Plumbing Updates for Better Energy Efficiency

Update Plumbing with Water & Energy Savings Products & Tips

Updating your plumbing for better heating and cooling efficiency can help you to save money on your household utility bills and reduce water waste. 

Install an Energy Efficient Water Heater

Storage tank water heaters that are commonly found in homes have a 10-15 year life span. Water heaters are a significant drain on your utility bills. 

Replacing your hot water heater can save you money and help the environment. Many homes in Victoria qualify for BC Hydro rebates when they install a new water heater. Tankless water heaters only heat the water used so may be a good option for your household. 

Reduce your bill further by keeping the hot water tank temperature to 60 degrees Celsius. When you leave on vacation, turn the heat down low or even off for additional savings.

Have your water tank cleaned out regularly to optimize performance. Flush sediment from your hot water tank about every 6 months or book an appointment with us and one of our qualified plumbing technicians will do it for you.

Change out to Water Efficiency Toilets

Most homes still have a toilet that uses the same amount of water for each flush. A water-efficient toilet allows the user to adjust the amount of water to use with the flush according to the need. A low-flow toilet can use as little as 4.8 litres per flush. Upgrading your toilets to ones that are more water-efficient will help you save on your water bill too!

Check Your Plumbing Pipes

Are the existing pipes the correct size and material for your family’s current and future needs? Copper or plastic pipes are not as efficient as steel or PEX pipes. If you have an outdated piping system, you may want to consider updating it to save energy. Insulate pipes to reduce heat loss. 

Also, check for any leaking pipes throughout the home which will not only drain your utility bill but can also cause water damage in your home. 

Upgrade to Energy Efficient Appliances

Look for appliances with the ENERGY STAR® logo so you know you get the most energy-efficient products. If you’re not yet ready to replace, make sure to check for leaks around dishwashers and washing machines so there is no water loss. Check water supply hoses and replace them as needed if you find any cracks or damage. 

Get Low-Flow Fixtures

Low-flow showerheads and low-flow fixtures can reduce water consumption and save you money. Spend some time researching a new low-flow showerhead to get the right one for you and your family. Install low-flow faucets or an aerator to faucets to control the flow of water.

Look at fixtures throughout the home to see if any are leaking. Fixing a leaking faucet or pipe can save a considerable amount of water.

Don’t Neglect Drains

Drains don’t often come to mind when thinking about plumbing efficiency, but a clogged drain or under-functioning garbage disposal can create problems for an otherwise healthy plumbing system. Build-up in the pipes or garbage disposal of oils and fats, dental floss, or bones will lead to a blockage. This will cost you time, money, and inconvenience to clear the blockage. Be careful of what is being thrown down the drains before that happens. 

Outdoor Plumbing

Take steps to be more energy efficient in outdoor plumbing as well as indoor plumbing. Outside, collect rainwater in barrels or other containers to use for landscaping as a cost-effective solution. Check faucets and hoses for leaks. Use a smart sprinkler controller and water lawns in the early morning to avoid water loss through evaporation.

Energy Coach

Looking to make even more energy-efficient upgrades to your home? Consult an Energy Coach to reduce energy costs. It’s a free service for homeowners and commercial building owners in British Columbia.

Our Team Cares About the Environment

Protecting the environment and responsible environmental practices are important to the team at Thunderbird Plumbing in Victoria. Contact us if you’d like us to come in and discuss updating your plumbing system for improvements in energy efficiency with you.