How to Go Green With Your Plumbing System

How can you green your home? Along with changes to your electric and HVAC systems, you also need to upgrade the plumbing. Before you begin an eco-update, take a look at the top green plumbing questions answered.

Are Leaky Fixtures a Real Problem?

The seemingly small drip from your kitchen sink or showerhead can add up over time. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a one drop per second kitchen or bathroom faucet leak wastes 3,000- plus gallons of water annually. A leaking showerhead can waste over 500 gallons of water each year.

If your home's plumbing fixtures leak, replacements are necessary to stop serious water loss. Now that you're ready to green your home, fixture upgrades should become a priority.

What Types of New Fixtures Should You Choose?

The greening is ready to begin-and you put new fixtures at the top of your eco-upgrade list. But you're not sure which type of fixtures will have the most impact in an Earth-friendly way.

To green your home's plumbing system, you need to choose water-saving options. While you could just use less water, older faucets, showerheads, and other fixtures often contribute to over-use (whether they leak or not). If you're not sure which fixtures to choose for your green home improvement project, look for the WaterSense label.

WaterSense labeled products meet the EPA's efficiency criteria. These products use at least 20 percent water than other standard plumbing fixtures. According to the EPA, you can save up to 700 gallons of water annually if you replace older faucets with WaterSense fixtures. Along with faucets, WaterSense certified showerheads can also reduce water use significantly. A WaterSense showerhead uses up to four gallons less water for every shower you take.

Should You Choose Low Flow Fixtures?

What are low flow fixtures? Like the name implies, these products reduce the flow of water to a lower or slower rate. A WaterSense faucet or showerhead is a low flow option. Low flow fixtures use less pressure to force the water out. The lower the pressure, the lower the flow. The result is less water loss per use.

Are Green Plumbing Products Effective?

Can a low flow fixture deliver the water or the power you need in your kitchen or bathroom? Even though these products reduce pressure and limit the water flow, they're still effective. If you have concerns about the power of a specific product or its ability to live up to your standards, talk to a professional. A plumber can explain how the specific product works and provide effective information.

Will Green Fixtures Add to a Home's Interior Aesthetics?

Green products won't force you to sacrifice style for eco-savings. Not only are WaterSense and low flow fixtures effective and efficient, but they also come in an array of options. Showerheads and faucets are available in different spray settings and styles. These selections make it easy to combine form and function, giving you the chance to green your home and add to its overall aesthetics.

Who Should Install Green Fixtures?

Failure to correctly install green fixtures or other parts of your home's plumbing system can reduce efficiency. Even though a do-it-yourself job may seem like a money-saving idea, it can cost you more in future higher water bills, repairs, or replacements.

A professional plumber has the knowledge, experience, and equipment to correctly install low flow and other green products. Discuss the fixture or product choice with your plumber, schedule the installation, and ask about routine maintenance. The plumber can provide you with tips for daily or weekly care and recommend professional inspection or other services.

Are you ready to upgrade your home's plumbing system? Contact Peter Piper's Plumbing for more information.