Sep
2
Searching For A Greener Plumber
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When you have a plumbing emergency, the only thing that crosses your mind is to get the problem fixed as quickly as possible. When a water heater bursts, the only thought is to get the water cleaned up to avoid more problems, and to restore the ability to use hot water within your home.
But even then, you may also think about how repairs or new fixtures are going to impact you in the future. It’s obvious you need a new water heater; what are your options and what’s the best choice for you?
And in an age where we know it’s more important than ever to go green, and be conscious of water conservation techniques, how can you find a greener plumber? How can you distinguish a greener plumber from the rest?
The best way is to start with qualifications. Do they just say they’re green, or have they made a conscious effort to become a greener plumber? Only one organization is certifying plumbers in green technology, GreenPlumbers. Through the certification process, a plumber spends hours learning the latest technology, how to reduce water and energy dependency, and how to work with products that meet green standards.
A greener plumber isn’t there to push one product. They are there to give you alternatives, and show you the energy savings with the different product lines. Their goal is to educate, and help you make the best choices for you.
And while they can tell you the differences between standard tank water heaters and hybrid water heaters, they are also doing more behind the scenes as well. They recycle used parts and old materials whenever they can. They are just as conscious about conservation within their own businesses as they promote to you. Ask a question, and you’ll get a green response.
[Quality 1st Plumbing is the premier plumbing service in Colorado to be certified by GreenPlumbers, and is recognized as a leader in helping you select green plumbing choices that fit your lifestyle.]
Aug
11
How To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
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The term “carbon footprint” refers to the amount of greenhouse gas that each of us emits into the environment, whether directly or indirectly. In an effort to go green, people have begun to realize how a large carbon footprint can affect the environment negatively, and are looking for ways to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
Not only will reducing your carbon footprint give back to the earth, it will also allow you to become more energy efficient in the process. Just by doing these few things, you can start on the path to living greener.
Make your gardens greener
Use perennial plants and vegetables instead of annuals. Even in the tiniest of yards, you can plant trees, vines, bushes and plants that will give you a “farmers market” throughout the growing season. Cover the ground with wood chips to keep weeds out and moisture in. Compost throughout the year for a natural fertilizer. And water early morning and on a timed cycle. Invest in rain gauges to avoid watering when we do receive rain.
Recycle
Start recycling all you can – paper, plastics, ink, and even larger items like appliances and computers. Buy reusable cloth bags and water bottles to do your daily shopping, and to avoid using disposable water bottles and cups throughout the day. As a green plumber, we make an effort to recycle as much as we can after fixing or replacing your household items.
Use less gas
Especially with the latest oil spill, oil and gas tends to be on everyone’s minds. While we’re enjoying our Colorado summer, take advantage of the nice weather and bike or walk to work, or over to mass transit. Mow your lawn less frequently, and reduce the amount of grass you have by xeriscaping.
Reduce your water usage
- Install a low-flow showerhead. Combine this with taking shorter showers, and you’ll double your savings. Even by reducing your average shower time by a minute, you’ll end up saving both water and energy.
- Run your dishwasher less frequently. Though dishwashers make things easier for us, they also use a lot of energy. By running it only when it’s full, you can reduce how much energy you use. Also consider doing small loads by hand in a small amount of water.
- Wash full loads of laundry. More loads mean more water usage. By filling the washer up, you’ll get the most usage for the least amount of energy. Also wash your clothes in cold to avoid using extra energy to heat the water.
- Install new appliances into your home. Older models simply aren’t as efficient as newer, more efficient models. And with many rebate options available today, now is the perfect time to do some updating.
Jul
30
Simple Ways To Save Water
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Sometimes it’s the simple things we do that matter the most.
By changing the way we do things around the house, we can quickly begin to see a difference. Did you know computers and other electronics use up to 10 percent of the electrical supply of an average home? And these items still use electricity even when they aren’t turned on?
Or did you know that even the smallest of drips from your kitchen or bathroom sink can waste thousands of gallons of water throughout a one month cycle? You can quickly afford a new faucet with the amount you’ll be paying for wasted water.
Here are some other simple ways to save water around your home.
