Simple Plumbing Upgrades That Save Water

In today’s conversation, we will delve into the world of saving water with efficient plumbing solutions.

At Fergusons Plumbing, we implement various methods that focus on the key concept: save water plumbing.

This concept not only caters to environmental preservation but also significantly reduces your water bills.

We have gathered a list of essential elements to achieve effective save water plumbing:

• High-Efficiency Toilets: An easy upgrade that saves significant amounts of water.
• Pressure-Reducing Valves: Enhances efficiency and conserves water.
• Performance Shower Heads: Investing in these could significantly cut your water usage.
• Water-Saving Taps: An upgrade to these can create a substantial difference in your consumption rates.
• Hot Water Recirculation Pump: This device has multiple benefits, including saving water and energy.
• Practical Water Usage Tips: Such as turning off the tap while brushing can make a big difference over time.
• Pro Plumbing Upgrades: Professional upgrades can further enhance your home’s water efficiency.
• Conscientious Water Consumer: Being mindful about your water consumption is a significant step towards conservation.

These points provide an effective pathway for homeowners to optimise their consumption and achieve efficient save water plumbing.

Your Pathway To Water Conservation

Navigating towards a more sustainable future involves making conscious decisions about our resources.

The recommended upgrades not only help conserve water but also reduce your utility bills drastically.

Becoming a conscientious consumer is indeed the need of the hour, and that journey begins at home.

Let’s make a difference one drop at a time.

Pressure-Reducing Valves (PRV): Enhance Efficiency

What is a Pressure-Reducing Valve (PRV)?

A Pressure-Reducing Valve (PRV) is a mastermind in controlling water pressure. It helps maintain the desired pressure in your home’s plumbing system.

Why do I need a PRV?

A PRV is critical because extreme pressure can cause substantial damage to your pipes. It helps avoid such costly repairs by managing the water pressure.

How does a PRV enhance efficiency?

The PRV enhances efficiency by regulating high pressure. It ensures water flows at a consistent rate, which leads to optimal use, reducing wastage.

What’s innovative about a PRV’s design?

The latest PRVs present an innovative design that squashes the “water whistle” or “harmonic hum”, usually associated with most traditional pressure regulating valves.

What are they usually factory set at?

PRVs are typically factory set at 45 PSI, ensuring safety and avoiding unnecessary stress on your plumbing system.

Are there different settings for multi-units?

Yes, for multi-units, the factory settings can be adjusted to 50 or 55 PSI, considering the increased demand and usage.

How does a PRV save water?

A PRV promotes water conservation by controlling flow and reducing leakage. Hence, it ensures you’re using only the needed amount of water.

Invest in Performance Shower Heads

Shower heads considerably impact water usage in our homes. Upgrading to a performance shower head ensures an invigorating shower while conserving water.

Choosing the Right Shower Head

A variety of shower head designs exist. Fixed models, handheld variants, and rain-showers are popular choices catering to individual preferences.

The finest fixed head models provide consistent temperature flow and easily switch between settings. While multisetting shower heads boast superiority in their diverse options, single-setting models offer simplicity at a less costly price.

Try Before You Buy

If possible, test differing shower heads in plumbing-supply showrooms. Evaluate the comfort of the stream and ease of changing settings on multisetting models.

Handheld versions offer versatility, especially beneficial for elderly individuals or those with disabilities. They can be mounted in a wall bracket or handheld to target the spray.

Replace Your Shower Head Yourself

Replacing most shower heads is a straightforward DIY project. Simply unscrew the old head, remove the old plumber’s tape, and apply fresh tape for a good seal before screwing the new one tightly in place.

This is an ideal solution for those dissatisfied with a weak shower spray, as high performing shower heads provide robust flows and stable temperature control with adjustable spray patterns.

Saving Water and Money

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that showers account for almost one-sixth of all the water used for bathing. By opting for a performance shower head that offers satisfying spray quality alongside reduced water usage, you can save water and money simultaneously.

In addition to this, some top-rated variants use as little as 1.8 gpm, significantly less than the legal maximum of 2.5 gpm, leading to substantial savings every time you shower.

Ultimately, investing in a performance shower head not only enhances your shower experience but contributes to water conservation efforts and lower utility bills.

Upgrade to Water-Saving Taps

Embracing water-saving taps is a brilliant move for Aussie homeowners. These fixtures are not only eco-friendly, but they also help in cutting down your bills.

