A Positive Look At The Global Shift To Using Green Plumbing Products

By Charlotte McBride


Time was about 40 years ago most plumbers prided themselves on being able to connect pipe with shaped oak blocks and poured lead. This is just one example of many that are possible. The old ways are not used so much anymore due to a global shift toward using green plumbing products. Some people think these products cost more and do not last as long, though nothing could be further from the truth. Overall they are better for the environment as well as being cost effective.

These items typically provide two useful properties. They provide efficient energy use and greater water conservation. These factors are critical to providing a positive future outlook for our planet. Anybody has only to drive down to the local home improvement outlet to see the large amount of environmentally friendly fixtures there for residential use. The best part though is they will over time save your hard earned money.

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 everything is becoming more and more prevalent as well. The bottom line is, solar anything is good. Whether it is used to heat water, or in connection with pex to heat your house. It has a higher initial cost, but generally pays for itself quickly. Combined with tax credits they are difficult to beat.

In the last decade there has been a much greater shift for using green plumbing products. More reusable plastics are now being used over cast iron or galvanized pipe. Pex piping systems are being widely used over copper. From the way things look now, they are going to get even better in near future.




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