Save Money with “Green” Plumbing Options
Everybody uses more water when the temperature starts to rise. You may not have a pool, but you sure will take more showers or baths (we hope) after running around outdoors in the heat of the day. Lawns, people and pets all need plenty of water — but water costs money, and we have a limited supply here in Austin. So this might be the perfect time for you to “go green” and reduce both your utility bills and your environmental footprint.
Low-flow toilets make a great starting point. Depending on how old your toilet is, you may be using up to five gallons with each flush, which can easily come to 28 or more gallons per family member every day. Even a modern 1.6-gallon toilet can be improved on — a HET (High Efficiency Toilet) used only 1.28 gallons. That’s a lot of water saved!
Low-flow faucets and showers can help you save water (and money) every time you wash yourself off, clean the sink or prepare a meal. These specially-designed units can help you use up to 60 percent less water. Even a simple flow reducer attached to your kitchen faucet can help you use 40 percent less water at that tap.
Energy-efficient appliances can wash your clothes or dishes effectively with considerably less water than older, more wasteful devices. Depending on what model you purchase, you could even cut your wash-water usage in half.
Even with the fanciest new low-flow gadgetry, however, you could still be wasting money if your pipes or fixtures are letting valuable water get away. That’s one of the reasons we urge you to get your plumbing lines, pipes and attachments checked out on a regular basis. Trust Steve’s Plumbing Repair to help you with your “green plumbing” questions and needs!