The US is top of the list when it comes to water consumption. The average American household uses up to 140 gallons of water a day. And a lot of that water goes to waste, on average around 1.7 trillion gallons annually – not good for the environment.

However, you can bring about change, starting with your system. The simplest of changes can make a big difference to your water consumption. Even better, it'll also save you money on your energy bills.

So, if you're ready to do your bit to help save the environment, here are some eco-friendly plumbing tips to get you started.

Change Your Toilet System

Toilets are one of the biggest water wasters in our homes. We certainly can't do without them, but eco-friendly options now use less water.

Low-flow toilets use up to 5 gallons less than standard conventional toilets. Research shows that by switching to a low-flow system, households can reduce the water used for toilets by up to 60% – think how much you could save on your water bills.^[1]

Moreover, low-flow toilets are easy to maintain and are straightforward for a plumbing professional to install.

Other Eco-Friendly Toilet Options

If a low-flow toilet isn't an option for you, why not try one of these green alternatives:

• Gravity flush – rather than using the velocity of water, you press a handle, and the natural power of gravity takes away your waste.
• Power flush - pressurized air creates an additional force to wash away waste.
• Dual flush - these toilets have a double push button or lever that allows you to choose the length of the flush and the amount of water used.
• Waterless system - more commonly known as composting toilets, these systems use natural materials to break down waste.

We recommend speaking to your local plumbing expert to figure out which system suits your home.

Pick the Right Pipes

How often do you check your piping? If your plumbing uses low-grade pipes, it could leak contaminants into the soil. Investing in top-quality pipes helps save the environment while keeping your home safe from expensive leaks.

Durability Counts

Leaking pipes are costly, especially when they cause damage to your home. So choose a piping system that's less likely to break and leak contaminants into the soil and groundwater. PEX piping uses fewer natural resources to manufacture and less energy when you heat water.^[2]

Environmentally-Friendly Plumbing Fixtures

The following two small changes in your plumbing can make a big difference in saving water and energy.

Replace Your Showerhead

If you're using an old showerhead, chances are you're wasting up to 2.5 gallons of water per minute. Modern showerheads are designed to use less water (1.8 gallons per minute), lowering energy usage and saving water.

 

Furthermore, strict regulations mean you won't have to compensate for less energy with poor pressure. Look for the WaterSense certification. Their low-flow showerheads meet specific standards based on spray force and spray coverage.

Switch To Eco-Friendly Faucets

Want to be greener but don't have the budget to change your entire plumbing system? One of the most affordable and easiest ways to help save the environment is to change your faucets.

Replacing your faucets with automatic or low-flow models can save up to 30% on water usage. And it reduces the amount of water wasted by leaving the faucet on when washing hands or brushing teeth.

Clear Your Drains Regularly

Keeping your plumbing systems in tip-top shape is an easy way to help the environment.

Drain Cleaning DIY-Style

To keep your drains free from debris like food and hair, give them a thorough clean every 30-60 days. There are chemical drain cleaners available, but for a more eco-friendly option, try making your own out of baking soda and white vinegar.

These two store cupboard essentials react when mixed, causing a bubbling effect that freshens and cleans pipes. Remember to flush away with boiling water when finished.

Trust the Professionals

Schedule regular professional plumbing inspections to prevent any nasty blockages or pipe leaks. The team at ProSkill has the knowledge and expertise to keep your drains in top condition, saving you the expense of unexpected repairs down the line.

A few simple plumbing changes can make a big difference in helping save the environment. Get started today by contacting the plumbing experts at ProSkill.