Many people are doing everything they can to reduce their carbon footprints. Sustainable living begins with the small choices we make every day. Cal’s Plumbing in Tucson, AZ, is committed to helping our customers achieve eco-friendly plumbing upgrades. Plumbing plays a critical role in water conservation and energy efficiency. Upgrading to more eco-friendly plumbing options can reduce environmental impacts and utility bills. We are happy to guide you in your selections.
High-Efficiency Toilets
Did you know older toilets can use up to six gallons of water for a single flush? Imagine the thousands of gallons of water wasted each year! High-efficiency toilets, which have been on the market for years, use as little as 1.28 gallons of water per flush.
Dual-flush toilets allow you to choose between a low-volume flush for liquid waste and a higher-volume flush for solids, helping you reduce your water usage substantially. Cal’s Plumbing offers toilet and other plumbing installation services and can help with maintenance and repairs to keep your porcelain throne working efficiently.
Low-Flow Showerheads and Faucets
The water flow from showers and sinks accounts for significant waste. According to the EPA, standard showerheads use around 2.5 gallons of water per minute while low-flow options use about half that amount.
Installing aerators at your sinks can help mix air with water to reduce the flow while maintaining a consistent pressure, reducing water usage at each sink.
Tankless Water Heaters
Although tankless water heaters have existed for many years, they have become increasingly popular in the last decade. Traditional water heaters store water in a tank, constantly heating it, even when not using hot water.
Tankless water heaters offer hot water on demand. According to the US Department of Energy, installing one can save you up to 30% on energy costs. Tankless units also last much longer than their tanked counterparts, helping preserve your investment.
If your old water heater is increasing your electrical bills and not satisfying your hot water needs, consider upgrading to a tankless option. Tankless water heaters are cost-effective and eco-friendly, making them an excellent choice for homes in Tucson. Our plumbing team can help you select the best tankless water heater model for your family’s needs.
Greywater Recycling Systems
Greywater is gently used water from sinks, washing machines, and showers. Instead of letting the water drain, you can install a greywater recycling system. These systems filter and repurpose greywater for irrigation or toilet flushing. The EPA projects that most homes can reduce their water usage by up to 50% by installing a greywater recycling system.
Rainwater Harvesting Systems
Tucson allows residents to collect rainwater and offers rebates for installing rainwater harvesting systems. Residents can use this water to water their plants and gardens, reducing their dependence on municipal water supplies.
Some systems can help you collect rainwater for indoor use. Getting a TDOT permit before installing one of these systems is vital. The city has explicit rules you must follow.
Smart Leak Detection Services
Undetected leaks can waste thousands of gallons of water, leading to higher utility costs and structural damage. Smart leak detection services automatically monitor your home’s water usage. They detect abnormal increases and alert you. You will receive a warning notification on your phone, allowing you to take immediate action to avoid water damage and help protect the environment.
Energy-Efficient Dishwashers and Washing Machines
Outdated washing machines and dishwashers can waste a tremendous amount of water. Older washing machines can use up to 40 gallons of water per load. ENERGY STAR models reduce that amount to around 14.
Before installing a new dishwasher or washing machine, we recommend having a plumber inspect your hoses to ensure they are in good shape. Upgrading to stainless-steel hoses can help your machines work efficiently without frequently replacing rubber hose components.
Water-Efficient Landscaping Irrigation Systems
Keeping a healthy, green lawn in Tucson can be challenging during the extreme summer heat. Most of us rely on irrigation systems to quench our grass, flowers, and gardens.
Traditional sprinkler systems often waste vast amounts of water through evaporation, inefficient distribution, and runoff. According to the EPA, installing a smart irrigation system can save up to 15,000 gallons yearly.
These smart irrigation systems automatically adjust water flow based on the weather. They also analyze soil moisture, helping you avoid the waste caused by clock-based irrigation systems.
You should also consider a drip irrigation system. Drip irrigation systems use much less water and deliver right to the plant roots for less waste.
Solar Water Heaters
Installing a solar water heater may be beneficial instead of relying on electricity or gas to heat your home’s water supply. These systems use solar panels to collect energy from the sun. They can significantly reduce your home’s electricity bills. Although the up-front costs are much higher than traditional tanked or tankless water heaters, they can help reduce your carbon footprint and offer long-term savings.
Smart Water Meters
The city of Tucson is currently implementing a program that offers upgrades to municipal water customers. You can contact them to have a smart meter installed on your property.
Smart water meters connect with mobile apps that keep you in control of your water usage. They provide instant notifications of sudden spikes in water usage so you can take action and call a plumber about suspected leaks. Cal’s Plumbing offers water leak detection services with camera inspections to help you find hidden leaks and take care of them immediately for less wasted water and property damage.
High-Efficiency Sump Pumps
Sump pumps help protect Tucson homes that suffer basement flooding during heavy rains. Traditional sump pumps can become energy hogs, especially if they do not receive maintenance. Newer sump pump models offer battery backups and smart monitoring with greater reliability during storm outages.
Long-Term Benefits of Eco-Friendly Plumbing Upgrades
Investing in eco-friendly plumbing upgrades can help reduce utility costs and offer other benefits that far outweigh the initial installation expense:
- Lowered environmental impact
- Increased property value
- Enhanced efficiency
- Reduced reliance on municipal services
Consider Your Eco-Friendly Plumbing Upgrade Options
There are many ways to upgrade your plumbing system and components while helping to protect Earth’s valuable resources. Smart technology plays an integral role in advanced plumbing systems and components.
Investing in more sustainable plumbing can help you save money on your water bills and protect your home against expensive water damage. These upgrades can also help you improve your carbon footprint through greater sustainability. Our plumbers at Cal’s Plumbing want to help you make eco-friendly plumbing choices.
Cal’s Plumbing is a full-service plumbing company serving our Tucson neighbors since 1948. We offer residential and commercial plumbing services, including installation, maintenance, and repair. Cal’s Plumbing is a family-owned and -operated business that provides plumbing inspections, drain cleaning, leak detection, and repiping. Our plumbing team provides our valuable customers with 24/7 emergency plumbing repair services.
If you want eco-friendly plumbing upgrades, call Cal’s Plumbing and speak to one of our knowledgeable plumbers.
