Help Save the Environment with These Eco-Friendly Plumbing Tips

Have you ever considered boosting the green-friendliness of your plumbing system? It isn’t that difficult to make a few small changes. For example, simply replacing an old showerhead or buying eco-friendly faucets can impact your energy usage.

If you’re looking to save on your energy bills while also helping save the planet, these eco-friendly plumbing tips will help you get started.

Install an Eco-Friendly Toilet

Not every toilet is created equal. If you have an old-fashioned bathroom, chances are your old toilet uses between 3.5 gallons and 7 gallons of water per flush.

Now compare that to a new eco-friendly low-flow toilet that uses only 1.68 gallons of water. Imagine the water you can save over a year. In fact, research shows using a low-flow toilet can prevent up to 60% water wastage per household!^[1]

The good news is eco-friendly toilets are easy for professionals to install. So it’s a win-win situation – you’ll not only save the environment, but you’ll save on your water bills too.

Lower Your Energy Usage

If a low-flow toilet isn’t suitable for your home, you can still use less energy by choosing another eco-friendly model. For example, you could choose a power flush toilet that uses pressurized air to wash away waste. Or another option is a dual flush that gives you the option of a longer or shorter flush.

Before deciding which is the best toilet system for your home, it’s advisable to seek guidance from your local plumbing expert.

Toilet Water Savers Reduce Water Flow

You don’t have to change your toilet to save water. If you want to keep your current system, consider installing a water hippo or other low-flow device. These small box or bag devices sit in the tank and reduce the amount of water used per flush.

Select the Right Pipes

If you have old or faulty plumbing, your pipes can become a source of contamination. To be kinder to the environment and prevent contaminants from seeping into the soil, invest in quality piping systems.

Choose Long-Lasting Pipes

If you want your plumbing systems to last, invest in high-quality pipes. Durability means there’ll be few leaks, saving you money on repair bills in the future. What’s more, modern systems like PEX pipes mean you use less energy when heating water – a win for the environment and your wallet.^[2]

Save Energy by Insulating Pipes

When the temperature drops below freezing, pipes can freeze. Unfortunately, this can lead to a burst, causing water to contaminate the surrounding area.

Insulating pipes offer a layer of protection, reducing the likelihood of freezing. Moreover, it saves energy by reducing heat loss by up to 40%. And there’ll be less risk of leaks and bursts within your home.

Switch to Plumbing Fixtures That are More Eco-Friendly

Want a more eco-friendly home? You can make a big difference with these two simple plumbing upgrades.

Swap Your Showerhead

There are many different types of low-flow showerheads available that can reduce your shower water usage by up to 0.7 gallons per minute. That may not sound a lot, but over a year, it adds up quickly.

You don’t have to compromise on pressure, either. Modern WaterSense showerheads are certified to meet rigorous performance requirements – including spray force. It’s an easy way to save water and lower energy usage, and every little one count towards protecting the environment.

Buy Eco-Friendly Faucets

One of the cheapest and easiest eco-friendly switches you can make with your plumbing is to change your faucets. A low-flow or automatic faucet can save up to 30% on water usage.

That’s a significant amount when you consider leaving the water running when you brush your teeth wastes up to 3000 gallons per year.

Remember to get Your Drains Cleared

The simple way to prevent chemicals from seeping into the environment is by keeping your plumbing in good working order. Your drains are an essential part of household plumbing maintenance.

Try an Eco-Friendly Drain Cleaner
Pouring chemicals down the drains to keep them clean may not be the best way to protect the environment. Instead, try this simple eco-friendly homemade solution.

Start by pouring boiling water down the drain. Next, shake in half a cup of baking soda, followed by half a cup of white vinegar. The soda and vinegar react, fizzing and bubbling to help dislodge blockages and clean the pipes. Leave for 20 minutes before rinsing away with more boiling water.

Use a Professional Plumber Cleaning drains yourself is a short-term solution. Without expert knowledge, knowing what’s lurking deeper down the pipes is impossible. A Service Champions professional inspection maintains your plumbing system to the highest standards, ensuring you don’t face unexpected repair bills.

Ready to upgrade your plumbing system to a more eco-friendly standard? Service Champions are here to help. Contact us today, and let’s work together to save the environment.