Hello! I hope you’re having a great summer! Plumbing may be the last thing on your mind right now. If you’re like me, you put off plumbing work until the winter months when there is less to do outside. At least in Cleveland anyway. However, plumbing is a big part of our lives, on many levels. When it comes to plumbing, there are things we can do to save money and avoid future problems.

In this post, I welcome guest blogger Ilan Abutbul, who is the CEO of California Hi-Tech Plumbing Corp. In this article, he shares some things to keep in mind when it comes to plumbing efficiency and tips for avoiding bigger plumbing problems down the road. I hope you find this article helpful!

You were overjoyed when you installed that low-flow toilet – saving the planet one flush at a time. However, you’ve got a clogged drain with who knows what kind of sludge and your water bill hasn’t decreased at all.

a rustic comfort room — Photo by Engin Akyurt on Pexels.com

Maybe you want to save the planet. However, so far you haven’t saved any money.

Before you embark on a complete bathroom renovation, take heart. It takes time to increase the efficiency of your pipes and become more eco-and-maintenance-friendly.

Tips Toward Plumbing Efficiency

Follow the tips below, and you’ll develop a routine that will make anyone going green also green with envy.

Schedule Regular Plumbing Inspections

If you really want to keep your plumbing system eco-friendly, it’s time to practice some TLC. Regular inspections are important to catch plumbing issues and maintain an efficient plumbing and water transport system.

Look for Leaks Under the Sink

Take a look under your sinks once a month for any small leaks.

Even a small drip can waste a sizable amount of water. Make sure to tighten connections or replace worn-out washers and seals as required.

Reduce the Buildup in Your Drains

To keep your drains free from grime and buildup, pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down them periodically (weekly or bi-weekly). Let the mix sit for 15 minutes and flush with boiling water.

Check Your Water Heater

It’s essential to check your water heater yearly to ensure it’s functioning properly and does not have any leaks. Take note of any signs of corrosion or dents on the tank. If your water heater is over 10 years old, consider upgrading to an eco-tankless model for improved efficiency.

While some may try to avoid plumbing maintenance or overlook the importance of inspections, think of the possible alternative.

Think of waking up to a flooded basement or a sewage backup in your tub. Either incident will leave you gasping, if not hyperventilating, at the horror of the event.

Taking measures toward maintaining a more efficient plumbing system beats dealing with plumbing issues later on. Also, looking at sustainable options can save you both time and money.

Eco-Friendly Fixtures That Are Worth Installing

Make the most of water efficiency by installing low-flow showerheads, energy-saving faucets, and low-flow toilets – all of which reduce water use and, again, save you cash. Today’s innovative fixtures are both convenient and supportive of the environment.

Faucets

According to the EPA, investing in a faucet with a WaterSense label is definitely worth it. These faucets use no more than 1.5 gallons per minute, unlike faucets that consume 2.2 gallons every precious minute.

indoor plant on a double vanity — Photo by Curtis Adams on Pexels.com

Over the lifespan of a faucet (about 10 years), choosing a WaterSense model can save up to 60,000 gallons of water. That’s equal to around 6,000 showers! To maximize efficiency, consider selecting a model with an aerator to reduce flow.

Showerheads

The shower is another contributor to water wastage. Standard showerheads release 2.5 gallons per minute. By replacing a showerhead with a low-flow version that uses 1.5 GPM, you will significantly conserve water. Plus, you won’t notice any difference in the pressure or flow.

Moreover, you’ll only sacrifice a minute of your shower time. Save 12.5 gallons during a 10-minute shower. That adds up to a savings of 4,000 gallons that can easily slide down the drain over a year. Keep an eye out, again, for the WaterSense label.

Toilets

If your toilet is over two decades old, chances are it’s a water guzzler. You’re probably using 3.5 gallons or more per flush. Swap it out with a low-flow or dual-flush toilet that uses 1.28 GPM or less in water. This simple change can result in savings of up to 13,000 gallons for a family of four. That means less plumbing worries over time.

Choose Copper or Stainless Steel Pipes Over PVC

When it comes to replacing pipes or fixing leaks, opt for copper or stainless steel over plastic PVC. Metal pipes have a longer lifespan. Also, they do not release chemicals or contaminate groundwater like certain types of plastics do.

Insulate Your Pipes and Save on Energy

Are there exposed pipes lingering in your basement or attic? If so, they contribute to 20% of heat loss within your home. Therefore, insulating your pipes should be a priority. Usually, foam insulation is strongly considered, as it is cut and installed easily. It also keeps hot pipes hot and cold pipes cold.

It helps to call a plumber if you want to insulate your pipes, especially if the pipes are located behind cabinets or beneath sinks. Once your pipes are snugly bundled, you’ll notice a decrease in your energy use and how much you’re paying in utilities.

Educate Your Family on the Importance of Water Conservation

It also helps to share energy use and water conservation information with everyone in your household. Make a few rules the family can follow.

For example:

Shut off the shower after five minutes.
Turn off the faucet when lathering up or while shampooing the hair.
Always turn off the faucet when it’s not used, as leaving it running is wasting energy and money,
Report any drips so the faucet can get fixed before too much money “goes down the drain.”

Conclusion

Get on board when it comes to saving water and money. Make sure your plumbing is working and that you’re bridging the gap between plumbing efficiency and eco-friendliness.

Author bio- Ilan Abutbul is the CEO of California Hi-Tech Plumbing Corp. They provide a wide array of plumbing solutions including residential, commercial, and industrial projects. With over 35 years in business, we believe in integrity and customer relations.

Thank you IIan for sharing these tips with us! There’s probably more to think about when it comes to plumbing and energy savings than we realized. I hope you enjoyed this article! There were some great tips here from an expert.

Thank you so much for continuing to read articles from the Cleveland Appraisal Blog! More to come in the future. In the meantime, enjoy the summer months while they last.

This week, I will leave you with a little video with some plumbing hacks that you might find handy.