Plumbing
Plumbing upgrades in Colorado Springs, CO

Colorado Springs is known for its natural beauty, and many local homeowners want to help keep it that way by making their homes as sustainable as possible. Plumbing is one area in which many homes could stand to improve their sustainability. From water-wasting fixtures to energy-hungry water heaters, inefficient plumbing can add up to a lot of squandered resources.

The good news is that a few simple changes can make your plumbing greener and may even shave a few dollars off your utility bills. If you’re ready to be a little kinder to Mother Nature, here are some eco-friendly plumbing upgrades to consider for your Colorado Springs home.

1. Low-Flow Fixtures

One of the easiest and most affordable eco-friendly plumbing upgrades you can make is swapping out your showerheads and faucets. These fixtures are not only readily available at hardware and home stores but also fast and simple to install. Are you feeling overwhelmed by the thought of replacing all your fixtures? You can always replace just one or two at a time.

If you associate low-flow fixtures with trickling showers and wimpy toilets, think again. Today’s low-flow fixtures combine effective performance with water-saving efficiency. This means that you never have to compromise your comfort for sustainability. Many of today’s eco-friendly fixtures have even better performance than their less efficient counterparts.

2. Sustainable Pipe Materials

Do you have an older home? Your pipes are probably made from galvanized steel, which corrodes over time. The corrosion in your pipes not only allows water to leak out but also allows contaminants into your home’s water supply. Replacing these pipes with modern, sustainable materials like copper or PEX is an upgrade for both your home’s sustainability and your family’s health.

3. Greywater System

Water doesn’t need to go down the drain just because it’s been used. A greywater system can give a second life to water that you use to wash your hands, shower, wash dishes or wash clothes. The greywater system collects this water and reuses it for situations where water doesn’t have to be perfectly clean, such as flushing toilets or watering plants.

4. Smart Lawn Irrigation

Lawn irrigation is a major water waster, but you don’t have to give up your lush lawn to make your home more sustainable. Smart water irrigation systems reduce the amount of water required to keep your lawn healthy by targeting only the areas that need hydration. This helps your lawn stay green without using a single gallon more than what it needs.

Smart irrigation systems can be even more efficient by making use of greywater or collected rainwater. Making use of water that otherwise would have gone to waste is the most eco-friendly way to water your lawn.

5. Tankless Water Heater

If you have a traditional water heater, you’re wasting electricity by keeping 20 to 100 gallons of water constantly heated. Upgrading to a tankless water heater can slash your energy usage by eliminating the outdated storage tank. Tankless water heaters heat water as it’s needed, which means that you also get a never-ending supply of hot water.

Are you ready to upgrade your water heater? Our team at Alphalete Plumbing Drain Heating & Air is here to replace your old water heater with an efficient new tankless model. We can also keep your new tankless water heater running smoothly for many years to come with fast, professional maintenance and repair services in Colorado Springs.

6. Leak Detection System

Leaks are a common source of wasted water that homeowners don’t always notice right away. By the time you catch a leak, it may have already wasted hundreds of gallons of water. A leak detection system alerts you to leaks as soon as they happen. Many of these systems shut the water off automatically when a leak is detected, which prevents water waste and protects your property from water damage.

7. Dual-Flush Toilets

Many homeowners are reluctant to install a low-flow toilet because they worry that it won’t be powerful enough. However, dual-flush toilets give you the best of both worlds. These toilets let you choose between a low-flow flush to save water and a full flush for when you need it. These toilets also go one step further with a bowl shape designed to make the disposal of solid waste easier and cleaner.

Just swapping your toilets for dual-flush models can lower your household’s water usage by as much as 30%. They’re also quick to install, which means that this particular eco-friendly upgrade won’t interfere with your family’s busy schedule. Just remember to teach younger children how to operate the different flush modes. Placing stickers on the buttons helps little ones (and big ones) remember which type of flush to use.

8. Bidet Attachment

Have you always wanted a bidet but don’t have the room? A bidet attachment fits right onto your existing toilet seat and provides all the same paper-saving benefits. Using less toilet paper is not only better for the environment but also for your plumbing. Less paper in the pipes means fewer clogs. If you have a septic tank, using less toilet paper can prolong its life and reduce its maintenance needs.

9. Water Usage Monitoring

Would you like to see your household’s water usage in real time? Smart water meters help you reduce your water usage by showing you exactly when and where excess water is being used. Some models even provide customized suggestions to help you use less water. Another benefit of a smart water meter is the automated shutoff feature, which turns off the water as soon as a leak is detected to reduce wastage.

If you’re interested in a smart water meter, ask your water provider if they offer any discounts or incentives for installing one. Some utilities even provide smart meters for free because they improve efficiency and make billing easier.

10. ENERGY STAR Appliances

Do you need a new washer, dryer or refrigerator? Remember to look for the ENERGY STAR label when you’re shopping for your next appliance. The ENERGY STAR certification is the gold standard when it comes to eco-friendly appliances. Although the extra amount of water and energy used by appliances without the certification is small, it can add up quickly.

The following appliances offer the most savings when you choose an ENERGY STAR model:

  • Washing machine
  • Clothes dryer
  • Dishwasher
  • Water heater
  • Refrigerator

Your Source for Eco-Friendly Plumbing

At Alphalete Plumbing Drain Heating & Air, we offer all the services you need to make eco-friendly plumbing upgrades to your home in Colorado Springs. From installing tankless water heaters and low-flow fixtures to detecting wasteful leaks, our experienced team is here to provide the sustainable plumbing services you need. We can also take care of all your routine maintenance needs to keep your plumbing as efficient as possible.

Are you ready to say goodbye to wasted water and hello to eco-friendly plumbing? Contact our team at Alphalete Plumbing Drain Heating & Air to find out what we have to offer and schedule your service today.

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