- Check for leaks both indoors and outdoors. It’s easy to spot a leaking faucet. It’s harder to locate a tiny whole in a pipe or hose. Look for puddles around appliances or along your foundation. Look for green, lush areas in your lawn. Or watch for sudden spikes in your water usage. All can be a sign of a leak. One little leak may not seem like much, but over time, it becomes a costly problem for both you and the environment.
- Upgrade older items in your home with water efficient models. Installing low-flow showerheads, toilets, and faucets can help reduce the amount of water used over time, and can quickly pay for itself out of the savings.
- Be conscious of how long you use a water supply. Shorten the time it takes for you to take a shower. Turn off the water while soaping your hands or brushing your teeth. Rinse dishes and vegetables in a tub of water instead of letting the water run. Even cutting down by a minute each day can help add up to reducing your water consumption by a lot.
- Only run appliances like the dishwasher and washing machine when they’re full. Some appliances do have small load or low water settings – use these to set the water levels to accommodate smaller loads.
- Sweep off your sidewalk and driveway instead of hosing it off. Turn off the hose while soaping up the car.
- Consider insulating water pipes. It will help water from losing its heat while being transferred to you, and will prevent the chance of freezing during the cold winter months.
Jun
15
If you have monitored the cost of watering your landscape from year to year, and realize the price does everything but go down, you may be longing to make your yard a more economical feature of your home. “Going Green” may be in the cards for you this summer.
“Going Green” means more than just cutting back on the amount of water you use on your landscape. There are other ways to conserve water and save you money. The most common ways to conserve are:
- Choose the right plants and types of grass for your particular region.
- Use a good mulch around trees and in flower beds. Scoop little bowls around the base to hold water.
- Water in the early morning or late evening to allow your landscape to soak in the moisture.
From there, talk with your local plumber about green plumbing ideas. There are many features available to help you conserve water year round.
Choose a water efficient sprinkler system. Use the drip method around plants, and use rain and moisture gauges to control the usage of the system. Monitor your usage – excess water that runs down the sidewalk is money down the drain. Leaks in your pipes and water lines may cause some areas to be oversaturated, while others look dry and dying.
If you want to install a decorative fountain make sure you have one that is designed with a pump that is based on recirculation. Make sure a timing device is used so that during the high heat of the day you are not losing too much water. Your plumber can also advise on laying pipes to the best places in your yard to avoid water loss, and still have a beautiful lawn.
To be “green” in your neighborhood doesn’t cost a lot of money. Water saving devices and plants that are drought tolerant will not only add beauty to your home, it will also add a little “green” to you bank account.
May
19
Planning a basement remodel this summer? Here are 7 green plumbing ideas to use in your basement remodel.
1. Create a full bath with extras. While an unfinished basement usually comes with roughed-in plumbing, now is the time to move things and make it more efficient for the way you live. Would you prefer a large tub? A walk in shower? A sauna? Just because you’re trying to be more energy efficient and green in your design, doesn’t mean you have to avoid some of the simple pleasures. A green plumber will be able to give you many ideas to stay within your budget, and offer you the best alternatives available.
2. Think water conservation. All of your fixtures, from faucets to showerheads and toilets can offer complete water efficiency. Instead of shopping the big box stores, ask your green plumber for options and ideas. In many cases he’ll have resources you can’t reach as a consumer.
3. Relocate plumbing to a more efficient area. When a house is built, the basement is often left unfinished. So its of little concern where ducts and pipes are placed. But when you are trying to maximize the space you have, it may be easier to relocate existing pipe to walls or beam areas, places where you can supply more insulation and be more protected from freezes and/or problems.
4. Design a laundry room for efficiency. Many laundry rooms are located in the basement here in Colorado. But that doesn’t mean you have to skimp on size or options. Choose the highest quality, most energy efficient models of washers and dryers. Have a sink installed near your washer to avoid running to the bathroom or an upstairs location for your water needs. And install clothes lines – there are many options to help you avoid using your dryer.
5. Waterproof your basement before you invest in a remodel. Basements are traditionally damp and cool – a perfect combination for potential problems. Before you experience problems, plan for them up front. Install a sump pump to protect against future flooding. Check all plumbing within the basement – repair pipes with leaks and replace as appropriate. Install gutters to move water away from the house, and use window wells to avoid future water problems.
