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Plumbing Tips for a Greener Home Plumbing System

Going green at home has never been easier in 2021. There are tons of ways to make the home greener and cleaner for the Earth. But with so many options, homeowners might be confused about where to start. The good news is, a local expert plumber can help!

What do plumbers have to do with a greener home? A ton! When it comes to inefficient homes, water waste is one of the biggest detractors to a home's eco-friendly footprint. Water and energy conservation can help homeowners save water and money. The plumbing in a home uses both energy and water to run, meaning that it can waste energy and water if it's not working properly. 

Check out these three methods to conserving water that a handy plumber can help any homeowner with.

Use the Right Pipes for Every Occasion

Plumbing Fixtures Perfect for an Earth-Friendly Home

Pipes and conserving water go hand in hand. While they aren't usually the first thing a homeowner thinks about when it comes to saving water and energy costs, pipes can be a big drain on both. Insulating pipes, using the right pipe material, and keeping pipes in good repair reduces water and energy waste and utility bills.

The key to saving water and energy is to use the right kind of piping material for each plumbing job in the home.

For Cold Water Jobs

  • PVC: The most economical piping, PVC, is a type of plastic that is inexpensive to install and can be used for most indoor cold water applications. It cannot be used for hot water because high temperatures warp the material.

  • CPVC: CPVC is compatible with copper or metal piping and has the added benefit of being resistant to high temperatures that allow it to be used for hot water transport. But, it cannot be used outdoors where UV rays can warp the material.

  • PEX: PEX pipe comes in hot and cold variations, is super flexible, and can last for decades. It does cost a bit more than CPVC and PVC but is cheaper than metal alternatives.

For Hot Water Jobs

  • Copper: Copper is the ideal plumbing material for hot water pipes, but it is also the most expensive. Copper is naturally antimicrobial and insulates well naturally. 

  • PEX: PEX works well for hot water transport and is usually red to make it easy to identify hot water vs. cold water lines.

For Outdoor Jobs

  • Stainless Steel: Due to UV rays damaging most non-metal materials for plumbing, steel tends to be ideal for outdoor plumbing. 

Insulating each type of pipe can reduce energy loss from heating hot water. A reputable plumber can help homeowners insulate their pipes correctly.

Save Water With High-Efficiency Toilets

Plumbing Fixtures Perfect for an Earth-Friendly Home

Toilets use a lot of water. Older toilets can use up to 7 gallons a flush! Not only do older toilets increase water bills in a home, but they are also the main source of water waste that every single occupant in a home uses. 

Reduce water waste in the home by installing a low-flow, high-efficiency toilet. These new toilets come in an array of styles and price-points, but they all have one thing in common: they save water. Most high-efficiency toilets use only 1.5 gallons of water per flush, and some use even less. The toilets still work just as well as older, gallon-guzzling toilets, but they drastically reduce a home's water waste comparatively. 

Save Energy with Efficient Water Heaters

350 billion kilowatt-hours of energy are wasted every year because of hot water that goes unused. Most of that comes from a tank-water heater constantly heating and reheating water to have on standby for the home. Homeowners can save hundreds of dollars on utility bills and thousands of kilowatt-hours of energy by switching to a more efficient water heater. 

There are many options to choose from when it comes to selecting an energy-efficient water heater.

  • Tankless: Tankless water heaters are the tiny but mighty contender against the traditional tanked model. They heat water only when demanded, thus reducing the waste that arises from the constant reheating. They're usually the most inexpensive eco-friendly option to install and require less retrofitting for older homes. 

  • Solar: Solar water heaters use the power of the sun to generate electricity and heat water using solar panels. They do require some retrofitting of traditional systems and are best used only in areas that get a lot of sun. 

  • Geothermal: Geothermal water heaters use the underground heat to heat a home's water. Underground heat is transferred through a pump to the home's hot water tank, which heats the water supply. They are very energy-efficient, but the system tends to be expensive to retrofit and install. 

Homeowners can work with a local plumbing expert to select the best eco-friendly solutions for their home's plumbing. 

About Polestar Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning

Since 1984, Polestar Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning has been building long-lasting relationships built on trust with their Merriam, KS community. Their expert technicians understand the importance of taking care of plumbing and HVAC troubles ASAP, which is why they work 24/7 to handle any problem that comes their way. Call now for expert water heating services!