When it comes to home maintenance and repairs, it's easy to overlook the environmental impact of letting issues go unaddressed. However, hiring professional plumbing contractors for plumbing issues can actually help protect the environment in important ways. Read on to learn how using plumbing contractors can reduce water waste and contamination, improve energy efficiency, and support greener practices overall.

Reducing Damage Caused by Leaks

One of the biggest ways that hiring plumbing contractors helps the environment is by fixing leaks and drips in your plumbing system. According to WebFX, a typical home can have a minor leak that wastes more than 10,000 gallons of water annually. Just imagine how much clean water is being lost from leaks across neighborhoods and cities! By calling in plumbing contractors to find and repair leaks, you can dramatically reduce the amount of wasted water in your home.

Preventing Contaminated Water Runoff

Sometimes leaks and drips originate from broken pipes or malfunctioning appliances that release contaminated water. If this water flows into the ground or storm drains, it can pollute groundwater, lakes, rivers, and more. Plumbing contractors have the skills to diagnose and fix the source of leaks, stopping contaminants from entering the environment. This keeps local water sources cleaner for people and wildlife.

Upgrading to Water-Efficient Fixtures

Part of a plumbing contractor's service is installing new fixtures like faucets, showerheads, and toilets. They will likely recommend efficient models that reduce your home's water usage. With low-flow faucets and showerheads, you can conserve water without sacrificing performance. High-efficiency toilets also use significantly less water per flush while still getting the job done. Installing water-saving fixtures reduces strain on water supplies.

Repiping to Prevent Future Leaks

If your pipes are old and deteriorated, a plumbing contractor may suggest repiping parts of your home. This involves replacing corroded pipes with new ones that are less likely to leak over time. Since leaking pipes waste huge amounts of water, repiping is an investment that pays off by preventing future leaks and drips as pipes age. Your home will be more water-efficient for years to come.

Choosing Sustainable Materials

When plumbing contractors need to replace pipes, fittings, drainage systems, and other components, you can request they use the most sustainable materials available. Many plumbers actively try to source environmentally-friendly replacement materials for their customers. For example, pipes made of PEX (crosslinked polyethylene) are highly durable and flexible, reducing the need for replacements. Pipes made of recycled metal use less virgin resources. Renewable and biodegradable materials are also better options. Your contractor may even suggest redirecting downspouts into rain barrels or drainage ponds to capture stormwater runoff for reuse in irrigation.

Supporting Water Heater Efficiency

Plumbing contractors can inspect your water heater to make sure it is functioning optimally. If not, they may suggest maintenance or replacement. Newer models are much more energy-efficient, using less gas or electricity to heat water. Some contractors may recommend tankless water heaters that heat water on demand rather than maintaining a full tank at all times. Any upgrades will save energy and lower your utility bills.

Practicing Proper Drainage

Clogs and backups in your home's drainage system can result in flooded areas full of contaminated water. Plumbing contractors have the tools to clear drain obstructions and keep everything flowing properly. They can also adjust drainage as needed to get rid of standing water. This prevents excess moisture that enables mold growth. Effective drainage helps keep both your home's structure and the surrounding environment in better condition.

Recommending Green Products

Reputable plumbing contractors stay up-to-date on the most environmentally friendly products for water systems. They may suggest green pipe materials, natural drain cleaners, lead-free components, energy-saving accessories, and more. Getting their expert advice helps you make the best choices.

By turning to professional plumbing contractors for installation, maintenance, and repairs, you can make a real difference for the environment. Conserving water, preventing pollution, boosting energy efficiency, and using green products are just some of the ways their services can reduce your home's ecological footprint. Don't underestimate how much of an impact leak prevention and other plumbing best practices can have. Contact our team at ASAP Plumbing today to start making your home part of the solution.