Do Showers or Baths Use More Water?

If you are trying to conserve on water, you may wonder how much water your daily showers or baths use. It was once thought that showers were more water efficient, but is that really the case? You may have your own preference of showers or baths, but when it comes to water efficiency, it depends on how you use these methods.

Water Use for Baths and Showers

For baths, the amount of water you use is directly linked to the size of tub you have and how full you fill it. A deep tub versus a shallow tub can be a difference of tens of gallons of water. The average tub holds about 35 gallons of water, but it is unlikely most people will fill it that full. Depending on how much water you displace, you may only use 20-25 gallons, but that is a set amount no matter how long you linger in the bath.

For showers, you have control over your water use. An average showerhead uses about 3-4 gallons of water a minute. If you use a water-efficient showerhead, the amount could be less, about 2 gallons per minute. A 5-minute shower using an efficient showerhead will only use about 10 gallons of water, half of that of a bath. But a longer shower will use more, as will a conventional showerhead, making showers less efficient.

If you are looking for ways to conserve water, talk to your local plumber. They can help you install efficient fixtures and appliances that will make a significant difference in your water use, from showerheads and faucets to tankless water heaters and washers.

Posted on behalf of:
Seagraves Plumbing Sewer & Septic
4980 Plant Atkinson Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(494) 792-2221

What is Green Plumbing?

The word “green” gets thrown around a lot when referring to environmental issues. Living green is choosing better options for the environment when buying products, using natural resources and disposing of waste. When it comes to plumbing, there are a few ways you can “go green” and make your home or business more environmentally-friendly. Here are some options that are available for green plumbing to reduce water and energy waste that can help sustain our planet.

  • Tankless water heaters. The standard tank water heater uses gas or electricity to keep hundreds of gallons of water hot 24/7, whether it is being used or not. This can waste natural resources and cost more on energy bills. Tankless water heaters are “green” due to their on-demand heating of water, using much less energy.
  • Low-flow fixtures. You can reduce the amount of water your household or business uses by simply changing your water fixtures. Low-flow toilets, faucets, shower heads and other fixtures reduce the amount of water you use throughout the day. This can save hundreds of gallons of water used without changing your normal routine.
  • Efficient appliances. Upgrading your dishwasher and clothes washer to more energy and water-efficient models can help reduce waste in your home. These green options often have the Energy Star certification to make it simple to find a good choice for your water appliances.

If you are interested in options to reduce water and energy waste around your home or business, talk to your local plumber that specializes in green plumbing. They can help you identify areas in your plumbing that can be improved or upgraded to reduce waste and help you install new green plumbing options.

Posted on behalf of:
Kiddco Plumbing, Inc.
106-M Oakgrove Road
Sterling, VA 20166
(703) 435-4441

Top 3 Benefits of Using Green Plumbing

How green is your plumbing? While you may recycle paper, glass, aluminum and other materials, or drive a hybrid vehicle, leading a green lifestyle does not stop there. Your plumbing is another area where you can conserve natural resources and make a difference in the world. Here are some of the benefits of upgrading to green plumbing, both for the planet and your family.

  1. Reduce water waste. Not only is there a limited supply of fresh, clean water, creating and delivering water uses energy and depletes natural resources. Green plumbing fixtures and appliances use less water and help conserve this valuable resource for future generations.
  2. Lower your utility costs. By choosing green plumbing, you get the benefit of saving money on your utility bills. Options like tankless water heaters use less energy, saving you a significant amount on electricity or gas. Reduced water use can lower your water bill, or put less stress on your well or septic system for lower maintenance costs, all adding up to more money in your bank account each year.
  3. Added style. Upgrading faucets, washers and other fixtures to green options gives you a chance to update your home. New faucets and appliances not only can reduce waste and save you money, they can help stylize your bathroom, kitchen and utility rooms with a new look. Replace old or outdated plumbing fixtures with new trends that add value to your home and conserve on water.

There are many green plumbing options available on the market, from Energy Star appliances and fixtures, to tankless water heaters and low-flow toilets. Talk to your local plumber about how to make your home’s plumbing green and begin enjoying the benefits.

Posted on behalf of:
Kiddco Plumbing, Inc.
106-M Oakgrove Road
Sterling, VA 20166
(703) 435-4441

How Much Water is Your Family Wasting?

Did you know that the average American family of four uses approximately 146,000 a year? This number has increased by 127% since 1950, which should be cause for alarm. Fresh water is a valuable and finite natural resource, with only 1% of the water on earth suitable for consumption. If you are trying to move to an eco-friendlier lifestyle for your family, one place to start is watching how much water is wasted within your home.

