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Tips From Your Professional Plumber To Reduce Water And Energy Costs | Katy, TX
Some years back, climate change seemed ridiculous for some Americans until its effects started to be felt worldwide. With climate change becoming a more significant problem in the United States, residential and business owners are beginning to focus on water and energy conservation. Also, plumbing companies are encouraged to adopt environmentally sustainable practices to reduce waste since they use energy and water for their operations.
Saving water doesn’t cost a lot. In fact, it will lower your bills. A professional plumber can show you where and how you can save on costs. From fixing leaks and changing faucets to installing solar-powered heaters, there are numerous ways a plumber will help you conserve the environment and save money. This blog post explores various ways a plumbing professional can help you lower utility expenses through modern technology and general hacks.
Fixing and Detecting Leaks
Did you know that the average family in the United States wastes roughly 9,400 gallons of water due to household leaks? The dripping tap or the leaking showerhead you’ve been ignoring will cost you long-term. The good thing is that some leaks are easy to fix.
Sometimes it is just a worn-out washer or toilet flapper that may need a replacement. But some leaks are not that obvious, and you may need a professional plumber to inspect the walls, crawl spaces, foundations, and other inaccessible areas to identify the leak. In case of any cracked pipes, foundation leaks, or any damage, the professional may help you fix it before it causes further damage.
Replacing Old Taps and Showerheads
Showers make up almost 20 percent of the daily water use. A standard showerhead uses 2.5 gallons of water per minute.
Replacing your old showerheads or faucets with water-efficient models goes a long way to helping you save money because the water flow is reduced to 2.5 gallons per minute. On the other hand, energy-saving faucets can save you at least 330 kilowatts of electricity and 2,300 gallons of water per year.
Install HET (high-efficiency toilets)
A lot of water is wasted in toilets. Older toilet models used to have a flush volume of three or more gallons of water. On the other hand, modern toilets use 1.6 gallons to as low as 0.8 gallons. WaterSense certified models do not flush with more than 1.28 gallons. A local plumber in Katy, TX, can help you choose and install the suitable model.
Collecting Rainwater
Another simple way to save water is by collecting rainwater. A rainwater tank or reservoir could be a lifesaver in areas with limited water supply. During the summer months, irrigating the lawn and garden can be costly. Using rainwater instead of tap water in your garden will significantly save you money.
Your plumber can install a system that will enable you to use rainwater for the toilets, washing machines, and other areas where you do not need potable water. Though collecting rainwater is not illegal, if you are living in Katy, TX, you should check your local regulations for any guidelines and restrictions.
Installing Tankless and Solar-powered Water Heaters
According to the U.S. department of energy, water heating is the second most significant expense in a home. That old heater serving you for years might cause increased energy costs. It also takes up a lot of space and has a life expectancy of only 10 to 15 years.
An alternative would be an Energy Star heat pump that’s two to three times more energy efficient than a storage heater but may only last up to 15 years. On the other hand, tankless or solar heaters can last for 20 years or more.
Guiding You on Energy-saving Appliances
A professional plumber can lower utility bills by helping you upgrade to more energy-saving appliances. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), homeowners can enjoy long-term energy savings by upgrading to energy-star-certified devices.
An expert opinion from a plumber can help you determine which heating systems and plumbing fixtures can save you energy and money.
Replace Pipes with PEX
If your plumbing system is built with CPVC or PVC materials, you should consider replacing it with PEX materials. Although PVC and CPVC pipes are acceptable, most plumbing companies advise their clients to use PEX materials, which are less susceptible to damage. PEX pipes help improve the overall efficiency of your plumbing system.
Don’t Forget About Drains
Although drains may not impact water and energy consumption, they are vital for the overall performance of your plumbing system in Katy, TX. A well-drained system helps you avoid wasting water and enhances and saves you electricity costs.
You can have a plumber conduct regular inspections to prevent clogging. Homeowners are also advised to use filters to prevent particles from the drain pipes and adhere to garbage disposal guidelines to avoid damaging the drain pipes.
In addition, you should avoid disposing of oils and fats in your drain pipes to keep your home free of clogging. Lastly, plumbing technicians advise homeowners to avoid flushing dental floss that combines with other waste, forming large clogs that block pipes.
Boost Your Home with Quality Plumbing from bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of West Houston
Lowering your water bill is not complicated as it seems. If you are not in a position to upgrade your entire plumbing system, you can start by conducting simple repairs and replacing minor affordable parts.
At bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of West Houston, we’ll ensure your plumbing is energy and water efficient by advising you on the latest plumbing technology and fixtures to install. Our certified plumbers can also help you with drain cleaning, water and sewer line replacement, maintenance, and emergency plumbing. We are a phone call away!
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