Three Ways You Can Make Your Plumbing More Earth Friendly

Everyday should be earth day!

As part of our Earth Day initiative here’s three ways to make your home more eco-friendly – starting with your plumbing. Plus, these all save money alongside the water. Win, win!

1.  Water-saving appliances go a long way to curb water waste.

A relatively easy and effective way you can implement more sustainable plumbing practices into your own home is by investing in water-saving appliances. Yes, it requires an investment upfront, but over time you will save a lot on your water bill. The environment will thank you!

Here are just a few appliances and water-saving devices that make the biggest difference:

• Low-flow toilet that use less water and more pressure to get the job done.
• Eco shower heads that aerate or concentrate the water using less overall.
• Outdoor garden watering systems that water the right amount at the right time of day.

2.  Make your pipes as durable as possible. 

The right robust and durable materials can have a lifespan of up to 50 years or more. With fewer replacements and less waste, they will actually save you money in the long run. They also ensure the right water pressure for different needs. Cross-linked polyethylene (or PEX) and steel are often the materials of choice as they help maintain the right temperature for water passing through. Pipes made out of PEX are more flexible and can accommodate sudden changes in water pressure.

Adding pipe insulators can also be useful, reducing heat loss during winter months and saving costs for heating.

3.  Greywater and Rainwater harvesting helps us re-use water again and again!

Grey or rainwater systems help collect the water you’ve used in your showers, baths, sinks, and dishwashers. The water is then cleaned up and plumbed right back into your toilets, washing machines, and outside taps. With just a little treatment and filtering a system like this can save you a lot of water, reducing usage by about 50%!

If you’re interested in learning more about installing a system into your own home, give us a call! We can help you get started.

Thanks for reading!

-The Bob Oates Family