So how can you save water in your home? Start with being aware of your water use. Don’t leave water running down the drain – ever. Shut it off while you brush your teeth, shampoo your hair or shave. Take shorter showers and don’t wash clothes that are still clean. Be frugal about watering your lawn or choose to xeriscape instead. These all add up to saving water and conserving this valuable resource.

One other way to make a substantial change in the water wasted in your home is to convert to water-efficient fixtures and appliances. Swapping out faucets, toilets, washers and showerheads for low-flow options can make a giant difference in your water usage. A family of four can save as much as 24,000 gallons a year just by switching from a conventional toilet to a low-flow model. A low-flow showerhead can save another 12,000 gallons of water per person! It is worth looking into and discussing with your local plumber to reduce your water waste in your home.

Conserving water is everyone’s responsibility. The first place to start is at home with your own family. You can begin by using some of these smart tactics to reduce waste every day.

Posted on behalf of:
Kiddco Plumbing Inc
106-M Oakgrove Road
Sterling, VA 20166
(703) 435-4441

Be Green and Conserve Water During the Summer Months

When the dog days of summer hit and temperatures skyrocket, water becomes a more valuable commodity. In many areas, restrictions are put on water use to conserve this valuable and necessary resource. As a homeowner, you can do your part by finding ways to reduce your water usage in as many ways as possible. Here are a few ways to be green and reduce the amount of water your family uses this summer.

  • Water your lawn in the morning. If you must have a green lawn, conserve water by only using your sprinklers in the morning or during the night when water will not evaporate due to the mid-day heat. This will be better for your lawn and for conserving water.
  • Water plants manually. If you have potted plants that you use your hose to water, try using a hand-held watering can instead of a hose. This will save on excess water being lost between plants.
  • Use a pool cover. If you have a pool, use your pool cover when it is not in use to reduce evaporation and conserve on water.
  • Upgrade all your fixtures. If you have not done so already, upgrade all your faucets, showerheads and toilets to low-flow options. You can save hundreds of gallons a day just from doing this one step. Talk to your local plumber about installing your new fixtures.
  • Check for water leaks in your outdoor and indoor plumbing. A small drip from your outdoor water faucet or in your bathroom sink is a big waste of water. Call your local plumber to get these leaks fixed to save water and money.

Everyone needs to do their part to help reduce water waste, especially during the hot summer months. Make a plan to start using conservation methods to save this important natural resource that we all need.

Posted on behalf of:
Metro Septic LLC
1210 N Tennessee St
Cartersville, GA 30120
(678) 873-7934

Green Home Improvements – Plumbing

There are many ways you can improve the efficiency of your home to conserve water and energy, making it greener. One way is to use green plumbing options that will reduce waste every day in your home. Not only are green plumbing methods good for the environment, they can save you and your family money off your monthly utilities. Here are a few ways to go green when it comes to your home’s plumbing.

  • Plumbing fixtures. Upgrade your faucets and showerheads to water-efficient options. Look for fixtures that have the WaterSense label, a EPA sponsored program for water-efficient products. Just changing your showerhead can save half a gallon of water for every shower taken in your home.
  • Upgrade your toilet. Toilets are one of the biggest uses of water in most homes. Upgrade older models to water-efficient toilets that can use approximately 20% less per flush, saving an estimated 4,000 gallons a year in a home with a family of four.
  • Go tankless with your water heater. Tankless water heaters save energy by only heating water as needed, saving up to 50% off your water heating costs. Plus, tankless water heaters never run out of hot water like tank models and require less room in your home.
  • Irrigation. WaterSense also labels irrigation controllers that can help reduce your water waste when irrigating your lawn.

If you are ready to change your plumbing to green options, call your local green plumber for help. They can offer advice on the best water and energy efficient plumbing options for your home, plus install your new toilets, tankless water heater and other fixtures when you are ready to upgrade.

Posted on behalf of:
Metro Septic LLC
1210 N Tennessee St
Cartersville, GA 30120
(678) 873-7934

5 Ways to Reduce Water Waste

Does your family practice reducing water waste in your home? Americans waste much more water than we use. There are places in the world where the average person only used less than three gallons a day of water, yet Americans use that much to flush the toilet – once! Water conversation not only reduces your water bill, it saves a resource that is becoming more and more precious. Here are five ways to reduce water waste in your home.

  1. Never let the water run down the drain. Did you know you can waste 3 or more gallons of water just letting the faucet run while you brush your teeth? Never let water run down the drain – turn it off between uses.
  2. Reduce your shower time. Many people spend way more time than they need in the shower, wasting water. Time your showers to keep them less than 10 minutes. Need more time? Then turn off the water while you are lathering up.
  3. Use water efficient fixtures. Switch to brands like WaterSense for your plumbing fixtures and appliances to reduce water waste.
  4. Fix plumbing leaks. Did you know a dripping faucet or pipe can waste 2,700 gallons of water a year? Don’t wait to get a plumbing leak fixed!
  5. Forego the green lawn. There is no reason to waste water by putting it on your lawn. Find other landscaping options that give you a nice outdoor area without wasting water to keep a big patch of grass green.

