Sustainable living practices do not protect the environment for free. They pay back in unexpected ways. Living in an environmentally friendly home helps your family economically and enhances their quality of life in quantifiable ways. Smart plumbing can also assist you in achieving your environmental objectives. Here are some sustainable plumbing practices to adopt:
Eliminate all water leaks
Leaks not only waste water but can also harm your tapware over time. It is important to be on the lookout for leaky faucets around your home or indications of leaks like wet floors. Your plumber in Blacktown can reduce your water usage by fixing leaks in taps, toilets, and water systems. They can also offer recommendations for water-saving faucets, toilets, and showerheads, enhancing your sustainability.
Use environmentally friendly water heating options
Did you know that approximately 17% of the energy your family uses is attributed to water heaters? This is such a significant amount. Today, we have environmentally friendly water heating solutions. Many people are switching to solar hot water systems for environmental and lower long-term operating expenses (you save money on both your water and power bills).
Alternatively, you can switch to heat pumps, which use the hot air from the environment to heat your water. Another approach is to install a tankless water heater. This one heats water only when needed, allowing you to save more on your energy use.
Reuse and recycle
Water recycling is one of the sustainability practices that go a long way. A common tactic is to obtain drinking water and shower water from a mains water supply and use rainwater for the garden and specific inside applications like washing clothes and flushing the toilet. You can also ask your plumber to install a rainwater tank for your washing machine, irrigation system, bathroom, and garden taps. Start practicing water reusing and recycling to conserve more water and even minimize your bills while at it.
Keep a well-maintained plumbing system
Ensure you upgrade your plumbing utilities when they lose efficiency and perform routine maintenance. Don’t wait for your home installations to stop operating if they are nearing their senior years. For instance, hot water systems have an approximate 10-year lifespan. This implies that you must be alert to even the slightest indications of trouble and ready to act if you detect something is wrong.
It is also essential to use quality plumbing systems, which simplifies maintenance. Maintaining your plumbing system in good condition will boost efficiency, save water, and prevent costly repairs and replacements in the future.
Ensure the pipes are insulated
Allowing your pipe network’s outside components to remain exposed to cold and frost can lead to water freezing, which can seriously harm your plumbing system. Furthermore, even if you manage to avoid this dire situation, the water’s temperature will still drop during the winter, requiring you to use more energy to heat it. Thus, ensure you adequately insulate all exposed pipes.
Practice ethical gardening
Lastly, practice sustainable gardening by planting low-maintenance plants that don’t consume much water. Consult your plumber regarding stormwater management to ensure your plants remain firm during heavy downpours.