bills.
Even better, choosing an eco-friendly toilet with the WaterSense certification could make you eligible for a rebate.
Less Energy Usage
There are other models of energy-efficient toilets available other than low-flow. For example, a power flush toilet uses pressurized air to wash away waste. And a dual flush allows you to select between a shorter or more powerful longer flush. However, they all save energy.
Speak to your local plumbing professional to find out which is the best system for your home.
Toilet Water Saver
Installing a water hippo is a simple but effective way to reduce the water you use. These devices sit in the toilet’s cistern and lessen the water used per flush.
Pick the Right Pipes
Some low-grade pipes can cause soil and groundwater contamination, which can be costly to clean up and bad for the environment. Picking the right pipes helps protect your home while saving the planet.
Opt for Durable
Longer-lasting pipes mean less chance of causing leakage into the soil. Equally, choosing an environmentally-friendly piping, like PEX, means you’ll conserve water and energy. Even better, the manufacture of PEX piping doesn’t take natural resources from the Earth—an eco-friendly choice for your plumbing system.[1]
Insulate Pipes to Save Energy
Heating water up in uninsulated pipes takes longer – meaning you use more energy, which is bad for the environment and costly for your bank balance. However, adding a water jacket to your boiler and insulation around pipes can reduce heat loss by up to 40%.
Eco-Friendly Plumbing Fixtures
Ready to be more eco-friendly? Here are two easy changes you can start with today.
Change Showerheads
Traditional showerheads use a lot of water, up to 2.5 gallons per minute. In contrast, a low-flow showerhead reduces this to 1.8 gallons – a small but significant difference.
Choose from an aerated showerhead that mixes air with water to create a spray, or if you prefer individual jets of water, opt for a laminar flow.
Changing your showerhead is an easy way to reduce energy and help the environment. Low-flow showerheads are inexpensive and save you money in the long run with lower energy bills.
Use Eco-Friendly Faucets
Changing to eco-friendly faucets means that you’ll contribute less to greenhouse gas emissions by using less energy. That’s because low-flow and automatic faucets reduce the amount of water used, which can only be a good thing for the environment.
You’ll also save money on your water bill – especially if you forget to turn your faucets off when brushing your teeth or cleaning the bathroom.
Clear Your Drains Regularly
Help the environment by being proactive with your plumbing maintenance.
DIY Drain Cleaning
Cleaning your drains every 30-60 days is an effective and easy way to prevent pollutants from causing problems. And an eco-friendly way to keep drains flowing fully and smelling sweet is to use a homemade mix of baking soda, white vinegar, and boiling water.
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Pour the baking soda, followed by the white vinegar, down the drain and use the boiling water to wash it away. Cover the drain while the mixture bubbles, then wash away with more boiling water.
Book Professional Inspections
Blocked drains can be a real pain, especially when they lead to leaks and burst pipes. Scheduling professional inspections with your local plumbers will prevent any environmental drain disasters from happening in the future.
Ready to start your eco-friendly plumbing journey? Bell Brothers are here to help. Contact us today, and let’s work together to create a more sustainable future for the environment.