Green Plumbing Ideas
Water waste is one of the easiest things to combat in an effort to make your home more eco-friendly. Not only will adding "green" fixtures and plumbing to your existing, or new home save the environment, the earth has a limited supply of water and a constantly growing use pattern, but will it also save you money. When most people think of water use they immediately think of sinks and toilets, and those are two great places to start, but green plumbing possibilities do not end there. There are many ways to convert your water consumption to more responsible and cost effective use.
Toilets
To cut water install low flow toilets. If you are worried about backups or extra heavy needs during certain times you can choose dual-flow. Dual flow toilets let you pick a regular flush, or a low flow flush to tailor your needs.
Another less common but even better alternative for your toilet needs is a composting unit. These toilets do not use water at all but do require some special installations for typical home use.
Sinks and Showers
All sinks can be easily fitted with low flow faucets that give you plenty of water for normal use without overloading the system and wasting water. Install a hose on your kitchen sink so that you can easily turn on water to rinse while automatically shutting off the flow when you release the handle. One of the most wasteful items of a home when it comes to water is a kitchen sink where water is run constantly during washing dishes, pots, and pans.
For super high-tech water conservation install sensor operated water flow faucets in all of the bathroom sinks to keep members of the household from wasting water. Sensor operated faucets also help control germs from touching faucets with dirty hands.
Install a low-flow showerhead to control the amount of water used during bathing.
Water Heaters and Other Devices
Water heaters that have reservoirs that keep large amounts of water heated constantly even when there is no demand not only waste water but huge amounts of energy to heat the container. Using tankless water heaters allows hot water to be generated only when it is called upon and eliminates heating element costs during times water is not being used.
If you simply cannot fathom not having supplies of hot water available on demand install point of use water heaters. These units do not supply the entire house, but rather specific areas where more hot water may be desired quickly such as showers.
An alternative to completely doing away with a large central hot water heater is to install a solar powered water heater. This at least cuts the energy used to heat the water in the containment system.
For a complete water conservation package install smart irrigation devices for a sprinkling system. These units typically use less water, and some are available that have rain sensors that will stop irrigation if enough rain has fallen to saturate the ground.