WaterSense labelled products worth considering include tap aerators and showerheads. These models work as efficiently as standard ones whilst utilising 20% less water.

1. Water Efficiency: WaterSense labelled products are designed to use less water without compromising on performance.
2. Energy Saving: The less hot water you use, the less electricity is needed to heat it. A significant saving over time.
3. Budget Friendly: Saving on water and energy directly translates to reduced utility bills.

By simply upgrading your taps and showerheads, you could save nearly 3,500 gallons of water annually.

This also equates to an impressive saving of almost 410 kilowatt-hours of electricity every year.

So, why not make the switch today? Save water, energy, and cash with WaterSense labeled products.

Benefits of a Hot Water Recirculation Pump

Imagine never having to bear with cold water while washing your hands again. Thanks to hot water recirculating pumps, this can be a reality in your home.

These devices attach to your water heater and circulate hot water throughout your pipes. This keeps hot water readily available at the tap, saving both energy and money.

1. Energy efficiency: These systems often operate on a timer or automatically turn on and off to maintain a specific temperature range. They use less energy than continuously-running systems.
2. Preventing waste: The National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) suggests that over 10% of all hot water drawn for showering in a typical single-family home is wasted waiting for it to heat up. A recirculating pump can help prevent this.
3. Savings: According to expert commercial plumber Umberto Griccino, a hot water recirculating pump can save about $120 annually which means it can pay off quickly even if you are saving less.
4. Maintenance: Hot water recirculating systems require minimal maintenance but if any problems arise, it’s advisable to contact a professional plumber immediately.

You can further save more water by combining a hot water recirculating pump with water-efficient appliances and fixtures like dual-flush toilets and efficient showerheads. This can greatly reduce your utility bills.

If you’re considering installing one yourself, place the pump near the water heater and power source. However, if you’re not confident in your plumbing skills, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.

With proper care, barring any malfunctions, your hot water recirculating pump should provide about ten years of use.

Practical Tips to Reduce Water Usage

Drinking wisely can save water easily. Just fill your kettle with the amount of water you need.

For cool drinks, try filling a water jug in the morning and placing it in the fridge.

Maximise Appliance Use

To save water, use appliances like washers and dishwashers to their full capacity.

Spot cleaning clothes instead of washing them can also help you save water.

Efficient Sink Habits

Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth can save up to 24 litres of water per day.

Consider installing a tap attachment that reduces water flow to aid conservation.

Smart Showering

Using a water-efficient showerhead or reducing shower time can save between 8-12 litres of water per minute.

Bathing also uses about 80 litres of water so don’t fill the tub completely and consider reusing bathwater for toilet flushing.

Savvy Toilet Use

Use your dual-flush toilet correctly and check regularly for leaks. You could also fit an old-school cistern bag to save 1-2 litres per flush.

Rainwater collection provides an excellent free source of water for watering your garden plants.

Clever Gardening

To retain moisture around plants, try using mulch or wool as a pot lining.

Consider reducing meat consumption as it requires huge amounts of water due to agricultural supply chains constituting 70% of global freshwater resources.

Eco-Friendly Clothing Choices

Remember that clothing production, especially denim, consumes a lot of water. So, consider reducing food waste to compensate.

Being a Conscientious Water Consumer

As homeowners, we are responsible for our water consumption. It’s not only about saving on your bills but it’s also about conservation of this precious resource.

Being a conscientious water consumer means being aware of your water usage habits. It could mean fixing leaks promptly, or it might involve low-flow fixtures in your home.

“Water is a precious resource that we often take for granted. As homeowners, it’s our responsibility to use it efficiently.”

By making small changes like turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, you can significantly reduce your water usage. These changes may seem small, but when combined with others it adds up to significant savings.

The key is to use only what you need and avoid any wastage. With proactive measures, you can make a substantial difference.

Take the time now to examine your home and see where you can save water. It’s not just an economic decision; it’s an ethical one too.

Water-Saving Wisdom

Simple plumbing upgrades can significantly reduce water consumption in your household. By installing dual-flush toilets, water-efficient showerheads, and low-flow tap aerators, you can help conserve precious water resources. Not only are these changes environmentally friendly, but they can also reduce your water bills, providing a win-win for both the planet and your pocket.