With the rising concerns of natural resources and cost of utility consumption, many homeowners are more aware of the beneficial gain when it comes to “going green”. Whether you are looking to save some cash or simply want to do your part in the economy, there are some tips you can apply to your home to help in your greener plumbing efforts. Green plumbing involves recycling water, reducing water usage and making use of sustainable resources. With that in mind, we at Orsack Plumbing have some ideas to help you conserve water and save money on utility bills.
Green Plumbing Ideas
1) Reduce amount water use going down the drain. Simply by slowing down the water that flows from your faucets and showerheads can significantly increase your savings. Less water is used in an effort to conserve our water supply and your water usage drops, saving you some cash every month. You can reduce the water use up to 60% by switching to the fixtures designed to restrict excessive water flow. If you still want to reap the benefits of reducing the volume of water used but keep the faucets and showerheads you love, you can install a faucet flow reducer on your existing faucets; reducing your water usage up to 40%.
2) Water heater cleaning or upgrading. The water heater contributes to 12% of your power bill, falling in after heating and cooling costs. Not only can you save on the electric bill, but you also do your part concerning the carbon footprint when you address the needs of your water heater. If your system is older than 15 years, a replacement should be considered. Typically, water heaters only last 15-20 years and investing in tankless water heater with the latest technological advances can save you a substantial amount. If the water tank is less than 15 years old, periodically flush the sediment out of the tank will give it an efficiency boost.
3) Insulating pipes. The pipes experience significant heat loss when not properly insulated in addition to the heat reduction that is compounded the further the fixture is from the water heater. When the outside air is cooler, the temperature from the water heater is also impacted. Ensure the pipes are well insulated.
4) Fix water leaks as soon as possible. Running toilets and other seemingly minor leaks can waste hundreds of gallons of water per day. Over 3,000 gallons of water per year are wasted from a single dripping faucet. Leaks that do not get fixed immediately waste valuable water, increase water bills, and can produce mold that can impact your health and rapidly decay the structure of your home; resulting in excessive restoration costs. If you currently have leaks on the interior and exterior of your abode, be sure to get hem fixed as soon as possible and future leaks need to be repaired as they happen.
5) Reduce water used in a toilet flush. Replacing your toilets with the low-flush toilets is a return investment. The savings on water usage and your bill will more than pay for the upgrades and you will do your part in reserving our water supply.
Plumbing Inspections, Work & More in Spring, The Woodlands, Magnolia, Montgomery & Conroe Texas
If you need any assistance in getting your home up to par with greener plumbing options, contact Orsack Plumbing and let our experts make the repairs and replacements you need to conserve water and money.
