Green Solutions for Plumbing
Green plumbing is a relatively new, broad term which implies a reduction of water wastage. The bathroom and kitchen are the two areas of every home where large quantities of water are used regularly. That is why these locations receive the most focus when the subject of green plumbing is brought up. There are a number of solutions available now that can help those who want to practice a sustainable lifestyle and not give up the conveniences people have become accustomed to.
Faucets with low water flow and water pressure regulators help reduce water wastage. Every foot of a three quarter inch copper pipe that connects the bathroom faucet to the water heater contains 0.023 gallons of water. If a faucet is turned on to wash hands, then this cold water is first allowed to run down the drain before the hot water arrives. If the pipe is only twenty feet long, then half a gallon of water is wasted each time a faucet is opened.
An easy to install tool that can be mounted under the kitchen or bathroom sink is a gadget that pumps hot water from the heater to the fixtures quickly. It also returns the water which becomes cool through the cold water pipes to the water heater. When the tool is turned on it pumps water from the water heater at a faster rate than it would otherwise reach the faucet. Upon reaching the pump, the temperature of the water is determined by a sensor which sends a signal to a micro processor to turn the pump off automatically. When the pump is turned off, it means that the hot water is ready on standby, rather than you waiting for the water.
If each person in a house takes one ten minute shower daily, that adds up to 9,125 gallons of water down the drain a year. Specialized shower heads can save up to 36% of this water by reducing the water that goes down the drain while one is waiting for hot water to come. In a typical household, each person flushes the toilet four times a day; that translates to 2,336 gallons of water down the drain a year for each person. A low flow or dual-flush toilet can be used instead of the older versions to converse water. If replacing the toilet is not an option, then a jar of rocks can be placed in the toilet tank to limit the amount of water going into the toilet bowl.
Collecting gray water and reusing it is another aspect of green plumbing. This can be done by installing something as complex as a water collection tank or simply using a bucket each time one showers to collect rinse water. This water can then be used to water plants or wash the car.
It is the duty of every individual to do their part so future generations can enjoy the planet and its natural resources. Conservation does not mean expensive remodeling; rather, households can help to conserve resources by implementing a few simple and affordable plumbing devices.
About the Author:
Since 1982, Caldwell Plumbing & Heating Supply has been providing exceptional service and expertise in the areas of plumbing and heating, providing everything from bathroom remodeling supplies to modern home heating solutions.http://www.caldwellplumbingsupply.com/
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