6. Talk about insulation. Because the basement is cool and damp, its important to create the protection now before a problem arises. Talk with both your plumber and contractor about the best options for your pipes and plumbing locations.
7. Never close off access to your water source. Where is your water main located? Create a way to leave that easily accessible. Whether in a closet or laundry room, its important to leave it easy to find and easy to access.
Apr
22
Earth Day Celebrations – How To Get Involved in Colorado
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Happy Earth Day. Earth Day is a growing part of our lives, and this year is celebrating 40 years of history by helping you understand more about living a green, eco-friendly lifestyle. It doesn’t take a concerted effort or major changes to your lifestyle. Even making one small commitment to change can add up to huge amount over time.
As a part of Earth Day, the US EPA is asking everyone to pick 5 for the environment, and commit to making a change in the coming weeks and months.
1. Water
Use only the water you truly need. Invest in water conserving appliances and fixtures, and commit to becoming water wise. Turn off the water while brushing your teeth. Use washers and dishwashers only when full. And take advantage of water rebate programs to upgrade your home’s toilet fixtures.
2. Air
Keep your home’s air clean, and learn to do more with less. Choose public transportation when possible, and find alternative ways for disposing of waste. Plant a tree either at home, in your community, or choose one of the thousands of ways to make a difference in the world.
3. Land
It’s easy to start composting in your own back yard. Or try xeriscaping to return to our natural Colorado plant life and habitat. Choosing plant life that is indigenous to our community not only helps conserve water, but can also help rid our area of invasive plant life that eats up our valuable resources.
4. Energy
Save energy at home by choosing Energy Star rated appliances. Whether you are remodeling, moving to a new location, or just looking for a way to make a difference, upgrading to new appliances is probably one of your easiest ways to go green.
5. Waste
Reuse and recycle whenever possible. Americans on average drink 28.5 gallons of bottled water every year. By changing our habits and using a drinking glass, or switching to reusable stainless steel bottles, can conserve many resources over time.
It’s all about choosing something easy to implement into your life, and making a commitment to follow through every day. What’s your commitment this Earth Day?
Apr
15
Green Living Tips
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As a plumbing service committed to living green, we wanted to share some of our favorite green living tips for you to bring into your own lives. There are many things that you can do every day to make a small difference. The key is action and bringing it into your daily routine.
Bottled Water
Imagine a world where there is no bottled water. That was reality just a few short years ago. As of 2008, we were consuming over 8.7 billion gallons of bottled water every year. Because bottled water has been
getting bad press over the past few years, we are seeing bottled water consumption falling, yet with the average American drinking 28.5 gallons of bottled water each year, its easy to see we have a long way to go.
There are two things you can do to continue bringing down that average. First, install a home water filter to your kitchen tap. Grab a glass of water as you work around the house instead of grabbing a bottle. And second, invest in several reusable water bottles to bring water on the go. Look for a good stainless steel bottle, or a plastic bottle that is BPA and phthalate-free.
Toilet Cleaners
Most of us are led to believe that the bathroom is the dirtiest, most germ filled room in the house. In order to keep it clean, all kinds of toilet cleaners are used. The problem is most cleaners use harsh materials to make your toilet spotless, and keep it smelling clean.
Most toilet cleaners have chlorine, ammonia and hydrochloric acid as the main ingredients. While these may kill the bad bacteria on the surface, they also kill helpful bacteria that exist throughout the system. The materials can shorten the lifespan of your pipes and fixtures, and can react with other organic substances found within the system.
Instead of using harsh chemicals every week, try baking soda. Baking soda is a natural chemical compound that kills the breeding grounds for bad bacteria – sprinkle in the bowl and scrub. For stains, spray a little vinegar onto the baking soda and allow to sit for awhile before scrubbing.
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Mar
10
Green Plumbing Tips
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Whether Colorado continues on with a dry spring, or we have a sudden spike in the amount of snow we receive, conservation is increasingly becoming a part of our vocabulary. It’s not about the day-to-day situation – it’s about how we conserve for a healthy future. If your goal is to conserve more and become aware of what you can do to help the environment, start with these green plumbing tips.
