2021 could be the year that you save money and save the planet all at once, by transitioning your indoor (and outdoor) plumbing to ‘green’ plumbing. Green plumbing is the practice of replacing your older, inefficient, and wasteful plumbing with more efficient systems.
The steps towards a greener plumbing setup can be as simple or as complicated as you like, they can be as simple as changing a shower head or faucet system, or going the whole hog and completely revamping your indoor plumbing from the bathroom to the kitchen. Here are some ways that you’ll save money this year if you go green with your plumbing system.
Hire a green plumber to do the work for you
It is definitely possible to accomplish some of the changes to ‘greenify’ your plumbing by yourself. But, for those seeking the best possible results, you should hire a green plumber to do the work for you.
Green plumbers are trained in all things green plumbing, from simply giving you advice on how best to revamp your existing plumbing, right the way through to the installation of new piping in your home. If you know that you want to go green with your plumbing, but you’re not sure where to start, look into green plumbers in your area and get a consultation.
Installing ‘green’ water faucets in the bathroom
Without revamping your entire plumbing system, there are simpler steps you can take to decrease your water consumption and save money in the long-run. One of these steps is to install a low-flow faucet in the bathroom, which is the room where most of your water usage comes from.
You can also replicate this in your kitchen sink, but the bathroom is where you’ll see the most benefit. Just by installing a low-flow faucet, you’ll save an average of 700 gallons of water per year, or use roughly 30% less water. Cutting your water bills down by 30% is a huge saving over time.
Installing a low-flow showerhead
Another way that you can save money in the bathroom specifically is to install a low-flow showerhead. These showerheads restrict the flow of water through the system, saving up to 2900 gallons of water every year. Installing these showerheads cut your water consumption by roughly 40% annually.
Low-flow doesn’t necessarily mean low-pressure. One common misconception with low-flow showerheads is that the lower the flow, the less constant pressure you’ll experience. That is simply false. Earlier iterations of low-flow shower systems did indeed reduce the water pressure, however, the latest green technology means that this is no longer the case.
Use energy-retaining piping
This suggestion is geared towards those who are set on hiring a professional to do this work for them. If you are looking at seriously revamping your entire plumbing infrastructure with the help of a professional, then one of the best ways that you can greenify your plumbing is to completely swap out your existing old-tech piping for something that is more environmentally friendly and less wasteful in terms of energy retention.
For example, consider swapping out your copper piping for PVC piping. PVC piping is made of recycled plastic and can itself be recycled. Copper pipes freeze easier than PVC piping, and polyethylene pipes dramatically reduce due to being thicker than most copper piping.
Your other option is a cheap way to do-it-yourself is to simply insulate your pipes. No matter whether or not you live in a cold climate, pipe insulation will prevent unnecessary energy loss as the water travels through your pipes.
Rethink heating your water
Traditional water heaters expend a tremendous amount of energy during the initial ‘heating phase’ before the hot water reaches your taps. It may seem instantaneous, but the energy required is enormous.
You should rethink how you heat your water. There are many other ways to do so that aren’t so energy-sapping, for example, the installation of tankless water heaters. Alternatively, you could use the power of the sun to heat your water, replacing the traditional water heater usage by anywhere from 50 to 90%.