If you want to lower your household’s environmental impact, your home’s plumbing should be a focal point. Homeowners can also save money with the right plumbing upgrades. Let’s explore a range of enhancements that are making a big difference in the modern California home.
High-Efficiency Water Heaters
Water heating contributes much more to a household’s carbon footprint than many realize. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates it represents 17% of the average household’s annual energy usage. That’s second behind only air conditioning.
Old water heaters are notorious for excessive energy consumption, and technologies have advanced greatly in recent years. If you have an older water heater, it’s an excellent time to upgrade, and there are many options. Homeowners who prefer an electric tank system should consider a heat pump water heater. They’re the most efficient water heaters available for many households.
Customers who want a fuel-burning water heater should consider a condensing model with a modulating gas valve. Those features will lower fuel use by 10% or more. You can also opt for an on-demand water heater for even greater energy savings plus a practically unlimited hot water supply.
High-Efficiency Toilets
Toilets installed before 1994 can use 5 gallons per flush (GPF) or more. Even high-efficiency toilets back then often used 3.5 GPF. Starting in 1994, the Energy Policy Act limited toilets to 1.6 GPF. That’s still relatively high from a modern perspective. Consider that toilets that earn WaterSense certification can’t use more than 1.28 GPF, and some use as little as 0.95. Upgrading to a high-efficiency toilet can save the average household about $2,000 over the life of the fixture.
Dual-Flush Toilets
Many low-flow toilets also have dual-flush capabilities. That means they have one handle for maximum flushing power and another for water conservation. When you don’t need full flushing power, the second option will only use around 0.5 GPF.
Low-Flow Showerheads
Another way households use a lot of water is showering, as the average shower requires over 17 gallons. Federal regulations cap showerheads at 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM). WaterSense showerheads can’t use more than 1.8 GPM, and some use as little as 1.5. Consumers often worry that low GPM means low water pressure, but that isn’t necessarily the case. In fact, WaterSense certification requires showerheads to meet user experience standards as well.
Anti-Scale Devices and Water Softeners
Hard water is a common problem in California. It causes low water pressure, pipe corrosion, and higher plumbing maintenance costs. Water hardness can also reduce the energy efficiency of appliances:
- Boilers
- Dishwashers
- Water heaters
- Garbage disposals
- Washing machines
Households that experience moderate water hardness can protect individual appliances with local anti-scale devices. Homeowners who experience harder water should consider investing in a whole-house water softener. It will protect your appliances, fixtures, and pipes.
Kitchen and Bathroom Faucet Aerators
Aerators restrict faucet GPM but mix air with the water to improve the feel of the flow. The current federal standard for faucets is 2.2 GPM, and WaterSense requires no more than 1.5 GPM. You can purchase add-on aerators that lower your faucet to that level.
Touchless Kitchen and Bathroom Faucets
Touchless faucets have sensors that let them turn on and off automatically. This approach ensures you don’t run your faucets any longer than needed. Touchless faucets also help foster a more hygienic environment.
Water Treatment Systems
The average California family spends about $1,350 annually on bottled water. That’s not only bad for your wallet but the environment. Bottling water wastes water and results in a lot of plastic that makes it to our landfills. For what many households spend on bottled water, you can install a whole-house water purifier instead. Even with filter media replacements, you’ll save money in the years ahead.
Sustainable Pipe Materials and Leak Detection Equipment
Outmoded pipe materials, such as lead, and degraded materials can impact the environment. Consider upgrading to a more sustainable and long-lasting material like PEX or PVC. Leak detection equipment can help protect against significant water waste. Some of the more advanced systems can even disable your home’s water supply automatically.
Eco-Friendly Plumbing Upgrades for the San Gabriel Valley
Drain Doctor Plumbing & Rooter is a plumbing company based in Covina, CA. Our team has over 25 years of experience helping area homeowners save money and conserve water. We employ licensed plumbers who provide a full range of pipe installation and repiping services. Our plumbers install tank and tankless water heaters and kitchen and bathroom fixtures. We also specialize in point-of-use and point-of-entry water purifiers and softeners.
Call today or contact us online to learn more about the many eco-friendly plumbing products and services we offer.
