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
25
Plumbers are home owners too and when we work at renovating our homes, we start by looking at the latest water conservation ideas.
We all need to do our part to conserve resources. And thanks to new technology, there are more options then ever. You don’t have to make a choice between beautiful fixtures or water conservation – there are many options that meet both criteria.
As a plumber, I use the following checklist whenever I speak with a homeowner ready to start a home renovation project:
- Start by checking what you have. What works, and what should you replace? In some cases you may have fixtures and appliances that are still in great shape, in which you can spend your money on other necessities and upgrades.
- Check faucets and pipes for leaks. While its easy to see a leaky faucet, pipes are harder to find. Even a small drip from a worn faucet washer can waste 20 gallons of water per day. Larger leaks can waste hundreds of gallons, and can cause serious damage if its located behind a wall.
- Want the new shower in your 5 piece master bath to come with a multi head spa system? Talk with your plumber first. He can make suggestions on installing water-saving shower heads and low-flow faucet aerators there and throughout the rest of your home. “Low-flow” means it uses less than 2.5 gallons per minute, which can be a substantial savings if you live in an older home.
- The first step to any renovation is removing old toilets, and buying “low flush” toilets, which use 1 to 2 gallons per flush instead of the usual 3 to 5 gallons. And with the rebates on the market for Colorado residents, the cost to you is next to nothing. And as one of the biggest wasters of water, its also one of the easiest ways to conserve.
- Use Energy Star rated appliances, and do your homework before any purchase. Just because an appliance has an Energy Star rating doesn’t always mean its energy efficient – check out our article on energy star ratings. Your local plumber can make recommendations, or talk with a knowledgeable sales person.
- Upgrade your water heater. Old water heaters can be inefficient and waste both water and energy. While the rage seems to be focused on tankless water heaters, we actually prefer the new hybrid water heaters.
- Install a gas line. Want to build an outdoor fireplace, or add a gas grill? How about a fireplace in the master suite? The first place to start is bringing the gas line from the source to your area. Your plumber can also make suggestions on location, to avoid having to bring a gas line further than necessary.
May
5
Quality 1st Plumbing Celebrates National Drinking Water Week
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Here at Quality
1st Plumbing, our number one goal is to help you go green with your home plumbing needs. And a big part of that is water conservation. While you are working to conserve the amount of water you use within your home or business, it’s also important to highlight the importance of our water supply, and how it affects our health and our lives.
This week, from May 2 – 8, the American Water Works Association and numerous other organizations such as the US Environmental Protection Agency are celebrating National Drinking Water Week, and bringing attention to our need to improve our nation’s public water infrastructure. Although we are lucky enough to have one of the safest drinking water supplies in the world, it’s also important to think towards the future to ensure that for generations to come.
Our two primary concerns for today are:
- The age of our water system
- The quality of the water
With many of the infrastructures 100 years old or more, replacement will be a top concern in the coming years. Pipes and water mains will crack or break, putting our water supply at risk of contamination. We’re also at risk for chemicals and other toxins contaminating our water sources, thus putting our health at risk for water related diseases and outbreaks.
Ultimately it all comes down to us as individuals. If we each do just one small thing to help conserve one of our most precious resources – water – we’ll guarantee a healthy future for all.
Apr
23
One of the best ways to start conserving water is to take the first steps at home. As the first certified green plumbing company here in Colorado, we take conservation seriously. And we pass along the advice and information to you to help you make changes in our life as well. Even the tiniest change today can add up to huge impact and savings over time. It all starts with a single step.
1. What is your water footprint? How can you and your family best conserve water and energy at home? If you don’t know, maybe its time for a water use analysis audit. We can show you exactly where you are doing well, and were you can make some changes. We cover a variety of issues, and point out things that can not only reduce the amount of water you use, but can also make you more aware of the best way to save.
2. Give your faucets an overhaul. Fix drips immediately. Better yet, replace all old fixtures with water savings alternatives, and reduce the amount of water each time you turn on a faucet.
3. Limit bath time, and time your shower time. Filling up a bathtub can take anywhere from 40 to 60 gallons of water. By taking showers instead, and limiting your shower time to just five minutes, you can easily save thousands of gallons of water per year.
