What if we told you that going green with your plumbing isn’t just for the die-hard eco-warriors? It’s for anyone who’s keen to save a little cash while giving the planet a helping hand. From cutting-edge water-saving technologies to sustainable materials, eco-friendly plumbing solutions are stepping up to the plate, offering Kiwis a smarter, greener way to manage their water use—and without sacrificing a single drop of convenience.
In this guide, we’ll uncover the top four tricks to turn your home into a lean, green, water-saving machine. Get ready to rethink everything you thought you knew about plumbing—because eco-friendly doesn’t mean complicated; it means smart.
1. Fix Your Leaks immediately
Okay, we get it—fixing that annoying drip might not seem like a top priority. But did you know that even a tiny leak can waste over 10,000 litres of water in just one year? That’s the amount of water needed to take more than 100 showers! That’s not just a hit to your wallet—it’s also a massive drain on the environment.
In fact, waiting just a few days to fix a leak could lead to significant water loss and higher energy bills, especially if your water is heated. Each drop you lose isn’t just water—it’s also the energy that was used to treat and heat it, meaning you’re essentially pouring money and resources straight down the drain.
Beyond that, leaving a leak unchecked can also lead to bigger problems, like mould growth and structural damage to your home, both of which require expensive repairs. Addressing leaks promptly can help prevent this damage and conserve precious water resources, which is particularly important in water-scarce regions like parts of New Zealand.
Got a leaky tap? Check out this calculator to see how much water you’re wasting per day and conversely, how much you could be saving if you got it fixed.
2. Switch to Energy Efficient Water Heaters
Next, we need to talk about your water heater. It’s doing the job, sure, but it’s also quietly burning through more energy (and cash) than you might think. Traditional heaters keep a tank full of water hot around the clock—even when you don’t need it. That’s like paying for a taxi to wait outside your house just in case you want to go somewhere later. Not exactly efficient, right?
Here’s where energy-efficient water heaters come in to save the day—and your bills. First up, tankless water heaters. Tankless water heaters, heat on demand. This means no more wasting energy (and money) keeping a tank full of water hot when you’re at work, out for the day, or just sleeping. With a tankless system, you’ll be paying for hot water only when you’re actually using it.
Next, there’s the heat pump water heater, which takes things up a notch. Instead of using tons of electricity, it pulls heat from the air around it to warm up your water. It’s like harnessing the natural warmth of your home to do the heavy lifting for you. And in a climate like New Zealand’s, where temps are mild, it’s a great option. In fact, a few Kiwi companies have researched the effect and have come to the conclusion that heat pumps can save up to 65% of your water heating costs!
3. Look Into Grey Water Recycling
Greywater recycling is an increasingly popular and practical option for eco-conscious homeowners. Why do people love it? It doesn’t require adopting a whole new system, simply repurposing your current one. Greywater involves redirecting water from everyday sources like your sinks, showers, and laundry (not from toilets) to water your garden. This method helps reduce your reliance on treated water supplies, saving both water and energy in the process. It’s an efficient way to give your garden a consistent water source while also cutting back on unnecessary waste.
This system is relatively simple to set up, with both DIY kits and professional installation options available. Greywater systems can be as basic as diverting water directly to garden beds or more advanced, filtering the water before use. By using greywater for your plants, you’re helping to conserve freshwater resources, which is especially important in water-scarce regions. In some cases, greywater recycling can have potable water savings of up to 43%.
The best part? These benefits extend beyond just water conservation. Greywater often contains nutrients like phosphates from soaps, which can actually nourish the soil and improve plant growth, provided you use eco-friendly, biodegradable detergents. This recycling system also reduces the strain on municipal water treatment facilities, as less water enters the sewer system.
4. Consider A Dual Flush Toilet
Upgrading to a dual flush toilet isn’t just another home improvement trend—it’s a savvy decision that benefits both your water bill and the environment. With two flush settings—one for liquid waste and one for solids—you control how much water you use each time. The difference in water usage adds up fast, making a dual flush toilet a clear winner in the eco-friendly department.
We all know how important water conservation is, especially here in Aotearoa. A dual flush toilet can reduce your household’s water consumption by a significant amount, helping you do your part without lifting a finger once it’s installed. These toilets aren’t just better for the environment—they’re also easy to maintain and super efficient, so no need to worry about double-flushing or decreased performance.
At Plumber.co.nz, we’re pros when it comes to fitting dual flush systems. We know how to get the job done quickly and correctly, so you can start saving water right away. Whether you’re renovating or just upgrading, our team makes the process smooth, ensuring your dual-flush toilet operates at peak performance.
Ready to Upgrade Your Plumbing?
At Plumber.co.nz, we believe sustainable living starts with smart plumbing solutions. Whether you’re switching to a dual flush toilet, upgrading to an energy-efficient water heater, or setting up a greywater recycling system for your garden, we’ve got the expertise to make it happen seamlessly.
By making these small changes, you’re not only saving on your water and energy bills but also doing your part to protect our planet’s resources. And the best part? You don’t have to tackle it alone—our team is here to provide expert advice and professional installations every step of the way.
So why wait? Get in touch today and let’s make your home smarter, more efficient, and kinder to the environment!