Start with the outside
In Colorado, a great deal of our water supply is pumped onto our lawns and into our gardens. Xeriscape is a popular way to plan out your garden. Yet most single family hom
es, parks and community space still value a green lawn. Instead of cutting your lawn short every week, move the blades up and leave your lawn an inch or two longer. A longer lawn means healthier grass that requires less water to keep it green.
Also abide by water guidelines, and water during the cooler parts of the day. By watering before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m., you’ll allow the water to penetrate into your lawn and garden, and give less chance for evaporation.
Also install moisture sensors to your sprinkler system. Only water when you’re lawn and gardens need it. Local water companies offer a variety of rebate programs for water conservation – make sure you check with them to save as much as you can.
Move to the inside
If you have an older home, you may have quite a few areas you can make improvements, and see major changes.
Start by replacing all of your appliances, faucets and fixtures. Front loading washing machines use up to 40 percent less water than their top loader counterparts. Low flow toilets can save hundreds of gallons of water each year. And replacing a showerhead with a new water conserving one can save hundreds of gallons of water each month.
To save money and be energy conscious doesn’t necessarily mean you have to spend a lot of money in the process. Start with an energy audit, and find out all the ways you can save within your home. Then implement as you have the time and money. The goal of a green plumber is to assist you by helping you understand ways to conserve, and giving you the most effective ways to put those steps into place.
The more you learn, the more you’ll save over time. Start by requesting your own green plumbing analysis, and learn where you can make the biggest changes in your own home.
Feb
19
Green Plumbing Denver
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Want to find a plumber that understands green plumbing techniques here in Denver? It takes more than a title or a tag line to make you a green plumber.
1. It starts with a designation. Here at Quality 1st Plumbing, we don’t just say we’re green plumbers, we mean it. In fact we were the first plumbing company here in Colorado to be licensed as Green Plumbers through Green Plumbers USA.
2. Do everything you can. It’s more than water conservation. It’s also using earth-friendly materials and plumbing practices. It’s also about recycling all the materials we use and replace wherever possible.
3. It’s comprehensive education. We don’t just get the Green Plumbers USA designation by paying a fee and using a logo. We attend training to understand green plumbing techniques and strategies, and learn all about implementing them into both a residential and a commercial environment. We have an extensive knowledge base to help anyone learn more about green practices, and help you select the right choices for you, your family, and/or your business.
4. It’s information and support. Want to know where you can save within your home? Start with our water use analysis. As Green Plumbers, are job is to show you where you can save, and allow you to budget your choices on a time that’s convenient for you. We can also give you tips on where to invest your time and money – and where not. (Read about one of our tips in our post Colorado Hot Water Heater.)
Nov
25
Toilet Water
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What’s the easiest way to reduce your water footprint? Think toilet water.
Flush toilets aren’t new; the first patent for a flushing toilet was issued to Alexander Cummings in 1775. Every home has one (or more), and it’s something we simply can’t live without.
Yet with all the talk about water conservation, the toilet is probably the most overlooked way of starting up your in home conservation plan. The truth is toilets are water hogs. On 
average a toilet will use around 18.5 gallons of water each day. That’s more than showers, faucets, appliances and leaks combined on an average day.
Over the years, toilets have come down in the amount of gallons needed per flush. Prior to 1994, toilets used approximately 5 gallons per flush, sending the average family of four’s toilet water usage up to 300-400 gallons per day. After 1994, the National Energy Policy Act of 1992 went in effect for all residential toilets, setting the upper limit of a single flush at 1.6 gallons of water.
If you still have an old toilet using up to 5 gallons per flush, replace it immediately. Water rebate programs are still in effect throughout Colorado, which gives you a $125 rebate for replacing your toilet with an energy efficient model.
Many new toilet models have reduced water usage down to 1.1 gallons per flush and lower. The newest models offer dual flush systems, which allows you to choose the water level needed for a flush.
By simply replacing your home toilets, the amount of water savings can add up into the thousands of gallons per year. Which can also help you save about $100 or more a year in costs as well.
While toilet water isn’t going to be the cure-all for our water conservation problems, it is a step in the right direction.
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