With the advent of modern Plumbing, many problems like contaminated water and waste disposal were solved.  As the plumbing industry continued to grow throughout the years, so did the technology. And now, as the number of eco-conscious homeowners grows, more plumbers are responding “going green” with their products and services.

The plumbing industry is continuously seeking new ways to improve efficiency, conserve water and reduce costs for homeowners, such as:

1. Install new 1.28-gallon-per-flush (gpf) high-efficiency toilets to replace older (pre-1990) 3.5 gpf toilets currently in the home. This can save nearly 20,000 gallons of water a year.
2. Replace three 2.2-gallon-per-minute (gpm) faucets with 0.5 gpm WaterSense-labeled faucets and use them the same 40 minutes per day. This saves a homeowner about $450 and almost 75,000 gallons of water a year.
3. Swap out two 3.0 gpm showerheads for new 1.5 gpm models, resulting in a savings of more than $250 and 43,000 gallons of water a year.
4. Install a tankless water heater, which only heats water when being used, thereby lowering energy costs and water consumption.

By making these simple changes to plumbing products with improved performance, the average household can save hundreds of dollars and what equates to enough water to fill a few swimming pools every single year.

Want to purchase your own plumbing products? Here’s an additional tip:

Look for the WaterSense label. Created by the Environmental Protection Agency, this label certifies that products:

• Perform as well or better than their less efficient counterparts.
• Are 20 percent more water efficient than average products in that category.
• Realize water savings on a national level.
• Provide measurable water savings results.
• Achieve water efficiency through several technology options.

The WaterSense label is currently available for high-efficiency toilets (HETs) and faucets.

More ideas for going green at home

There are many small changes that green-minded families can make to conserve water and energy in their homes. Here are a couple of suggestions from the Water Footprint Calculator:

• Choose an Energy Star rated washing machine. Only use it when you have a full load.
• Call a plumber to come fix any pipe, faucet or toilet as soon as you notice leaks or drips.
• Choose showers over baths, cut down on the time you spend there, and install a low-flow shower head.
• Install low-flow faucet aerators in your bathroom sinks. Turn off the water while you brush your teeth or shave.

Howell Services is proud to be a green plumber, providing reliable, quality services to residences and small businesses throughout the Fort Bend area. Call us today to find out more about our environmentally friendly, cost-effective plumbing options that results in Savings on water and energy.

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