Preventing waterborne diseases and ensuring access to clean, healthy water for everyone are among the top reasons why every Australian should take water conservation seriously. While you may think that this is an issue that should be handled at government level, it’s essential to know how each person can contribute to this crucial cause.
One of the key ways to do your part for water conservation is to enlist the plumber Berwick locals use to install a range of water-efficient plumbing fixtures. Opting for these modern solutions will not only reduce your overall water consumption but will make your home or business more sustainable.
Defining Water Plumbing Fixtures
It’s not uncommon for residential and business owners to look for ways to make their properties more environmentally friendly. A quick way to make a considerable difference is to switch out your old fixtures for water-efficient options.
These solutions are designed to reduce overall water consumption without compromising the comfort you and your family have become accustomed to. Modern technologies have been incorporated into existing design features that allow these fixtures to lose considerably less water without affecting functionality.
There is a range of water-efficient fixtures to choose from. The most common of these include the following:
- Water-efficient faucets: Innovative faucets, such as flow restrictors and aerators, are designed to limit the water flow rate. Traditional faucets can easily use up to 15 litres of water per minute, while their efficient counterparts only use an average of 5 litres per minute. Many models boast timers and sensors that help to reduce waste even further.
- Low-flow toilets: Older, more conventional toilets usually use about 13 litres of water per flush. Modern low-flow versions have been designed to use as little as 5 litres pe plush. You can further reduce water wastage by opting for dual flush toilets where you use full-flush for solid waste or half-flush for liquid. This version is very popular in commercial buildings.
- Low-flow showerheads: You can reduce the amount of water being used with each shower by using low-flow showerheads. Achieve this by using a low-flow rate that uses as little as 6 litres of water per minute. Older showerheads can use as much as 20 litres per minute. Advanced nozzle designs combined with air-induction technology make this possible.
Simple Positives to Look Forward to
There are many benefits to using water-efficient fixtures. We’ve compiled a list of the most significant ones to consider.
1. Creates Long-Term Savings
The most significant reason for many home or business owners to install water-efficient fixtures has to do with the overall long-term savings. Over time, you can look forward to savings on your water bills. Large households and businesses can look forward to considerable savings.
2. Reduces Overall Carbon Footprint
Creating safe and healthy water requires extensive production and treatment as well as substantial energy. All of these processes contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Using less water with these fixtures can go a long way toward reducing your home or business’s overall carbon footprint.
3. Helps to Conserve Natural Resources
Using less water in your home means that you will be relying less on your local main water supply. This directly contributes to the conservation of natural resources. This is a significant plus in areas that are facing ongoing water scarcity. If you are living in a drought-prone region, then it’s a good idea to consider switching out your older plumbing fixtures.
4. Enhances Potential Property Value
Any upgrade to your home is an effective way to enhance the existing property value. Fortunately, replacing your water fixtures adds huge value to your home. Potential buyers who are keen on sustainability will be instantly attracted to your property.
Having the taps already installed means that they won’t have to invest later. You can also use their installation as a selling point. In some cases, you may be able to recover the costs of the initial installation when you assess your overall selling price.
5. Look Forward to Possible Incentives and Rebates
A huge benefit of switching to more sustainable fixtures is that there’s the possibility of qualifying for local rebates and tax credits offered by local governments. These programs are offered to encourage property owners to adopt basic eco-friendly practices that can make a considerable difference.
It’s a good idea to speak to your plumber about the incentives and rebates on offer. This will help you choose the best upgrades for your home. You will also want the most cost-efficient solutions that won’t require additional modifications to your existing plumbing system. Having a comprehensive audit of your existing plumbing system will make it easier for your plumber to make the best recommendations.
Final Thought
Choosing to upgrade your traditional plumbing fixtures will benefit you and your immediate environment. Not only can you look forward to paying less on your monthly water bills, but you will also be reducing your carbon footprint. A huge plus here is that your local plumber can easily switch out your faucets and toilet with their next visit!