PHOENIX — When it comes to water conservation, one of the first places to start is with eco-friendly plumbing in your home.
Some of the main eco-friendly plumbing upgrades include tankless and solar-powered water heaters, faucet aerators, low-flow showerheads, dual-flush toilets and rainwater harvesting.
While cost savings and energy efficiency are the biggest reasons for homeowners to upgrade plumbing, the initial costs hold many homeowners back. According to Mr. Rooter Plumbing, other reasons that prevent homeowners from making the switch include lack of knowledge, concerns about effectiveness, and finding contractors.
Despite the overall fear of upfront costs, many homeowners are upgrading to eco-friendly plumbing every day. Mr. Rooter Plumbing reports that most upgrades are made in the bathroom.
Results from a Mr. Rooter Plumbing survey show that one in three homeowners have recently installed faucet aerators. Aerators are mesh screens that attach to the end of a faucet. They add air to the water stream, which reduces the amount of water that comes out. Adding faucet aerators can save on average 700 gallons of water each year.
Mr. Rooter Plumbing's survey also found that one in five homeowners have recently installed a dual-flush toilet. Dual-flush toilets have two flush buttons - one for liquid waste and the other for solid waste. Dual-flush toilets drastically drop your household's water usage and lowers your water bill.
Just over 20 percent of homeowners have installed energy-efficient water heaters, including tankless and solar-powered systems. Solar-powered water heaters are also a great option and can actually drop your water heating bill by 50 to 80 percent. According to Mr. Rooter Plumbing, they’re also eligible for a tax credit.
If you're willing to bite the bullet of upfront costs, installing eco-friendly plumbing in your home will save you a ton of money in the long run all while reducing your carbon footprint.
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