4. Invest in the newest technology. Did you know a rain sensor can avoid watering your landscaping and grass when we receive enough moisture? Or that a simple hot water circulation system can give you access to instant hot water, and avoid wasting thousands of gallons of water while playing the waiting game? As a certified green plumber, I know many ways that can help you be more conscious with your choices.
5. Take advantage of rebates. Your local water company, Excel energy, appliance stores – many different companies and organizations offer rebates to help you change the way you live. Get rid of old appliances and fixtures, and upgrade to the latest models. Not only will you have better cleaning, more power and a better product, but you’ll be doing the earth a favor too.
Denver Water Rebate
Castle Rock Water Rebate
Aurora Water Rebate
Mar
25
This week we celebrated World Water Day, a campaign designed to
- raise awareness about sustaining healthy ecosystems and human well being through addressing the increasing water quality challenges in water management.
- raise the profile of water quality by encouraging governments, organizations, communities and individuals around the world to actively engage in proactively addressing water quality through pollution prevention, clean up and restoration.
World Water Day has been held every year in March since 1993, and has always been designed to bring attention to one issue or problem with the world’s freshwater supply. This year the focus is on water quality. 
Water quality is defined by its end use. Water that is used for recreation, fishing, drinking and farming requires a higher level of purity than water use for things like hydropower. Unfortunately, throughout the world one of the biggest problems is untreated water, which ultimately affects both the human body, and the environment we live in.
Two of the biggest ways we can all help this growing problem is through water conservation, and green technology.
Here at Quality 1st Plumbing, we take “green plumbing” practices seriously. We were the first plumbing company here in Colorado to become certified as a Green Plumber, and work hard at finding the best ways to help you conserve and be more energy efficient.
If you would like an energy audit, and find out how you and your family can green up your home, we would be happy to work with you.
Jan
29
Here in Colorado, last summer was ranked in the top 15th percentile of wettest summers, and in the bottom 15th percentile of hottest summers. Will it be similar this summer? Only time will tell.
But no matter what type of weather we do have, water conservation should be at the top of our minds. Last year Denver Water entered 2009 with a goal for people to water their lawns two minutes less each time, and we would save 1 billion gallons of water over the 
course of the season. The great news is that goal was achieved many times over – with over 9 billion gallons less used in 2009 than in 2008.
Even though we can hope for another rainy year this year, planning is the surefire way to make sure we stay on track in 2010, and keep water conservation a growing initiative here in Denver.
1. Commit to watering less again this year. Stick with Denver Water’s goal of watering two minutes less each watering cycle. And make sure you water in the early morning or late evening hours to allow the water to penetrate the soil.
2. Put in a rain sensor. Last week we wrote about Denver Water’s rebate program for 2010. Once again, they will rebate back to you on the installation of rain gages, water sensors and rotary nozzles. Make sure you take advantage of these programs – they help you and the community do all we can to conserve.
3. Check for broken pipes and slow leaks. Denver has been cold this winter, and we’ve seen weeks of freezing days and nights. As spring arrives and we begin to thaw, make sure you head outside and begin checking for water leaks. When a pipe bursts and you have thousands of gallons of water running through your yard quickly, it’s easy to notice. But small cracks can allow thousands of gallons of water to leak over time, especially if its still cool and you’re not outside much. Make the rounds in your yard, and watch for quick changes in your landscaping.
4. Change your landscaping. Xeriscaping is still one of your best options. There are many plants that are perfect for Colorado’s climate. They can thrive during our hot, dry summers, which will return at some point. Check with your local nursery to learn more about suitable plants for Colorado’s climate, and that will suit your taste and work well on your property.
Jan
15
How To Save Water
Filed Under Water Conservation | 1 Comment
Even when Colorado has above average snowfall, and water restrictions are limited, it’s still important to focus in on how we can conserve water in our daily lives. In addition to saving money on your water bill each month, water conservation also helps keep lakes, reservoirs and water tables high, reducing overall pollution in our systems.
While we’ve gone over many water saving tips here on our blog, and you can find them easily in the news 
these days, its always nice to have a quick checklist that can help you make sure you are doing everything you can as a homeowner. Here are 12 ways you can save water in your home.
