Environmentally Friendly Plumbing

Environmentally Friendly Plumbing

The first things that come to mind when considering environmentally friendly living are recycling and gardening. Would you believe it if you were told that plumbing can also be sustainable?

Sure, it’s not the first thing that pops into your mind when you think of ‘world greening,’ but think of water and the cost of that as a utility. Your home plumbing, utilised for sustainable living, can have enormous benefits. Considering the broader picture, energy conservation and waste reduction are all part of sustainable plumbing practices. The end game is that the equipment already in your home, and adapted differently, can be used to reduce waste. The choice of pipes, low-toxic fixtures and equipment made locally (if possible) and ethically all add to the growth of sustainability. You can also consider how your plumbing has an overall impact on the environment.

Using Sustainable Plumbing on DIY

• Cleaning

It’s not always the job of plumbing professionals to be environmentally conscious. You can use some neat ‘green’ plumbing tricks on your own DIY projects. Cleaning around the house doesn’t have to be a chemical party. Use vinegar, bi-carb and lemon for different cleaning jobs. Environmentally much safer and a heck of a lot cheaper, too.

• Water Wise

Environmental plumbing means being water-wise, too. Rainwater that usually runs down the drain can be diverted to your garden. Another basic water-clever idea is watering the garden in the more remarkable part of the day. Your dishwasher and washing machines should have the highest energy rating and lowest water usage. Every little bit helps.

• Maintenance

You can go crazy with environmental plumbing if you want to, as there are lots of small but effective changes you can do around the house. Start with leaky taps, then insulate your water pipes and mulch your garden to keep the soil damp for longer.

Professional Plumbing

By using a certified environmental plumber, you can go all the way towards sustainability. What is an Environmental Certified Plumber? On top of the six years of training to be a qualified plumber and gas-fitter, an enviro-plumber must also do more training in sustainable plumbing practices and then agree to the Enviro-plumber Code of Practice.

Are they any different to the everyday plumber? You bet. Enviro-plumbers are current with sustainable practices such as rainwater tanks, solar hot water systems, and greywater plumbing. They are qualified to help you switch to greener living and work to your budget and lifestyle.

Is Your Plumber the Real Deal on Sustainability?

How will you know? If a plumbing service is advertising its business as sustainable, ask for proof that it has passed the EnviroPlumber Code of Practice. You might want to ask some pertinent questions:

• Are the plumbing fixtures you use water and energy-saving?
• Are the materials you use locally sourced?
• Do you use recycled materials?

It’s all about peace of mind and making sure you have the exemplary plumbing service doing the job.

What are your Sustainable Choices?

The internet today is a valuable resource for you to be able to do all the necessary research if you decide to have sustainable plumbing. What lifestyle, goals and budget do you wish to pursue? Once you have an idea, contact an investor and get some idea of costs and strategies.

Sustainable plumbing and an environmentally green lifestyle are life choices that will save you money in the long term. It’s your positive action to ensure you leave as small a carbon footprint as possible.