Just by making a few small changes in your home, you and your family can save thousands of gallons every month, making a big difference for both your water bill and the planet.

Posted on behalf of:
Kiddco Plumbing Inc
Sterling, VA
(703) 435-4441

Is Your Home Plumbing Wasting Water and Money?

Conserving water should be a top priority for everyone. Not only does water cost you money to use in your home, it is vital to our planet’s environmental health. Did you know that 95% of water used in the U.S.in homes goes right down the drain? You can make small changes in your home to reduce water waste and save this precious resource. Here are some home plumbing water saving tips:

  • Use water efficient appliances and fixtures. Water efficient faucets, showerheads, washers and other plumbing options can save thousands of gallons per year. Just changing one faucet to a water efficient model can save 1,000 gallons a year.
  • Fix water leaks. A small plumbing drip or leak can waste a large amount of water and cause damage to your home. The average family wastes 10,000 gallons of water per year due to leaks. Whether it is a dripping faucet or a leaking pipe, get your plumbing issues fixed as soon as possible to reduce water waste. Your local plumber can fix those leaks in no time.
  • Change your toilet. The biggest saver of water in a home is a water-efficient toilet. One low-flush toilet can save 24,000 gallons of water a year in your home. That alone can save you up to 18% off your water bill if you are on a city water system. Talk to your local plumber about installing a water-efficient toilet in your home.

Implementing these small, yet effective, changes in your home’s plumbing can save you plenty of money off your water bill and conserve water we need for the future.

Posted on behalf of:
Seagraves Plumbing Sewer & Septic
4980 Plant Atkinson Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(494) 792-2221

How Green is Your Plumbing?

Recycling, conserving water and efficient energy use are all part of the green lifestyle. Finding ways to reduce waste is an important goal for everyone to strive for, especially homeowners. You can drive the more energy efficient car, be very conscience of recycling and have other green behaviors, but if you home is not green, then you are missing a big step. One area that can make a big environmental impact is your home’s plumbing. Here are a few ways to ensure your home is conserving water and energy by using these green plumbing options:

  • Tankless water heaters. Stop wasting energy around the clock with an old tank water heater. Tankless water heaters only heat water when it’s used, saving a ton of energy and money off your utility bills.
  • Low-flow toilets. Did you know that less efficient toilets can waste an extra 4,000 gallons of water a year compared to water-efficient models? New low-flow toilets work just as good as the old models, yet save thousands of gallons of water.
  • Showerheads. Another big use of water in the home is the shower. You need a showerhead that limits the flow of water to give you enough to get clean without wasting this precious resource. WaterSense offers a great efficient showerhead that can save about half a gallon of water every time you or someone in your family showers.

The nice thing about living green is it often can save you green in the long run. While it may cost a little now to upgrade the plumbing in your home to greener options, most of these fixtures and appliances will save you money off water and energy. Talk to your local plumber about transforming your plumbing to green options.

Posted on behalf of:
Kiddco Plumbing Inc
Sterling, VA
(703) 435-4441

How Green is Your Plumbing?

You want to do your part to live a green lifestyle, conserving energy and reducing waste. One of the most valuable natural resources we have is clean, fresh water. It is easy to take this resource for granted when it flows so freely into your home. However, there are ways to reduce water waste by upgrading to green plumbing in your home.

Green Plumbing Upgrades

Water efficiency is not only good for the environment, it can also be a way to save money off your utility bills. Using less water and heating less water both can save money every month, plus it is a great way to do your part to conserve natural resources. To upgrade your plumbing to a greener approach, here are a few ideas:

–          Faucets and showerheads. Start with the small fixtures that are inexpensive to replace. Water efficient faucets and showerheads can reduce your water usage by gallons per day.

–          Efficient toilets. You are literally flushing money down the toilet if you have an older, inefficient toilet. New models like WaterSense can save 4,000 gallons of water a year while performing as good, or better, than older models.

–          Water heaters. Do you still have a tank water heater that keeps water hot 24/7, wasting energy? Upgrade to the greener option of a tankless or on demand model, saving you up to 50% less energy for hot water.

Almost all water appliances and fixtures now come in water efficient models that can reduce the waste in your home. To get a green plumbing makeover, talk to your local green plumber to discuss replacing your toilets, water heaters and other water appliances with more efficient options.

Posted on behalf of:
Kiddco Plumbing Inc
Sterling, VA
(703) 435-4441