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World Water Day is a yearly UN observance that brings attention to the importance of freshwater and to advocate for its sustainability as a resource. In Michigan, we are fortunate to have The Great Lakes, which together make up the largest body of fresh water on our planet accounting for 1/5 of the freshwater on our earth.
When most people think of “going green,” their minds usually go to recycling, reducing waste, and conserving energy. Did you know that your plumbing system can also go green? Green plumbing is another way more people are reducing their impact on the environment. There are many ways to get started.
Update Old Plumbing Systems
Old plumbing systems were not built to today’s standards. We have better methods and technology that allow the system to operate efficiently. If you haven’t updated your plumbing in years, it may be time to do so. Not only will it help the environment, but it can also reduce the cost of your monthly water and sewer bills.
Install Energy Efficient Appliances
Along with better hardware, energy-efficient appliances are also available. These require less water and power to operate. Your plumbing system is likely connected to at least two or three appliances like a dishwasher, washing machine, or water heater. If yours are old, malfunctioning, or not built to Energy Star standards, it may be time to look for replacements.
Have a Professional Inspect Your System
More plumbers are getting on board with the green movement. Having one inspect your system can provide you with insight into what needs updated. Look for a professional that works with green plumbing systems. They can recommend products that will meet your household needs while reducing water and energy consumption and waste production. If you have questions, contact Putman and Son’s Plumbing today to get started on your green plumbing system.
Going green… Some popular media would count this as a fad while others find the merit in the prospects of environmental protection. The odd correlation that is hardly ever discussed is the fact that going green when implemented properly is a cost savings not just a resource savings. The EPA estimates that roughly 26% of domestic water usage is attributed to flushing the toilet. This number definitely varies greatly for a business let alone from one industry to another yet it is one of the quickest and simplest ways to start saving money. Installing a Dual Flush toilet for example can reduce water waste by up to 50% simply by having the option to flush solid waste the standard way or press a button to flush liquid waste. This uses less water for the liquid waste and saves you as a business or property owner that much more money.
Another point of savings is in your hot water. Why keep a full tank of water constantly hot when you can simply heat the amount of water you need to use? Most employees won’t be taking showers (unless that is part of your industry) and thus you won’t have to worry as much about heat consistency, but even if you replace one tank with three units you will still save energy and money simply not having to store the hot water. As a business the cost reduction would be worth the initial investment. Presuming the average cost of a Dual flush toilet is roughly $160-$200 per unit and the average employee uses 3.5 to 7 gallons per flush the cost of eliminating roughly half of that per person would recover the installation cost in just a few months. For more information or for installation contact Putman & Son’s Plumbing.
A sump pump is used to remove water from basements and crawl spaces. It helps to keep these areas dry to prevent flooding, mold growth, and water damage. A sump pit is constructed that connects to the pump. The pump provides the motion that carries water out of the pit and away from the foundation to a place where it can safely drain without causing structural issues.
How Does a Sump Pump Work?
Most units function using a pressure sensor or float activator. These will tell the pump when it’s time to turn on. The float activator works like a toilet tank, with a floating ball that rises to a certain point before switching the unit on. Pressure sensors are more common because they are convenient. This device activates when it detects water pressure. Automatic sump pumps are equipped with a manual turn-on function that lets the homeowner switch it on by hand in case the sensor or activator fails.
When the motor turns on, it rotates an impeller. Centrifugal force is created that forces water to the sides of the pipe. This pushes liquid in the pit out through a pipe. Residential sump pumps are powered using standard current electricity, so no specialized wiring is required. We recommend having a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) on the outlet powering the pump for safety.
Contact Putman & Son’s Plumbing certified plumbers in Southeast Michigan for a recommendation and installation of the best sump pump for your home.
Garbage disposals clogs can form for a number of reasons. Often, it is from putting items down the drain that should not be disposed of in this way. It may also have to do with a lack of water or due to how the ground up food reacts when it comes in contact with moisture. What can you do about a clogged garbage disposal?
Manually Rotate Blades to Break Up Clog
If the clog is under the sink, you can try manually rotating the blades to break up the blockage. You will need an Allen wrench to do this. The manual operator is usually accessible along the base of the unit, on the outside. Look under your sink, find the manual operator, and turn with the Allen wrench. Your owner’s manual will have more information on how to safely turn the blades.
Unclog Garbage Disposal with Pliers
You should not pour chemicals down a garbage disposal, but you can use tools to clear a clog. To do this, shut off the power to the unit as a safety precaution. Next, reach into the drain with pliers and remove loose materials so you can inspect the blockage. Continue removing objects until clear. Never insert hands into the garbage disposal.
Clear Sludge and Debris from P-Trap
Excessive buildup in the P-trap can cause blockages in your garbage disposal. If this is the problem, find a bucket to catch debris in. Place it under the P-trap then unscrew the pipe. You may need to wiggle it to remove it from the trap arm and waste tee. Pull out debris and rinse the trap then replace.
If you prefer to hire a professional or none of these methods work, call Putman & Son’s Plumbing certified plumbers now to schedule an appointment for a garbage disposal repair or installation in Southeast Michigan.
Putman & Son’s Plumbing offers many green plumbing solutions that are environmentally sound to work more efficiently and preserve valuable water resources.
Contact us for all of your eco-friendly green plumbing needs. We love to do our part to make our earth a better place.
Learn more about Putman & Son’s green plumbing options.
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