3 Ways to Green a Home’s Plumbing
With all of the talk about going green these days, people are more educated than ever about the environmental consequences of their actions. However, one of the places where many people are complacent is the greening of their home’s plumbing. Water conservation was one of the first actions taken by the environmental movement back in the 1970s, and that hasn’t changed.
Even today, there are still actions that homeowners can take that can make a huge difference in water savings. For St. Patrick’s Day, go green and take advice from these local Lincoln plumbers.
Water-Efficient Fixtures and Appliances
Changing fixtures and appliances is an easy way to save water without having to think about it. While changing habits can be a powerful water-saving tool, it isn’t always practical, and it’s easy to slip back into old habits and start wasting excess water again. By making permanent changes, saving water becomes an automatic thing. Here are some places to start:
- Showerheads: A low-flow showerhead can save around half of the water that a full-flow showerhead would waste. Well-designed showerheads distribute the water so that the user can’t tell the difference.
- Dishwashers: Dishwashers have become more efficient than hand-washing dishes. High-efficiency dishwashers can use as little as 3 gallons of water.
- Dual-Flush Toilets: Dual flush toilets can save as much as 70% of water compared to conventional toilets.
Upgrade Water Heaters
Upgrading a water heater is one of the most effective ways to start saving the energy that goes into preparing water for usage. Luckily, it is likely the next appliance that will need to be replaced since the average water heater only lasts for around 10 years. For homeowners who have time to anticipate updating their water heater, it can help to learn about different options that can provide greater quantities of hot water while lowering the energy demand of heating water.
Possibly the best way to save energy when it comes to heating water is to install a tankless water heater. Tankless water heaters have numerous benefits when compared to conventional tanks. The chief benefit is the energy saved by only heating water that is going to be used immediately. The technology also allows users to experience endless hot water.
If tankless water heaters aren’t a desirable switch, high-efficiency water tanks are readily available. High-efficiency water heaters can reach ratings as high as 98% and have low operating costs. Low operating costs also translated to a little carbon footprint.
Change Some Habits
Changing out appliances and upgrading fixtures is a great way to save water and money on the resulting bills, but there are other ways that require less financial investment and take just a little more effort. For those looking for ways to save water, here are some low-cost ways to start now:
- Upgrade irrigation systems and check them each spring for leaks
- Perform routine leak checks and ensure that toilets aren’t slowly running
- Shower with a low-flow showerhead instead of taking a bath
- Turn off the water while brushing teeth
- Upgrade dishwashers and clothes washers and only wash when full loads are available.
About John Henry's Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning
John Henry's Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning have been serving Lincoln since 1996. They have won multiple awards for their stellar service. With flat-rate pricing and plumbing memberships, their customers are never surprised by plumbing bills and enjoy fewer plumbing problems.
