Did you know that, on average, the world’s population wastes 1.7 trillion gallons of water annually? And an average American household uses up to 140 gallons of water daily? That’s a lot of water being consumed and wasted – not good news for +our planet.
But there is a light at the end of the tunnel. From recycling to monitoring our carbon footprint, people are waking up to more sustainable ways of living.
If you want to create a more energy-efficient home, here are some eco-friendly plumbing tips to help you get started.
Help Save the Environment With Your Toilet
Let’s face it, how many times do you flush your toilet a day? Five times? Ten times? The fact is, each flush uses between 3.5 to 7 gallons of water. That’s a lot of water wastage in one day.
However, upgrading to a WaterSense toilet with a flush of only 1.68 gallons reduces your household water wastage and saves as much as $140 on your water bills.
And the good news is that some WaterSense-certified products come with rebates available. So you can save the environment while also saving your pennies.[1]
Use Less Energy
Modern toilets offer many different ways of saving energy. For example, a dual flush toilet has double buttons or levers, allowing you to choose between a short flush or a longer, more powerful flush.
There are many different types of low-flow toilets available, from gravity-powered flushes to higher-velocity flushes. The less water used when you flush, the better for the environment.
Install a Toilet Water Saver
If changing your toilet system isn’t possible, try saving water using a water hippo. These small but clever contraptions sit in the cistern and lessen the amount of water used when you flush.
The Right Pipes Matter
Home plumbing systems don’t just carry fresh water. And if your pipes are low-quality, they could leak wastewater contaminants into the soil. Picking the correct piping for your home is kinder to the environment (and saves you money by avoiding costly leaks and repairs).
Durable is Best
While toilets and sinks are visible parts of a plumbing system, the pipes are essentially more important. Pipes need to transport water safely and without causing damage to your home or the soil. High-quality piping, like PEX, uses less energy when heating water and protects the ground from contaminants.
Use Pipe Insulation
Insulating your pipes is an eco-friendly way to make your home more comfortable, save money, and reduce your carbon footprint.
When hot water flows through pipes, it releases heat energy. More energy is required to maintain the heat, so more greenhouse gases flow into the environment.
Adding a layer of insulation prevents heat loss by up to 40% and protects pipes from freezing in cold temperatures – an eco-friendly way to protect your home from damaging leaks and bursts.
Go Green and Switch to Eco-Friendly Plumbing Fixtures
Being more eco-friendly needn’t be expensive or time-consuming. Here are two simple plumbing upgrades that’ll contribute to saving the environment.
Change Your Showerhead
There’s no doubt that switching from bathing to showering saves water. But did you know that switching from a traditional showerhead to a low-flow system can save up to 0.7 gallons of water per minute? That soon adds up over time.
And you don’t have to compromise on pressure or spray force. WaterSense products are all certified according to strict regulations and standards. It’s a simple eco-friendly change that positively impacts your energy bills.
Try Eco-Friendly Faucets
It isn’t only your showerhead you can change. One of the simplest plumbing switches is your faucets. Replacing older models with newer automatic or low-flow versions is a great way to save water and help the environment.
How To Clear Your Drains
Plumbing maintenance not only saves you on repair bills but also helps keep the environment healthy.
A DIY Drain Clearing Solution
Did you know baking soda and white vinegar offer an eco-friendlier alternative to chemical drain cleaners? That’s right, these two store cupboard items fizz and bubble when mixed together.
Place them in your drains, and the effervescent effect helps clear away any debris. A handy hint – remember to wash away with boiling water after every treatment.
Book Professional Plumbing Inspections
To be one hundred percent sure your drains and pipes are in good working order, it’s best to get in the professionals. Drain maintenance needs to be carried out every 30-60 days. You can trust the team at Moore Home Experts to keep your home plumbing in perfect working order.
Shifting towards eco-friendly plumbing makes sense for the planet and your finances. At Moore Home Services, our experts are here to help you make the right choices for your home. So contact us today, and let’s work together to build a more sustainable future.
Change Your Showerhead