3 Eco-Friendly Plumbing Tips
For St. Patrick's Day, the world turns green to celebrate a beloved saint who visited Ireland. For the rest of the year, "green" means living more harmoniously with nature. What better way to honor St. Patrick than by being mindful of green practices around the home?
One of the ways to go green that is often overlooked is by paying attention to a home's plumbing system. Numerous opportunities are available to make positive changes. Here are a few ideas from green plumbing professionals. By following these simple tips, homeowners can save money and feel proud of their contributions to eco-friendly causes.
Choosing Eco-Friendly Appliances and Fixtures
When it's time to make some upgrades to the home, focusing on cost savings is good. Using green appliances and fixtures is a great way to save money and be eco-friendly in terms of water usage. The cheapest place to start is by replacing showerheads. Low-flow showerheads are designed to deliver a comfortable shower experience while using 30% less water. The bigger a family is, the more money is saved by upgrading.
For more savings, green appliances are the way to go. Clothes washers and dishwashers are designed to use less water than ever before. New dishwashers are designed to do a full load of dishes with 5 gallons of water or less. High-efficiency clothes washers can reduce water usage by up to 30% when washing clothes. When it comes time by new appliances, look for these features.
Green Practices
- Scrape dishes into the trash before putting them in the dishwasher
- Turn off the water when shaving and brushing teeth
- Insulate pipes so fixtures don't have to drip during the winter
- Turn off the water while lathering soap during hand washing and showering
- Only run loads of dishes and clothes when they are full
- Fix leaks immediately
- Sweep off patios and driveways instead of hosing off
A few small changes can lead to big savings. And the environment will be grateful!
Keep an Eye on What Goes Down the Drain
Just like keeping an eye on the leprechaun, keeping a home's drain and sewer clean and clog-free is a matter of attention. Drains and sewers are meant to accommodate a variety of materials and flow rates, but just because something goes down the drain, it doesn't mean it's a good thing.
For people hooked up to a city's sewer system, everything that goes down the drain ends up in a natural waterway. Before it gets there, it passes through a treatment facility. This isn't so much of a problem for organic waste, but when non-biodegradable items are flushed down the toilet, they can wreck treatment facility equipment and end up in waterways where they pollute and damage local ecosystems. For non-biodegradable items, it is best to discard them in the garbage or find organic substitutes.
About B & D Plumbing, Heating & A/C
Looking for a reliable plumber to help a home go green? B & D Plumbing, Heating & A/C is the local choice. Call B & D Plumbing, Heating & A/C today for emergency plumbing service in St. Michael, MN.
