Going Green With Plumbing
Since a standard hot water tank uses a lot of energy, converting to a tankless style can reduce energy usage, helping the environment and saving money.
When building a new home or remodeling an existing home, homeowners should consider going green with a home's plumbing. Experts expect building codes will make the newest technology and plumbing fixture designs mandatory one day. These reasons alone are essential to consider when choosing a plumber. Be sure they are familiar with the newest materials, water-saving designs, and even repairs for potential problems.
Though installing water–saving devices while building a home is a good decision, a homeowner can upgrade existing fixtures when something needs replacing. Green technology has affected everything in the home, and that includes plumbing. The water–saving low–flush toilets may be a mystery to many existing homeowners, but they are now the standard installation for new homes or remodeling.
Helping the environment
There are two main advantages to green plumbing and plumbing fixtures; both are environmentally related. These items use less water and require less energy. Residents who choose green plumbing can help the environment while saving on a home's utility bills. The newest hot water tanks can heat water more economically and keep water hot using less energy. Since a standard hot water tank uses a lot of energy, converting to a tankless style can reduce energy usage, helping the environment and saving money.
The following are some green plumbing fixtures to consider installing in a home:
Tankless hot water systems – these green tanks only heat water as needed, saving money and giving a home an endless hot water supply.
Low–flush toilets - these toilets use 1.3 gallons during a flush compared to standard toilets using 3.5 gallons.
Low–flow showerheads – these showerheads reduce the per–shower water consumption to 2.5 gallons per minute from 4.5 gallons per minute.
Energy star-rated washing machines and dishwashers – these appliances must meet strict energy efficiency criteria to earn the star rating. Energy star–rated appliances are designed to complete the job using less energy.
These are just a few green plumbing appliances and installations that can save money while protecting the environment. But their installation requires professional technicians. Appliances will work correctly only if properly installed. For example, improperly installing low–flow toilets and showerheads can lead to tankless water heaters not recognizing the water flow. In some cases, the flow of hot water may be too slow because of the low flow demands. There are ways to overcome these problems and others, but it takes someone with experience. For example, an expert plumber can install a recirculation system on the hot water tank that works on demand so hot water flows quickly.
From plumbing fixtures and pipe installations to septic cleaning, homeowners should rely on expert plumbers to complete the jobs correctly.
If you need a licensed, bonded, insured plumber for your Phoenix area leak or your next plumbing project, call MNS Plumbing today at 602-362-4524.