1. Check faucets and pipes for leaks. Even a slow drip can add up to many gallons of wasted water each year.
2. Don’t use the toilet as an ashtray or for a bit of trash. Keep a trashcan in every room in the house.
3. Install water savings faucets and showerheads in every room.
4. Teach the entire family about water conservation, and begin reducing the amount of time spent in the shower.
5. Update appliances and toilets with water saving models. In 2009 there were many rebate programs and specials on water savings appliances. Watch our blog in 2010, and we’ll let you know when we here of new programs.
6. Never let the water run when you’re working near the sink. Fill the sink for rinsing dishes. Turn off the water while shaving or brushing your teeth.
7. Use the dishwasher and clothes washer with full loads only.
8. Keep a pitcher of cold water in the fridge to avoid letting the tap water run to cool down.
9. Consider installing a hot water circulating system to bring instant hot water to every faucet in your home.
10. Insulate your pipes. Especially with the cold weather we’ve had lately, a little insulation can help save you in many ways.
11. Put in drought resistant landscaping. Xeriscape your yard, and choose low maintenance plants.
12. Water your lawn only when it needs it. Put in a sensor on your sprinkler system, and only water when we haven’t received moisture.
Nov
27
What Is Your Water Footprint?
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Knowing what your carbon footprint is isn’t the only way to start conserving. Knowing your water footprint can also help you learn more about your home water usage, and begin to look for ways to conserve.
Let’s start by asking the question, “how much water do use on average every day?”
According to WaterFootprint.org, the average person on earth uses 328.366 gallons of fresh water each year for things like drinking, cooking, cleaning and flushing. Yet for the average American, that figure almost doubles to 655,939 gallons per person per year.
While its easy to look at current reservoir levels, or annual rainfall amounts and think we may not have a water shortage within Colorado, what’s also important to keep in mind is sustaining these levels and having enough of a water supply for our future consumption, 10, 20 even 50 years into the future.
Your water footprint is a way to show the average person an easy way to think about how much water they use over the course of a year. It encompasses the amount of water required to produce food, goods and services used by you as an individual. By becoming aware of how much water you are using per year, you’ll also become aware of how important it is to start thinking conservation, and coming up with ways to reduce your own personal water footprint as much as possible.
So what are the best things for you to do to begin reducing your own water footprint?
Start with the obvious. Fix leaks immediately. Purchase energy savings appliances, and put in water saving toilets, faucets and showerheads.
Then learn all you can about water conservation. As your premier local green plumber, we offer a water use analysis to help you identify leaks and offer advice in the area of water loss prevention, conservation and purification.
Nov
25
Toilet Water
Filed Under Green Plumbing, Water Conservation | Leave a Comment
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.
Nov
19
Water Conservation – 10 Tips To Conserve Water In Your Kitchen
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1. Conserve water when washing dishes by hand by filling up both sink basins with water. Wash in one; rinse in the other. If you only have one basin, wash several dishes before you rinse. 
2. Scrape plates, pots and pans into a compost or the trash rather than rinsing with water. Most new dishwashers do not require rinsing, and can handle even the most stubborn foods.
3. Start a compost. It will eliminate the need for running water down the drain for rinsing, and can help you feed your landscaping throughout the summer months.
4. Run the dishwasher only when it’s completely full.
5. Use low levels of water and detergent when washing dishes by hand. With less soap suds, you’ll have less rinsing.
6. If your refrigerator doesn’t have a water tap, place a pitcher of water inside to avoid running the tap for cold water before filling up your glass.
7. Wash multiple fruits and vegetables together in a bowl of water instead of running water over them. The key is to scrub them clean, not spray them.
8. Use minimal amounts of water for boiling and cooking. Vegetables and pasta need just enough water to keep them submerged during the cooking process.
9. Eat meat and dairy foods in smaller proportions, and less often during the week. On average, a pound of beef takes about 1,500 gallons of water to produce.
10. Keep your drains and garbage disposal free of waste and working well. Schedule routine maintenance to guarantee them to be clog-free, which will eliminate higher water usage.
Blogroll
- Quality 1st Plumbing website - Quality 1st Plumbing website
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- WaterSense