As time passes, more people realize the benefits of modifying their homes to be more sustainable, and it makes sense. From increasing your home value to creating a better world for future generations, there are many reasons why going green is a good idea. There are various ways to make your home more efficient, and a big part of it involves investing in sustainable products and services, including your plumbing.

From adding the right pipes to changing out your faucets, there’s a lot you can do to conserve water and eliminate unnecessary waste. Here are some great tips to get started and advice for finding an eco-friendly plumber in your neighborhood.

What Is Eco-Friendly Plumbing?

Basically, eco-friendly plumbing is the use of various tools and materials to cut down on water waste. Sustainable pipes will last longer, so they don’t need to be replaced as often. Plus, many “green” pipes are also stronger, so you’ll reduce the chance of leaks. An unknown leak can go on for months at a time, and you’ll waste a lot of water and potentially damage your house. By conserving water in your home, you’re only using what you need, and so there is more water left over to create a thriving ecosystem.

If you’re building a new home or replacing the pipes in your house, choose sustainable options. Many people have cross-linked polyethylene tubing or PVC pipes that do the job. However, they’re not recyclable, so when they go bad, they head to landfills that are already overflowing.

Instead, find a plumber who will install copper or iron pipes. Copper pipes are recyclable, and connecting them doesn’t require solvent-based adhesives that are toxic to the environment. Iron pipes are 100% recyclable, but they can corrode faster and may need to be replaced. Talk to the plumber to decide what's best. 

More Than Just Eco-Friendly Pipes

Switching out your pipes is only the first step towards incorporating eco-friendly plumbing in your home. The next step is to add sustainable faucets and features. Add low-flow faucets and showerheads to your bathrooms, and you’ll significantly reduce the water flow while still getting enough to wash your hands and take showers.

You can also install water-saving toilets. Many old toilets use up to seven gallons of water for every flush. New low-flow toilets use two gallons at the most. A plumber can install these water-saving features and install pressure-reducing valves to cut down on wastewater and help the pipes last longer.

You can switch out other components of your home, like your water heater. Invest in a tankless water heater, which, unlike a traditional option, doesn’t work nonstop to keep your water hot all day. Constantly heating water is likely not necessary, especially if you’re not home. A tankless water heater may take a little bit longer, but it uses less natural gas and will last longer than a traditional heater.

The Money Involved In Sustainable Plumbing

Investing in new eco-friendly plumbing may be pricey initially, but the upgrades can pay for themselves over time. You’ll be amazed at how your water bill will decrease when you use a fraction of what you did in the past. Plus, when you swap out old appliances and invest in appliances like an energy-efficient washing machine and dishwasher, you’ll also save money on your energy bills. Get solar panels, and you’ll cut those costs down even further.

There will be some initial costs when you’re replacing pipes and making other sustainable upgrades, but with smart money management, it’s possible to affordably invest in eco-friendly improvements.

If you have a savings or maintenance fund, you could tap into it to pay for the work. If you’re looking to build a fund, use a high-interest savings account to earn extra money. In the case that extensive plumbing work is required, you could also use your home equity to get a loan. Another option is to put the cost on a credit card, but be careful of the limit and interest rate. Find a card that offers cash-back rewards or points, and you could earn money back.

Check Your Plumbing

As a homeowner, it’s vital that you complete regular maintenance and check your appliances so you can watch for leaks and remove blockages, ensuring your pipes last longer. Look at the purchase date of your fixtures and swap them out as necessary. Many fixtures wear out and are no longer energy-efficient for plumbing, so it may be time to make a change.

Once you’ve completed the plumbing work, consider other ways to lead an environmentally friendly household. One is to choose eco-friendly cleaning products and reusable cleaning cloths to clean your sinks and bathrooms.

Beware that some household cleaning supplies, including bathroom cleaners, can be harmful to the environment and your health. For instance, there are products that include chemicals like hydrochloric acid, which can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation. Plus, it’s highly corrosive and can be damaging to the environment. Some drain cleaners also include harmful ingredients, including chlorine bleach, that irritate the skin and can create toxic fumes when combined with other cleaning products.

Conclusion

It’s well worth the time and effort to move over to eco-friendly plumbing. You’ll reduce your utility bills and do a great service for the planet. Find the right plumber and ensure that your sustainable project is done right.