Selecting plumbing products that provide sustainable solutions is readily available through the manufacturers represented by Herkowski Stickler & Associates. With that in mind, we offer the following ideas for contractors and homeowners to improve home efficiency and plumbing sustainability.

Safeguard Water & Lower Waste
The United States utilizes 322 billion gallons daily, with approximately 47 billion gallons for building operations. Most water is inadequately administered, resulting in waste. Installing water-efficient fixtures and appliances preserves water, while other tactics, including recirculating hot water pumps and gray water recycling, reuse water that would otherwise be wasted.

Invest in Low-Flow Fixtures
Modernize fixtures to low-flow options to lessen water usage while maintaining performance. Whether installing new faucets, showerheads, or toilets, low-flow products are intended to augment efficiency and lower water consumption. Use of low-flow fixtures reduces water waste and utility costs, making it a sustainable and cost-effective choice.

Decrease Operating Charges
The typical household spends more than $1,000 annually on water-related expenses. Sustainable plumbing solutions help reduce these expenses by lowering a building’s overall water use requirements and shrinking energy utilization by using less hot water.

Install Energy-Efficient Water Heaters
Installing energy-efficient water heaters, such as tankless or heat pump models, reduces energy utilization and lessens the carbon footprint. These units boost energy usage by heating water on demand or using ambient air temperature, reducing wasted energy, plus they offer long-term energy cost savings.

Implement Sustainable Pipe Materials
Selecting materials such as PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) or HDPE (high-density polyethylene) for plumbing installations provides strength, elasticity, and erosion-resistance while lessening environmental effects. By selecting sustainable pipe materials, you help to shrink the demand for conventional materials that have a larger carbon footprint and environmental cost.

Adopt Smart Plumbing Technology
Utilize the latest technology innovations to examine water usage, detect leaks, and optimize efficiency. Leak detection sensors, Wi-Fi-enabled irrigation controllers, and water flow meters allow users to regulate their usage and lower waste. Implementing smart plumbing devices improves convenience, well-being, and sustainability by eliminating inadequacies in plumbing systems.

For more information on sustainable plumbing practices and using products from the manufacturers we represent, visit us online, email, or call 414-771-0400 (Wisconsin) or 630-458-8816 (Illinois).