Tips for a Greener Home Plumbing System
Going green is all the rage these days. With spring about to arrive, thoughts of flowers, fresh air, and Mother Nature is on everyone’s mind. So, why not be a little greener this Earth Day by making the plumbing more eco-friendly? There are plenty of ways for a home’s plumbing to be improved. Eco-friendly fixtures, upgraded pipes, and even the water heater all play a role in making the home’s plumbing system greener. Keep reading to discover three great places to start saving money and be more earth-friendly!
Install The Right Pipes for the Job
Not every pipe is made to do the same job. Sure, every kind of pipe directs the flow of water and other fluids through the home. But most people don’t know that some pipes are made specifically for hot water while others are better suited for cold water. For example, pipes made of PEX or Copper are better at handling high temperatures, whereas PVC pipes are better suited for cold water.
Using the correct type of pipe for the right job improves the home’s plumbing and energy efficiency. An expert plumber will be able to tell if a home’s pipes are doing their job correctly and make changes to the system as needed.
Install an Eco-Friendly Toilet
Toilets are a major source of water waste in a home. Toilets older than 1992 flush between 3 and 7 gallons of water at a time. Newer toilets flush only about 1.5 gallons. When it comes to saving water and saving money, installing a new toilet is the answer.
Newer toilets come in many different shapes, sizes, and models. For extra cost-efficiency and eco-friendly features, homeowners can choose to have a “low-flow” toilet installed. Low flow toilets use even less water than generic modern counterparts at just 1.3 gallons a flush. Low-flow toilets can save over 13,000 gallons of water a year for an average home.
Of course, installing a new toilet can be a real pain, and most homeowners would rather not deal with the hassle. An expert plumber can get a new toilet installed in just a matter of hours. It's even possible to convert a standard model toilet into a dual-flush toilet- another eco-friendly option.
Install an Energy-Efficient Water Heaters
Water heaters are often the second largest energy draining appliance in the home. They also have a limited lifespan, with the average water heater lasting less than two decades a home’s water before needing replacement. The older the heater, the less efficient it is. Additionally, different types of water heaters are more efficient than others.
- Conventional Tanked Water Heaters: Tanked water heaters are the old standard for water heaters. Tanked heaters store water and constantly reheat the water to have a steady supply on hand. Because of the constant reheating, the energy costs are higher. However, newer conventional tanked water heaters are more efficient than older ones.
- Tankless Water Heaters: Tankless water heaters heat water on demand. They also take up less space. A home that installs a tankless water heater can be up 30% more energy-efficient than a home with a conventional heater.
- Geothermal Heat Pump Water Heaters: Geothermal Heat Pumps use the heat from underground to warm the water of a home. Because they use a naturally occurring heat source, they are exceptionally energy-efficient and eco-friendly. However, they can be expensive to install and retrofit homes to work with.
- Solar Water Heaters: Solar water heaters use solar panels to collect energy that will heat the water. These heaters can be used anywhere the sun shines, making them easily added to a home and eco-friendly.
Homeowners can fill their hot water needs and make their home greener by installing a new ENERGY STAR rated water heater, choosing a water-efficient toilet, and making sure their home’s pipes are up to the job with the help of an expert plumber!
About Knight Plumbing, Inc.
Keeping their Milwaukee clients safe and comfortable is what Knight Plumbing, Inc. is all about. Their team is ready to take on any plumbing situation using innovative technology to handle everyday plumbing situations. Their technicians treat their customers’ homes like their own, leaving everything better than they found it after a job well done. Give them a call for expert plumbing services in Milwaukee today!