Monday 27 January 2014

Thoughts About The Global Shift Toward Using Green Plumbing Products

By Charlotte McBride


Time was about forty years ago many plumbers prided themselves on connecting pipe with shaped oaken blocks and hot lead. This is one example of the many old school methods possible. Old ways are typically not used a lot anymore because of the growing shift for using green plumbing products. Many people believe these items will not last and are expensive. Well, this is not exactly true. Overall green items are both cost effective as well as being better for our environment.

These items generally provide two very useful things. They provide for greater energy efficiency and gray water conservation. These factors are important in providing for a brighter future for the planet. One only has to walk down to a local hardware store to see all kinds of new environmentally friendly fixtures that are available for home use. The nicest part though, is the money you will save doing something good.

Water conservation is quickly becoming a hot topic around the world. With the supply of drinking water shrinking every day steps are needed to extend its longevity. The cost of treating waste water is also rising expediently due to the increased use of chemicals. Consumers and businesses alike are looking for ways to make their dollars go further.

As little as ten years ago most commodes used a standard 5 gallon tank for its flushing water. The average cost for municipally treated water in the states is around . 38 cents for a gallon. This means about two dollars down your drain pipe every time you flush. Flushed once each day over 12 months that equals about 700 dollars for flushing. New super efficient commodes are now constructed that use about a quart for each use.

Point of use tankless water heaters are quickly becoming another major innovation to greener systems. Rather than heating the water in a tank, they provide the hot water as it is needed. Ideally these types of systems have shown to be around 95 percent more efficient than older water heaters. Also as they are instantly ready most people will use less water with them.

Rainwater harvesting has also become a viable way to decrease the cost for activities such as landscaping, washing, and bathing. While these systems are not generally meant to be used for potable water, they can decrease a family's water use dramatically. This reduces the burden on municipal facilitates, as well as being good for the environment.

Solar powered items are becoming quite prevalent too. Generally speaking solar powered anything is good for the environment. Whether being used to heat your water, or in union with pex to heat up your house. It does have a slightly higher initial cost, but can generally pay for its cost rapidly. Combined with green tax credits and they are quite difficult to beat.

In the past decade there has been an increasing shift to using green plumbing products. Reusable plastics are installed in homes instead of cast or galvanized piping. Pex plastic systems are being installed over copper pipe. Seeing how things look now, the future is going to be even better.




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