Green buildings are now a significant trend in the construction industry. They have many aspects, including the reduction of energy and water consumption. As plumbing systems have a great impact on energy and water consumption, both manufacturers and homeowners should pay special attention to them. In this article, we’re going to present several important tips regarding the role of plumbing systems when it comes to saving water/energy in green buildings.
Plumbing Tips: Use low-flow taps for toilet and showerheads
In addition to serving their purpose, toilets may be employed as an aesthetic component in your bathroom. Although not everyone is aware of this fact, you should pay attention to the aesthetic aspects of it. There is another aspect of your toilet that you should be aware of, especially if you are concerned about the environment. Yes, you should cut back on your regular water consumption.
Low-flow toilets conserve water by flushing less often, while others let you customize each flush. A good example is the Dual-Button Toilet. The dual-flush design of this toilet allows you to choose between two water-use options while flushing. Even if you are unconcerned about the environment, you must apply these methods to lower your water expenses. Experts estimate that utilizing low-flow toilets can save us up to $110 per year on our water costs.
Fortunately, just as with low-flow toilets, this option is also available with showerheads. Showering accounts for roughly 20-25 percent of household water use, and low-flow showerheads can help you save up to 40% of your normal water usage.
You may choose between two types of low-flow showerheads. The first is non-aerating, which means water is regulated and squeezed through small apertures. This creates a tremendous water splash or may be used to massage water spirits. Aerating shower heads, on the other hand, combine water and oxygen for a softer, bubblier experience.
Go for tankless water heaters
Every home needs a water heater. Water tanks, which were formerly ubiquitous around the world, resulted in tremendous energy use. Demand-type or tankless water heaters, which heat water directly without the use of storage tanks, are now available. Cold water pours into the unit through a pipe when a water tap is switched on. When using a tank heater, you must wait for the tank to fill with enough water for the heater to heat up.
Demand-type water heaters, on the other hand, allow you to limit the flow rate while avoiding standby energy losses. Try to ask a professional team to check your old heater and give an approximate price before changing the system. For example, if you live in Toronto, R & Z Plumbing is unrivaled in emergency plumbing services all over Toronto. Remember that consultation before any purchasing decision can save you masses of money and reduce your problems in the future.
Check all the pipes for leakage
This is a simple yet effective way to cut down on water consumption. In technical terms, a pipe leak is characterized as a loss of water, which equals to chargeable water consumption. As a consequence, checking for leaks in your faucets, pipes, and toilets will help you save money on water. Each day, a minor pipe leak can waste up to 20 gallons of water, while major plumbing leaks can waste much more.
An easy way to detect a potential leak is to check the water meter before and after a long period of not using any water. If your water meter has changed despite the fact that you have not used it, you may have a faulty pipe somewhere.
Spend less time showering
Your parents must have yelled at you to hurry up and shower since you’re wasting water and electricity! Bathing can lead to overindulgence since it is so pleasurable. We had no idea, however, that we had a constantly running showerhead that was wasting water.
Another example is when some of us apply shampoo while the water is running, which wastes a lot of water. Remember to switch on your shower head when shampooing, and try to reduce your shower duration to a minimum to avoid wasting any more water.
Don’t ignore cleaning appliances
Replacing outdated energy-intensive equipment like dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters is one of many fantastic methods to lower your monthly cost and lessen your environmental imprint. When it comes to replacements, look for appliances that are Energy Star certified.
Final words
Plumbing systems and the way you use them are really impactful when it comes to green buildings. If you want to have an efficient system and reduce your water and energy consumption, you have to take care of many details in design and usage. Try to consult with professional designers and plumbing experts to choose the best appliances. Remember that a regular check can work miracles and reduce your maintenance cost and energy consumption.
