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April is Earth Month, So Consider Ways to Be Ecologically Friendly With Plumbing

Celebrate Earth Day with These Tips for being more “Green”

Most people want to have ecologically sound habits, but many are under the mistaken impression that being eco-friendly means extra expense. Striving for a home that conserves water and is energy efficient can save the household a good deal of money. There are many options for reducing water and electricity usage on the market today. 

This article will discuss a few ways a home’s plumbing system can be made more friendly to the planet.

Efficient Water Conserving Fixtures

toilet There are several ways to decrease water usage in a home easily. While having members of a  household who are mindful of their water usage is the first step, several modern fixtures can assist with this endeavor. Several types of toilets, faucets, and washers can help in a homeowner’s quest to save the earth.
  • Pressure-Assisted Toilets: These toilets use less water by delivering it at a higher pressure and assisting with the flush. They are perfect for a guest bath or powder room.
  •  Dual Flush Toilets:  These toilets have a flush that uses approximately half the usual amount of water for one flush and has a flush to take care of, ahem, larger problems.
  • Touch Faucets: While this may seem like an innovation of convenience, this is an ecologically sound method of saving water. The faucets that touch on and off use only the precise amount of water necessary, and one does not lose a little bit every time they turn off the tap.
  • Smart Washing Machines: These washers use only the amount of water necessary for a load of laundry by using sensors that measure the weight. This prevents water waste and saves money by using less detergent.
water heater

Energy-Saving Water Heaters

Energy and water conservation don’t always converge, but it is in appliances like water heaters and the washers mentioned above when they do.  Water heaters have been around for a long time, but technology continues to improve to make them more efficient. 

One of the more recent developments in the tankless water heater or instant water heater. These highly efficient units save energy because they heat the water quickly as it goes through a short series of pipes, not by heating a large tank of water and maintaining that temperature which takes quite a bit of energy.

Does A Pipe’s Material Make a Difference?

When it comes to the maze of pipes that course the water around a home, the material that composes those pipes can be a pretty big deal for water and energy conservation.  Listed below are four types of pipes and their benefits:

  • Copper: Durable, great for hot water, recyclable, 50-year lifespan.
  • PVC: Inexpensive, easy to install, can be used for water supply mains, indefinite lifespan unless damaged
  • CPVC: Strong and somewhat flexible, good for hot water delivery, good for indoor use, and not subject to corrosion
  • PEX: Flexible and easy to install, good for hot water delivery and indoor use, not subject to corrosion

About G.F. Bowman, Inc.

G.F. Bowman, Inc. is a family-owned and operated company that has served its community for over 50 years. They believe in being honest and upfront with their customers and offer permanent solutions to plumbing, heating, and air conditioning problems. Call them today for plumbing services in Harrisburg, PA.

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