Patryk runs a removals and storage company called Removals & Storage Experts based in London.
As the effects of global warming continue to cause havoc in different parts of the world, governments are pushing for more environmentally friendly systems in both commercial and household setups. Some of the eco-friendly ideas for homes include installing solar panels, recycling garbage, using more energy-efficient appliances and many more.
Most people have adopted these innovative ways to make their homes more green, but fail to add plumbing systems as part of the sustainable systems. Green plumbing is an important part of eco-friendly homes as it helps in water conservation by minimizing waste and leaks.
Why is Eco-Friendly Plumbing Important?
Water is a precious natural resource that needs to be preserved to avoid shortages. Though a major part of the earth’s surface is covered by water, fresh and clean water is still an issue in most parts of the world. Environmentally friendly plumbing solutions protect the water we use from contamination by avoiding contact with pollutants like wastewater and also protects the environment through proper handling of dirty water.
Apart from the environmental benefits, eco-friendly plumbing solutions are also beneficial to you and your family. Eco-friendly plumbing fixtures like harvesting rainwater, water reuse systems, low-flow toilets and less wasteful irrigation systems help to conserve water, hence reducing your water bills.
Your family’s health is also protected through the installation of plumbing features like backflow prevention systems and water filters. The filters eliminate toxins from your drinking water and the water you use for home chores and bathing. The elimination of toxins also means that your waste ware is also less toxic to the environment.
Another benefit of green plumbing is that it can help you reduce the amount of energy you use. Energy savings from some of the solutions like the use of tankless and more efficient water heaters and insulating pipes benefit the environment and also reduce your energy bills.
Our 3 Top Eco-Friendly Plumbing Changes to Make When Moving Home
If you are wondering about how to make your home more eco-friendly or how to make your home more green before moving in, we have several tips on how you can do that through some changes in the plumbing systems. These changes, together with behaviour change, can help you conserve more water and also reduce your water bills. Below are some of the changes.
Choose the Right Pipes
Some pipes used in plumbing systems are not good for our health as they may require the use of toxic adhesives to join. You should also consider how the pipes you use are made and the effects of their disposal after use:
Copper Pipes: Copper pipes are a good choice because they don’t require solvent-based adhesive and are also recyclable. However, the process of making these pipes starts with copper mining, which can cause pollution and exhaust natural resources. Metal pipes also corrode faster than their plastic counterparts.
Iron Pipes: the major benefit of using iron pipes is that they are made of 100 percent recycled materials. These pipes are also recyclable, and they also don’t need the use of the toxic solvent-based adhesives. Their disadvantage is that just like copper pipes, they have a short lifespan due to corroding.
PVC Pipes: Most people prefer using PVC pipes because they are cheaper and have a long life span. These pipes are, however, not best for the environment because their production emits harmful chemicals to the environment, plus they are also not recyclable.
Change Your Bathroom Fixtures
Bathrooms are the major sources of water wastage in our homes. The eco-friendly changes you can make in your bathroom include installing water-saving showerheads, high-efficiency faucets and a low-flow toilet.
Having a showerhead that continues running when you are lathering your body means that more than half of the amount you use when showering is wasted. Having a water-saving showerhead makes your home more eco-friendly as it has features that allow you to adjust the water flows according to the shower task.
Low-flow toilets also help in water conservation by reducing the water you use per flush. Some of the eco-friendly toilets have additional water-saving features such as a dual-button system that allow the user to use extremely low amounts of water for liquid waste and a bit more water for solid waste.
Use a Tankless Water Heater
Tankless water heaters may be more expensive than storage heaters, but they can do wonders when it comes to energy conservation. Unlike tankless water heaters that require energy resources to keep the stored water hot, tankless water heaters provide a constant supply of hot water only when needed. Lower energy consumption translates to lower energy bills for the user and less pollution from electricity production plants.
About The Author
Patryk runs a removals and storage company called Removals & Storage Experts based in London. He is passionate about helping people make a new house a home.