Serving Round Lake & 
As the country continually transitions into creating a greener world for future generations, you may be on a mission to reduce your family’s environmental impact. There are many great things that you can do for your plumbing system to reduce your home’s consumption of non-renewable resources.
Low-Flow Toilets
The EPA estimates that toilets account for about 30% of a homeowner’s total water usage annually. By upgrading to low-flow toilets, you can significantly reduce this water waste. Older toilets, especially those over 20 years old, can use as much as 6 to 7 gallons per flush.
Alternatively, water-efficient toilets use around 1.6 gallons of water per flush. Manufacturers design these toilets with advanced flushing technology, such as pressure-assisted or dual-flush systems, which use less water without sacrificing performance.
Tankless Water Heaters
One innovative plumbing appliance revolutionizing home energy use is the tankless water heater. Unlike traditional tanked models, which constantly heat and store water until needed, tankless water heaters only heat water on demand. They eliminate the energy waste associated with continuously warming water even though no one in your home is using it. If you’re still using a tank-style water heater, upgrading to a tankless model can significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency while reducing your utility bills.
Low-Flow Shower Heads
Your shower is one of the most frequently used fixtures in your home, so reducing water consumption here can significantly impact your overall water use. Traditional shower heads use about 2.5 gallons of water per minute, while the low-flow variety uses no more than 2 gallons per minute.
Low-flow shower heads incorporate air into the water stream, increasing pressure while using less water. Some models also have nozzles or restrictors that optimize the flow rate without sacrificing performance.
High-Efficiency Faucets
Another effective upgrade is to install high-efficiency faucets in your kitchen and bathrooms. Most standard faucets use around 2.2 gallons of water per minute, but high-efficiency models can reduce that usage to about 1.5 gallons per minute. In addition to using less water, upgrading to new faucets can also help eliminate leaks commonly associated with older fixtures, further reducing waste.
Smart Plumbing Sensors
As smart technology becomes increasingly integrated into various aspects of modern homes, smart sensors are proving to be a valuable addition to plumbing systems. A professional strategically places these sensors along your piping to detect water leaks, providing early detection of issues that might otherwise go unnoticed. This technology is especially beneficial for identifying hidden leaks, such as those behind walls or under floors, while they’re still small and manageable.
By using these sensors, you can reduce water waste and catch potential plumbing issues before they turn into larger, more costly problems. Some smart systems even offer the option to integrate smart valves, which allow you to wirelessly shut off the water supply to any area of your home where a leak is detected. This feature minimizes damage to your home and water waste until the issue can be addressed. With the ability to monitor and control your plumbing system remotely, smart sensors offer peace of mind and can be a proactive step in preserving your home’s water efficiency.
Gray Water Recycling
Gray water refers to wastewater from sinks, showers, and appliances like dishwashers, while black water comes from toilets. Recycling your gray water is one effective way to reduce your water use. This practice is commonly used for irrigation, such as watering gardens and lawns. A gray water recycling system filters out particles like hair and lint, ensuring the water is clean enough not to harm your landscaping. By repurposing this wastewater, you can significantly reduce your water consumption while keeping your grass, bushes, and plants healthy.
Recirculating Hot Water Pumps
One common frustration, when using hot water, is waiting for it to reach the faucet. This happens because the water in the pipes loses heat to the surrounding environment, especially in cooler areas of the home or in pipes that are exposed to cold air. Depending on the distance between your water heater and the fixture, you may find yourself running the faucet for 30 seconds or longer before the hot water arrives. It’s estimated that an average household can waste up to 10 gallons of water per day waiting for hot water to arrive.
A great way to eliminate this waste is to keep the water in your hot water supply lines warm. While traditional pipe insulation can help, a more effective solution is to install a recirculating hot water pump. This device continuously circulates water in the supply lines, ensuring it remains heated. As a result, when you turn on the hot water, it’s at the right temperature, eliminating the wait and reducing water waste.
PEX Piping
When it’s time for a renovation project or when repiping is necessary due to aging plumbing, it’s important to choose materials that are not only durable but also environmentally friendly. PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) piping has grown in popularity for several reasons, particularly for its contribution to conservation efforts. As a flexible and versatile material, PEX is a sustainable option for modern plumbing systems.
Unlike traditional copper or metal piping, which can be difficult to maneuver, PEX can easily bend and flex around corners without the need for additional fittings like elbows. Fewer fittings mean fewer points of failure, which helps minimize water waste caused by leaks. Additionally, PEX pipes are highly resistant to corrosion, reducing the need for replacements over time and keeping more plastic and metal out of landfills.
By choosing PEX for your project, you’re making a practical decision for your home’s plumbing and contributing to environmental conservation. The durability, energy efficiency, and reduced material waste make PEX an eco-friendly choice that supports both the longevity of your plumbing system and the planet’s health.
Smart Irrigation Systems
If you depend on an irrigation system to maintain a lush lawn and vibrant garden throughout the year, it’s essential to be mindful of how much water it uses. Smart irrigation offers a variety of features designed to reduce water waste and optimize its use.
One of the advantages is their ability to track local weather conditions. When rain is in the forecast or occurs, a smart irrigation system automatically adjusts its watering schedule to avoid unnecessary watering. Additionally, many smart irrigation systems use soil moisture sensors that monitor the moisture levels in your garden or lawn. These sensors provide the system with real-time data to adjust watering cycles based on the actual needs of the soil. This prevents overwatering and ensures that water is used only when necessary.
Contact Your Local Experts
At Duane Blanton Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Cooling, we have been serving the residents of Round Lake, IL and the surrounding areas since 1988. We are expert plumbers who can install water-saving and water-treatment fixtures, help with remodeling projects, and perform repairs. Additionally, we install, maintain, and repair heating and cooling systems. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced team members.
