
As we as a society become more aware of the impact humans are having on the planet, saving water has become more of a priority for homeowners and businesses.
Plumbers like Plumberoo are stepping up in response to this increased demand for water and energy-saving products and systems, leading the way with our eco-friendly practices.
Join us as we explore the benefits of eco-friendly plumbing on the planet and your wallet and share some ideas to implement to save water for the benefit of future generations.
Eco-friendly practices in plumbing aim to reduce water consumption and create systems for greater energy efficiency to minimise environmental footprint.
As well as having a positive impact by helping to conserve natural resources, sustainable plumbing solutions reduce water bills and promote water conservation within homes, businesses and the construction industry as a whole.
Planet-friendly plumbing solutions can range from preventative maintenance to reduce water leaks and waste to installing low-flow fixtures and greywater recycling systems.
From using less water to reusing water, there are plenty of ways to make your plumbing system more sustainable.
Since the millennium drought, low-flow faucets, dual flush toilets, low-flow toilets and low-flow showerheads have become common in businesses. They are designed to use less water by reducing water flow without sacrificing performance by maintaining pressure.
When you're looking for water-saving products, comparing the WELS star rating can help inform your choice.
Greywater comes from sinks, showers and washing machines. It usually makes its way into the sewer, where it's sent to water treatment plants. It is then treated with chemicals and released back into our waterways. Greywater recycling systems reduce this reliance on large-scale water treatment, cutting the energy consumption that's required for this process and improving the health of our waterways.
This reused water is typically used to water plants and lawns and can actually improve the health of your garden due to the additional nutrients it provides.
As the saying goes—every drop counts! The appliances you buy today will be used for many years to come, so it makes sense to buy water-saving appliances to reduce utility bills over this time.
Again, follow the WELS rating to help you buy dishwashers and washing machines that contribute to a sustainable future. Don't forget to check that the product you select is WaterMark certified so it can be installed by a licensed plumber.
Smart irrigation systems can save a significant amount of water in the garden by optimising and automating watering. As they can adjust watering schedules based on weather conditions, soil moisture levels and plant type, they help to minimise water usage when it's not needed.
This technology is being widely adopted in urban settings after proving to be successful in saving time, money and water on Australian farms.
Unlike conventional water heaters that store water and require large amounts of power to keep it at a consistent temperature, tankless water heaters only heat water once the tap is turned on. This makes tankless water heaters highly efficient, reducing energy consumption and significantly reducing water usage.
Tankless water heaters also have a longer lifespan than conventional water heaters, so they contribute to a lower carbon footprint.
Ensuring your plumbing system is free of damage such as corrosion can prevent water waste and reduce the likelihood of damage to your home due to burst or leaking pipes.
The NSW Government reports that a leaky tap can waste as much as 24,000 litres of water each year, while a leaky toilet wastes 16,000 litres a year. Therefore, an inspection of your plumbing system conducted by a professional at least once a year can save you a considerable amount on your water bill.
If you're replacing pipes in your home, eco-friendly plumbing materials can lessen your environmental impact. However, there is a lot to consider about different types of piping material including where it comes from, how it's produced and how it's disposed of.
Choosing sustainable materials that can be recycled at the end of their life is a great place to start. While PVC and PEX pipes are designed to last a long time, they can't be recycled. Cast iron pipes are made of recyclable materials. However, most are imported into Australia, so the carbon footprint of their use must be considered. While copper pipes are easily recycled, the Plastics Industry Pipe Association of Australia argues that plastic pipes have less of an impact on the environment over their lifecycle.
For expert advice on eco-friendly plumbing solutions, talk to our eco-friendly plumbers. They can help you choose the best types of pipes for different applications.
If every business owner committed to sustainable practices like reducing water waste with a greywater system, installing a solar water heater and fitting low-flow toilets, we'd have a much healthier planet.
Plumberoo is committed to helping home and business owners move toward a more sustainable future with eco-friendly plumbing practices.
Contact us today for a plumbing system audit where we can fix leaks promptly, rectify potential risks and identify how you can save water and prevent waste. We're local, so we can be there in a matter of hours. Call us on (02) 8076 8902.