If your last energy bill was higher than you would like, look to your plumbing system. The right combination of efficient plumbing parts and practices lowers the amount of water and energy your home uses on a daily basis. It also helps reduce your carbon footprint and therefore contributes to a greener, healthier planet. Review these ideas to get started.

How to Improve Plumbing Efficiency In Your Home

1. Install a Low-Flow Showerhead & Toilet

Switch your current showerhead for a low-flow version, especially if the former one features serious scale buildup that reduces spray and lengthens bathing sessions.

A low-flow showerhead provides the same amount of water pressure as other versions to keep bathing experiences short. Also, consider installing a low-flow or dual-flush toilet that uses less water for liquid waste and more water for solid waste to avoid repeat flushings.

2. Use Faucet Aerators

Add aerators to all household faucets to reduce water consumption. The plumbing parts mix air with water so less liquid comes out of faucets but the pressure remains consistent.

The devices also save water by widening and softening the stream to reduce basin splashing, and by helping soap work faster for shorter handwashing experiences.

3. Insulate Pipes

Wrap exposed plumbing pipes in your basement and garage with insulating materials, such as foam insulation. Quality insulation prevents frozen pipes that can burst and waste gallons of water while reducing heat loss as the liquid travels from the hot water heater to faucets. Water within pipes remains warmer as well to keep energy costs reasonable.

4. Invest In a Tankless Water Heater

Think about replacing your water heater with a tankless model, particularly if the current unit is over eight years old and therefore hitting its expiration date.

Traditional water heaters heat all of the water in 40-gallon tanks, unlike tankless versions that heat water as needed via coils connected to the home’s hot water line. By heating less water at a time, you’ll conserve the resource and reduce energy consumption. 

Purchase plumbing parts from Black’s Hardware, the family-owned hardware store serving Rochester, NY, and the surrounding areas since 1948. Also known for window screen repairs, key cutting, pipe threading, and sharpening services, their staff completes the job efficiently every time. Call (585) 544-9896 today with plumbing part questions or view the product catalog online.