Moving to Eco-Friendly Solutions at Home
The world is in a bit of a climate crisis right now, and a lot of people are wondering what they can do to help support the planet. The great news is there are a lot of eco-friendly and green plumbing options available for those homeowners who would like to make a green change in their lives.
Choose the Right Pipes
Many pipes used in plumbing are older, and these older pipes were made from materials that were maybe not the best choice for the health of the planet. So it’s important to familiarize yourself with the pros and cons of the different types of pipe material and how they can best support planet Earth:
Copper Pipes: These pipes don’t require solvent-based adhesives, which are often toxic, and copper pipes are easily and readily recyclable. But copped mining can exhaust natural resources and cause pollution, and metal pipes corrode faster than plastic ones.- Iron Pipes: Iron pipes are great because they’re the only pipes that are made from 100% recycled materials. On top of that, they’re recyclable, too, and like copper pipes, they don’t need toxic, solvent-based adhesives. But, again, metal pipes corrode faster than plastic, which means they have a shorter lifespan.
- PVC Pipes: PVC pipes are very common, and that’s because they’re really cheap to make and they have an incredibly long lifespan. But that lifespan becomes a problem because PVC can’t be recycled, which means old pipes fill the landfills. And PVC production emits harmful chemicals into the environment.
- PEX Pipes: PEX, or Cross-Linked Polyethylene Tubing, is a plastic both similar, and different than PVC. The good thing about it is it’s quieter than both PVC and copper, and unlike PVC it doesn’t require toxic solvent-based adhesives. But, like PVC, it’s not recyclable at this point in time.
As you can see, familiarizing yourself with the options available for plumbing will help you make educated, green choices when it comes to choosing your pipes.
What Changes Can You Make In Your Bathroom Plumbing
One of the easiest ways to make your plumbing more green is to focus on your bathroom. The bathroom is one of the rooms in the house that uses the most water, so it’s also the room that will give you the most bang for your buck when it comes to making eco-friendly plumbing changes.
Consider installing a low flow toilet that will waste less water with each flush. Some toilets even have dual flushing options for liquid or solid waste, using less or more water as needed.
Showering or bathing too often can also waste a lot of water so consider skipping a daily shower a few times a week and see the price of your water bill drop.
Finally, address any small leaks you find in your bathroom, such as a leaky faucet. Even the smallest drips can add up to a lot of wasted water over time.
Don’t Forget Outdoor Plumbing
One place that many homeowners forget to check when looking for ways to make their home more eco-friendly is their outdoor plumbing system. Outdoor plumbing can often have unseen leaks that waste water and cost you extra money each month.If you have a hose connected to an outside faucet, make sure the faucet doesn’t leak. And consider using plumbing tape around the threads of the faucet to make sure every drop of water reaches the correct destination.
Outdoor water use counts for a lot of wasted water, so consider watering your lawn less frequently, or planting a grass seed that works better with less moisture. If you have a pool, consider heating it less frequently to prevent evaporation, or cover it with a cover when not in use. And consider installing rain barrels for an easy and free way to water your houseplants.
Call Swick Home Services for Your Home’s Needs
Swick Home Services offers emergency plumbing, electrical, and HVAC services for the Marquette, MI area. Swick Home Services has been serving the upper peninsula for over 40 years and they pride themselves on their 24/7 support. They offer a price match guarantee and perfect solutions to even the most complex problems.
