If you haven’t upgraded your plumbing system or fixtures in some time, you could literally be flushing money down the toilet. However, there are many things you can do to try to get a hold on your water expenditures. Not only can you save money on your bills, but you can also add value to your home. If you’re tired of excessive water waste in your Charlottesville, Virginia, home, try some of these plumbing upgrades.

Buy a New Water Heater

Traditional water heaters are a waste of money, plain and simple. They let hot water sit unused in pipes until it cools. This means you have to run the water until it gets hot, resulting in added waste. Instead of using these outdated systems, opt for a water heater with an on-demand circulation pump. These units don’t waste nearly as much energy and you won’t need to run the faucet or shower for five minutes to get hot water. It saves you money over time and gives you the utmost comfort and convenience.

Switch to Low Flow

Unless you can’t live without a high-pressure shower, low-flow fixtures provide great savings. You can also switch your shower heads and faucets to this more eco-friendly option. If you’re looking to lower your carbon footprint there are many options today. Some of these require a large initial investment but you see the benefits in the long run. Make sure you hire one of our knowledgeable plumbers to complete your installation.

Take Care of Your Pipes

Another way to save money and upgrade your plumbing lies in the pipes in your home. Whether you’re building a new home or you just bought an older home, many pipes aren’t properly insulated. Because they lack proper insulation, pipes lose heat, which causes your water heater to work harder and results in excess water waste. If at all possible, insulate these pipes as soon as possible. By doing this, you eliminate any heat loss, especially during the winter. It’s also a great idea to call a technician to check your pipes for leaks, which is another cause of high water bills.

If your home is 40 years old or older, you might want to think about replacing the pipes altogether. On houses this old, many of the pipes are made of galvanized steel, which is particularly prone to corrosion, causing them to clog frequently. If this describes your home, try to replace these pipes with copper when you have the budget.

Recycle Your Water

One of the best upgrades money can buy is a “greywater or gray water” recycling system. Basically, this system takes water from your showers, faucets, and other fixtures (excluding the toilet) and either pumps them into the garden and landscaping or fills an exterior reservoir. Because the water doesn’t come from the toilet, you don’t have to worry about contamination. This type of dual usage is the ultimate time and money saver. Alternatively, you could buy a rainwater barrel from a local home improvement store, and use that water for your yard.

Have a Family Discussion

This isn’t necessarily an upgrade to your plumbing system, but it’s just as important. Gather the family together and talk about water conservation. This is especially important if you have children. They can learn about the importance of saving water and become excited about doing so. Then, ask them for suggestions to improve water usage in the home. By doing this, you give them a voice and a sense of responsibility and you hold them accountable for waste.

Upgrading your home’s plumbing doesn’t have to become a huge ordeal. Instead, call your plumbing experts at W.E. Brown. Our professional staff can offer advice on what to improve, as well as provide quick and skillful installation. Visit our website or give us a call today at 434-277-4057 for more information.

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