4 Green Plumbing Tips so you can Save Water
Australia is the driest continent on Earth, with limited freshwater resources. With droughts affecting several parts of New South Wales and the ACT, water levels in dams continue to drop, making water conservation more critical than ever. The average Australian used to consume 480 liters daily post-millennium, which has now significantly reduced to an average of 300 liters.
While we have become more conscious of our household water usage in recent years, poor individual practices aren’t the only cause of water wastage at home. Faulty plumbing systems can also lead to excessive water use and increased water bills. The Plumbing and Electrical Doctor has rounded up four green plumbing tips to support your water conservation efforts.
Here are 4 Water-Saving Green Plumbing Tips
1. Check For Leaks In Your Plumbing
The shower, toilet, and laundry constitute the biggest percentage of indoor water use in an average Australian home. Prioritise a routine plumbing inspection in these areas.
Common indications of leaks are low flow rates, strange noises coming from the pipes, and a noticeable spike in your water bills. You can also go around to inspect if all taps are not broken or dripping.
A single leaking tap left unattended can produce 12,000 litres of water waste a year. Do not forget to look around for broken or burst pipes outside the house, especially if you have trees in the surrounding.
2. Improve Your Water-Conserving Habits
Remind and teach all family members and tenants about proper water usage. Here are some simple and useful tips:
- Dishwasher: Instead of running three loads a day, wait for a full load to save water.
- Shower: Reduce your shower time by two minutes from the average 12 minutes.
- Toilet: Use the half-flush option on dual-flush toilets to clean waste. Avoid throwing foreign objects into the toilet bowl, as this requires more water to flush and can eventually block your drains.
- Brushing and Shaving: Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and shaving.
3. Install Water-Efficient Appliances and Fixtures
Inspect your old appliances and fixtures to see if they need replacement. The Department of Environment and Energy notes that a household can save up to $175 per year by using water-efficient appliances and plumbing fixtures.
These star-rated products include showerheads, toilet suites, and dishwashers, which have sensors and valves that control water usage. You will need a licensed plumber for proper installation.
4. Recycle or Reuse Water
One efficient method of reusing water is installing a rainwater harvesting system. While common in urban areas, only 26-30% of households in Australia have a rainwater tank.
Rainwater can serve as an alternative source during water restrictions, and can be used to flush toilets and water plants. This also reduces stress on your stormwater drain system, making it less susceptible to wear and tear, and decreases your water bills.
Save Water: Licensed Plumber in NSW & ACT
With some areas in NSW already under Level 2 water restrictions, encourage your family and friends to proactively save water. Contact a local plumber to fix leaks and blocked drains promptly. The Plumbing and Electrical Doctor is a licensed plumber in New South Wales and the ACT. If you need upgrades to your plumbing system or a complete inspection for water-efficient plumbing, we are here to assist.
Contact us to book an appointment with our experienced plumbing specialists.
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