There’s no doubt that you are especially aware of the environment as a California resident – especially when it comes to conserving water. A lot of us go to great lengths to do our part to ensure our great state, and to a larger extent the world, stays comfortable for future generations. It should come as no surprise that your home’s plumbing plays a huge role in effective conservation efforts. So, our friendly Paso Robles plumbers have come up with a list of eco-friendly plumbing habits that you should practice to ensure your “green game” is on point.
It’s easier than you might think. Of course, there are some upgrades to fixtures and appliances you could make to help your green mission. But you can also just focus on a few habit changes to help the environment. Without further ado, here’s the list:
Go Low – Low Flow, That is!
Low-flow toilets use less water, obviously, so this is not only a good thing for Mother Earth but also for your utilities bill. Dual-flush low-flow toilets are a great option as they’re designed to select different flush options for liquid or solid waste, with the first option using less water.
Low-flow showerheads are also great for saving on water with about 20-25% of household water usage coming from showering. But these shower heads don’t mean you’ll be standing under a trickle; a lot of modern versions are still great on pressure, meaning you’ll likely barely notice a difference. You can also go low-flow on faucets, and green appliances that use less water are a big help, too.
Check for Leaks
This is an obvious one – and another method that will help save the earth and your water bill.
Household leaks can waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water annually nationwide, according to the EPA, and a simple leaky faucet that drips at a rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year. That’s a lot of water, and good motivation to check your home for leaks.
Don’t just look at the faucets and showerheads, either. Look for signs of leaks under sinks, around appliances, and for water damage in ceilings and floors.
No Singing in the Shower – and Other Conscious Grooming Techniques
Ok, ok… you can still sing in the shower, but think of a quick and catchy pop song rather than “Stairway to Heaven.” Bottom line is, try to cut your shower time as much as possible to conserve water. Or, you can also try turning off the water while you lather up.
But that’s not the only bathroom habit that will conserve water and energy.
Watch your toilet flushing. Don’t flush anything other than what it was designed for, that is human waste and toilet paper. Those “flushable wipes” are usually not exactly as advertised. Basically, don’t treat your toilet like a garbage can.
Also, don’t leave the faucet running while you shave or brush your teeth.
Give the Outdoors Attention, Too
A big factor in going green might just be going brown – so to speak. Outdoor water usage accounts for 30% of the water in the United States. By going brown, we mean taking out your lawn – or at least some of it – and putting in drought-resistant and native landscaping, you’re saving water and encouraging native ecology.
For the parts of your yard that you have to water, timed drip systems are far better and more effective than spray systems. They’ll efficiently nourish your vegetation but avoid wasting water.
If you’re thinking about making your plumbing system more eco-friendly, your friendly Paso Robles plumbers are here to help.
