Green plumbing refers to plumbing or plumbing systems that use less water, less energy, or fewer additives such as chemicals or disinfectants. The benefits of going green for plumbing extend beyond cost savings to reduce your carbon footprint and protect the health of you and your family. To take full advantage of these benefits, you need to identify the causes of your existing plumbing issues and install new solutions that incorporate eco-friendly practices. Luckily, green plumbing doesn't have to be difficult or cost more. In the majority of cases, making minor adjustments to your plumbing system will go a long way toward reducing water usage and increasing efficiency. Here are some helpful tips to get started:
One of the easiest ways to reduce water usage is to replace your standard flush toilets with low-flow models. There are many low-flow toilet models on the market today; however, it’s recommended that you install a dual-flush toilet for best results. DUAL-FLOW TOTO TITANIUM: This dual-flush toilet has a standard 3.5 gallon flush and an extra-long 15 gallon flush. This option is a good choice for households with a high water usage, as the 15-gallon flush can save you up to 20 gallons of water per day.
Aerators are small devices that are installed inside the drains of your home. They are responsible for removing small solids and other materials that could potentially clog your pipes. If your home has a high water usage, it may be helpful to install an aerator on your drains. These devices work best in homes with high water usage, removing up to 80 percent of the water from entering the pipes. If you have hard water, you may also want to consider installing a water softener.
If water from your faucets is exposed to the sun, it can be exposed to solar UV light. This can be particularly beneficial for outdoor faucets as it can help to reduce bacteria, bad smells, and residue build-up. Many people choose to install UV light systems in their home’s plumbing, which is a good choice for households with pets and children. In cases where the UV light is installed on an outdoor faucet, it can prevent the growth of algae and bacteria that can be found in standing water.
If your home uses a septic tank and/or a sewer system, you may want to consider installing a mains filter. These filters are responsible for removing chemicals, micro-organisms, and other debris from your sewage before it reaches the main sewage line. If you have a septic tank and are on a septic system, you’ll want to make sure that you’re using the correct amount of chemicals. Many people use too much, which can lead to an over-loaded sewage system and an expensive repair.
Many people overlook the impact of their HVAC system on their water usage. The average air conditioner can account for up to 10 percent of a household’s water usage. There are a few ways to reduce your HVAC’s impact on water usage. To start, you can increase the amount of insulation in your home. This can help to reduce the amount of heat lost from the house and increase the efficiency of your HVAC system. You can also lower the temperature in your home during peak usage hours. A 10 degree drop in temperature can reduce your daily water usage by 10 percent.
There are many benefits to going green for plumbing, including reduced water usage, lower carbon footprint, and better indoor air quality. The first step to going green for plumbing is to identify the issues in your home and what needs to be changed. Next, you can replace your old pipes with eco-friendly options, install low-flow toilets, add an aerator to your drains, add UV light to your water supply and outdoor faucets, install a mains filter in your sewer, change your HVAC system to run more efficiently, and more.