Mateusz Watt 
Plumbing upgrades can be an excellent way to enhance the value of your home and offer numerous advantages, including water and energy savings. Furthermore, eco-friendly fixtures may help meet green building codes and standards.
From low-flow toilets and faucet aerators to tankless water heaters, plumbing upgrades can save both you and the environment money. Here are four of these upgrades which will do exactly that:
1. Water-Efficient Fixtures
Water consumption awareness is not only responsible, but can be an effective way to save costs and help the planet at the same time. One effective way of doing so is through installing water-saving fixtures.
Low-flow faucets and showerheads, dual flush toilets, and other innovative water saving devices help minimize water waste without compromising functionality or quality. Plus, using less water reduces utility costs – thus cutting utility expenses further.
Eco-friendly fixtures will save on water bills while increasing the home’s appeal to potential homebuyers who prioritize environmental efficiency. Speak to Estes Services’ plumber about upgrading to these eco-friendly options today.
2. Low-Flow Toilets
Toilets are one of the primary contributors to water usage in American homes, accounting for as much as 30 percent. Replacing older models with efficient models such as low-flow ones can significantly cut this usage – up to 60 percent reduction! Low flow toilets can save between 20%-60% – an estimated annual savings of 13,000 gallons or so!
Low-flow toilets have come a long way since their initial introduction in the 1990s, offering more features and better functionality than ever before. Unfortunately, however, low-flow fixtures remain more costly to purchase and install than their counterparts.
Early consumers were frustrated with low-flow toilets clogging frequently or needing multiple flushes to clear their bowl. However, manufacturers have developed technologies to address these concerns and address any related to performance.
3. Faucet Aerators
Faucet aerators may go unnoticed, yet are an easy and straightforward way to reduce both water usage and energy costs. A faucet aerator works by mixing air with the water stream to soften and widen it for improved sink comfort and reduced splashing, all while saving both energy and money through reduced hot water consumption and energy savings.
While older faucets typically allowed up to 7 gallons of water to flow per minute, newer models come equipped with aerators which limit it to no more than 2.5 gallons per minute, saving money every year.
Just be sure to regularly clean out your aerators to remove calcium and other deposits, which will ensure they continue working optimally and save even more water.
4. Tankless Water Heaters
If you’re sick and tired of waiting for hot water or dealing with messy puddles around your old tank-type water heater, perhaps switching to tankless could be the way to go. Tankless models heat water directly on demand while using far less energy than their gas counterparts.
Tankless systems offer more than energy savings; they also help lower carbon footprint and Legionella growth while decreasing building emissions.
When choosing a tankless model for your home, it is essential to take several factors into consideration, including size of home and desired point-of-use or whole house setup. Also take into account installation costs – labor as well as any necessary electrical or gas line upgrades may incur additional charges – before making your selection.
5. Water Filtration Systems
Water filters help homes conserve water by decreasing consumption. They also save on energy costs by decreasing heat loss during water heating processes.
Water filtration systems may incur initial installation costs but provide long-term financial and health advantages. Reverse osmosis purifying systems work by pushing water through a semi-permeable membrane, leaving most contaminants behind. Mechanical (sedimentation) filters and absorption filters can further minimise impurities from your drinking water supply.
Water filtration systems can prevent costly water damage in plumbing pipes and appliances by eliminating hard water buildup that speeds wear-and-tear wearout. Furthermore, using filtered water can extend the lifespan of water-intensive appliances like dishwashers and washing machines while cutting repair costs significantly. Furthermore, homeowners may qualify for insurance discounts by installing systems to mitigate risk from potential water damage, leading to ongoing savings over time.
