Plumbing tips to make your home greener

We could all stand to be a little more environmentally friendly, and in the process you usually save some money on your water bill and cut down on unnecessary waste.

Not only will green plumbing lower utility costs in the long run, but it will certainly make your home and the environment healthier.

Being green has never been easier!

     Avoid overly hot water

Try not to use extremely hot water. Lower the temperature of your water heater to avoid overusing the energy it takes to heat the water. This will also decrease the cost of your energy bill.

Invest in energy efficient appliances  for greener plumbing

Low-flow showers and faucets can reduce home water usage by as much as 60%. Less hot water is good for the environment and your water bills!

Flushing your toilet accounts for the single biggest water draw in your home, to the tune of about 28 gallons of water per person, per day. A typical low-flush toilet uses anywhere from two to five times less water per flush.

Energy-efficient dishwashers and clothes washers can reduce water consumption at these appliances by as much as 50%.

 Insulate pipes  

Uninsulated pipes in exterior walls may be susceptible to heat loss as they travel through your home. Insulate your pipes to cut down on water waste by reducing the amount of time you have to wait for warm water, and reduce energy costs from your water tank heater.

Pipes can easily burst or become completely useless when they freeze. Turn off the valve leading to your garden hose and look into other ways to avoid frozen pipes. Leaving your home for a holiday or longer period? Turn the water off for the entire home.

 Upgrade your water heater 

Older water heaters tend to be less efficient than newer models. If your water heater is more than 10 years old, you might be wasting energy to keep your water warm.

Heating water accounts for 15% of most household energy use and new heaters help to cut this number down. New water heaters are designed to reduce energy use. They work by efficiently using the combustion process that heats water so that as much heat as possible is extracted from the process.

Almost every new boiler manufactured today is a condensing boiler. This means that it is able to utilise a lot more of the heat energy that the boiler produces compared to non-condensing alternatives. Condensing boilers are therefore considered a lot more efficient than older boiler models.

By having a more efficient boiler in your home, you can reduce your energy bills in the long run. This is because a more efficient boiler operates better than your current and possibly older boiler. Therefore, saving you money long-term on your energy bills.

Keep your drains clear

Drain clogs are one of the top reasons for homeowners calling in a professional plumber. Food, oil, fat, hair, and other similar items will easily clog a drain. Clogged drains can lead to extensive damage if it is not tended to by an experienced plumber.

 Get a water filter 

Water filtration systems can get rid of chemicals in the water, as well as particles and microorganisms that could be found in it. There are different purification and filtrations systems available, so it is better to know beforehand which one is most appropriate for your particular type of water.

 Regular maintenance  

Always check your plumbing for leaks and damage. When you notice an issue, contact a professional plumber. They will get the job done right and assure the quality of the new accessories or materials used during the task.