Green Plumbing and Water Conservation Tips for 2017

As people become increasingly conscious of the need to conserve water, the environment and property owners stand to benefit. By adopting sustainable plumbing practices, individuals can not only protect the environment but also reduce their monthly water bills. 

At Met Plumbing & Air Conditioning, we’ve curated a list of top green plumbing and water conservation tips to aid you in addressing this issue. With the start of a new year, now is an ideal time to assess your water usage habits and commit to being more water-efficient. If you haven’t made an effort to cut down on wasteful water use, 2017 presents a perfect opportunity to begin.

Handle All Leaks Immediately

Allowing a leak to continue over time leads to significant water waste. Even a minor drip can result in the loss of 20 gallons of water per day, while an average household leak wastes 10,000 gallons of water every year. This amounts to a staggering 1 trillion gallons of wasted water in the United States alone. 

To prevent this, regularly check your faucets for leaks. Inspecting your sprinklers and toilet is crucial, as faulty toilet flappers can cause leaks. If you discover a leak, contact a 24-hour plumber immediately to resolve the issue promptly.

Use a Water Meter 

If you can hear the sound of a dripping faucet throughout the day, you have no excuse not to contact the licensed plumbers at Met Plumbing right away. However, if the leak is silent or not easily detectable, there is a simple method for identifying it. Check your home’s water meter when no water is in use. 

After a few hours (2-8 hours), recheck the meter reading. If it remains unchanged, there is no cause for concern. However, if the reading has increased, a leak is likely present. 

A fun fact: if all residential leaks across the country were collected and utilized, they could supply water to 11 million households for an entire year.

Watch Your Sprinklers

During the hot summer months, overwatering is a common cause of water waste and high monthly bills. Fortunately, several simple methods can help you manage your sprinklers without taking up too much of your time. Attaching a timer is one of the most effective approaches, and spring-loaded timers are an excellent and affordable option.

Fun fact: It is advisable to inspect your sprinkler system annually, preferably at the beginning of spring, to ensure that the winter frost has not damaged any irrigation system components.

Practice Green Grooming

There are numerous small yet effective measures you can take to minimize water consumption while cleaning and grooming. For instance, wet your toothbrush and immediately turn off the faucet, or soak your razors in a few inches of warm water instead of continuously rinsing them with running water. Whenever you can shut off the faucet and prevent water from flowing needlessly, you are making a positive contribution.

Fun fact: Unsurprisingly, the bathroom consumes the most water in a home. About 75% of all water used in a building is utilized in the restroom.

Fun fact: In addition to benefiting the environment, fixing minor leaks can also save you money. According to the EPA, being diligent about fixing leaks can reduce your water bill by up to 10%.

Check the Water Pressure

High water pressure can put a strain on your plumbing system. Typically, if the water pressure exceeds 60 pounds per square inch, it can cause harm to the drainage system and even result in water wastage. Installing pressure-reducing valves can be an effective solution to reduce the pressure to a safe level.

Fun fact: The amount of water being used by other residents on your street can affect your water pressure. As your usage does not solely determine water pressure, you will need to contact your local water department to obtain an accurate water pressure reading for your specific location.

Cut Your Shower Time

Leaving the water running for extended periods is one of the quickest ways to increase your monthly bill. Although taking long showers can be a relaxing experience, it is also incredibly wasteful. To be environmentally and financially responsible, consider turning off the water while lathering up with soap, then turning it back on to rinse (not recommended during the colder months).

Fun fact: Showers account for 17 percent of all water used in residential settings.

Install Eco-Friendly Showerheads

Becoming eco-friendly is now more convenient with the availability of various eco-friendly gadgets in the market. One such gadget is a water-saving showerhead or a high-efficiency showerhead. While a standard showerhead consumes 2.5 gallons per minute during a shower, these advanced showerheads can reduce it to 2.0 gallons per minute. Although the difference may seem insignificant, it adds up to 2,900 gallons per year for an average household.

Random Fact: According to the EPA, installing more efficient fixtures or appliances can help save up to 30% of water usage.

Stop Prewashing Dishes

Rinsing dishes before loading them into the dishwasher is often seen as a necessary step, but it’s actually a time-consuming and inefficient practice. In fact, modern dishwasher detergents come with enzymes that can easily break down food particles, eliminating the need for pre-rinsing.

Random Fact: The average American household spends around $500 each year on their water bill.

Lay Off the Chemicals

Excessive use of chemicals in your drain can harm the beneficial bacteria in your septic system. While it may seem desirable to get rid of bacteria, some of them play a crucial role in maintaining a functional septic system. Using bleach, detergents, or other chemicals should be limited to avoid upsetting the balance of bacteria.

Random Fact: Billions of microorganisms are present in your septic system, and they work together to decompose wastewater.

Use Your Disposal Sparingly

It may come as a surprise to some, but using a kitchen sink garbage disposal actually consumes a significant amount of water. Additionally, disposing of solid waste through the drains can pose a risk of plumbing issues in the long run.

Don’t Water Unless It’s Necessary

It’s a simple step, but one that can save a lot of water – always turn off the hose when you’re not using it. Whether you’re washing your car or watering your lawn, make sure to shut the valve as soon as you’re done. Another tip is to use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway or sidewalks.

Random Fact: On average, an American uses 100 gallons of water per day at home, according to the EPA.

Final Thoughts

Conserving the planet’s resources is crucial, and we all have a part to play. By reducing our usage and being mindful of our impact, we can protect the environment for future generations. At Met Plumbing, we’re dedicated to promoting sustainable plumbing practices. Our team of skilled plumbers is committed to providing eco-friendly solutions that are both efficient and effective.

To schedule a service call, please call us at 281-603-9949 or visit our website to get in touch.