Going Green with Plumbing

Guest post by Sean Daniel (February 17, 2012) -- Sean Daniel is an expert plumber in Northern New Jersey, he has many years experience in both residential and commercial plumbing and is dedicated to making sure that each clients drain flows smoothly.

As a society we are becoming more environmentally conscious in every area of life. Industries are all looking for ways to reduce our carbon footprint. NJ Plumbing professionals can provide several alternatives which are advantageous economically as well as ecologically responsible.

For the homeowner this means there are many ways to conserve water while saving money. Making greener choices can earn homeowners rebates from governmental agencies; and it can increase the value of your home.

Water Systems

Traditional hot water systems can be costly to maintain since they can consume a large portion of energy. Making a greener choice and using a solar hot water system can save on the electric bill. These systems are usually quite a bit larger than a traditional hot water heater and so it is less likely that you will run out of hot water. These systems are equipped with a back-up
thermostat which will turn on in the event there are several rainy days.

A tankless water heating system is also a very good green option. Modern units can provide an endless supply of hot water and when there is no hot water needed there is no energy consumption. These units are very efficient and can save energy since they do not keep water hot constantly; it is heated only on demand.

Water Tank

Water tanks can offer a wide variety of ways to conserve water. Homeowners will need to consult with a NJ plumbing professional who can help them purchase the right size and the right type for the desired function. A water tank can be used for outdoor purposes such as watering a garden. But they can also be installed to connect just to a washing machine or a toilet. A plumber can help you install a water tank so that it is connected properly to the drainage system and kept separate from the main water supply. A water tank catches rain water and uses it in various non-consumable purposes.

Low-flow Options

Toilets and showers together are responsible for over a third of a household’s water consumption. Both of these necessary fixtures have low-flow options. Low-flow toilets can save thousands of gallons of water every year. And newer models are designed so that they have less water consumption, but still maintain plenty of flush power. Low-flow shower heads can provide low or high water pressure for a daily shower. Either of these options can help conserve water and be economically advantageous.

Energy Star Washer and Dryer

When shopping for a new washer and dryer always opt for units that have are Energy Star approved. Another way to save water and money is to purchase a front loading washer. A very important green tip is to always wash a full load. Over a year, this practice alone can save hundreds of gallons of water. There are some new water systems presently being developed
which will also allow you to recycle the water discarded from the washing machine and use it in toilets or for irrigation purposes.

In addition to the things discussed above, reducing common plumbing mistakes and repairing things such as small leaks can greatly help to reduce the carbon footprint left by your plumbing (that dripping sink can waste tons gallons of water during a year)