Good plumbing serves you as a homeowner and the entire planet. After all, plumbing is responsible for ushering clean water into your home and wastewater out. If anything happens that creates a problem in the system, it can be devastating for humans, wildlife, and vegetation. Here are some of the environmental benefits of proper plumbing you should know about.

1. Aid in Water Conservation

Conservation is a serious topic. While the planet may mostly consist of water, that doesn't mean humans can afford to waste it or misuse it. That's why it's essential to get regular plumbing updates, maintenance, and installations as needed. Otherwise, you may be one of the many Americans wasting loads of water annually. According to This Old House, the smallest leaks contribute to 10% of American homes wasting 90 gallons of water daily.

2. Create an Energy-Efficient Home

When you think of energy efficiency, you likely are focusing on your windows, HVAC, and wall insulation. Did you know your plumbing also contributes to energy conservation? One of the main ways it does this is with new water heaters and fixtures. When you install low-flow fixtures, such as rainfall showers, dishwashers, and washing machines, you reduce your home's energy consumption, according to UniSource Energy Services. If you have a problem with leakage from your dishwasher or washing machine, fixing them promptly ensures you're not continuing to contribute to water waste.

Don't forget that tankless water heaters are a modern option for saving American homeowners on bills and reducing emissions. A tankless water heater saves space in your home while lowering your energy bills. It only heats hot water as you use it instead of storing it. It's not capable of leaking because it doesn't store water as a traditional tank does. Because it heats water so fast, it requires less energy to do so. Therefore, when you use hot water for bathing or cleaning your home, you're not using nearly as much energy as you would with a traditional water heater.

3. Avoid Toxic Materials

Up until the early 1980s, some buildings still had lead pipes, according to a report from Stanford University. This was a major problem for humans and the environment, as lead is hazardous for humans to consume. Therefore, these pipes would contaminate any water coming into a home. Unfortunately, many children in particular were affected by mental and educational development issues, according to a report from The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Luckily, the government has since outlawed these types of poisonous pipes. However, there is a chance that some buildings may not have undergone inspection, so lead pipes may still be lingering somewhere. Therefore, you should be careful if you buy and develop an older building that hasn't been used in decades. Therefore, if you encounter an older building that hasn't been in use for decades, it's advisable to have a qualified plumber inspect the plumbing system thoroughly. Plumbers can identify and replace any remaining lead pipes, ensuring the safety of the water supply for you and future occupants.

4. Prevent Soil Contamination

If there is a problem with your sewage line, it can create a major health hazard. When your sewage line or septic tank has cracks resulting in leaks, that means sewage can seep into the soil. This sewage can further leak into the municipal water supply. It can further affect wildlife that also needs water and a healthy ecosystem to survive. Therefore, if you suspect a problem with your sewer line or septic tank, don't hesitate to get it fixed immediately. Avoid DIY methods of preventing clogs, such as over-the-counter chemicals, as they can damage your sewer line by eating through your pipes and septic tank.

5. Reduce Raw Material Usage

Preserving the lifespan of your pipes is helpful because it reduces the number of raw materials needed to construct new ones. Many pipes may be made from metal such as copper or iron, or other materials like PVC. The less you need new forms of these materials, the less stress you put on Earth by mining for them.

Since 2007, our Washington-based company has provided expert plumbing care. We offer a 1-year workmanship warranty, a membership program, and discounts. Our plumbing team has over 25 years of combined experience. We're proud to offer a same-day response for your plumbing emergencies and on-site estimates. As you can see, when it comes to plumbing, it's essential that you keep it maintained. You must do so by hiring the right professionals, such as our experienced team. Don't hesitate to contact our team at Plumb Fit anytime for any of your plumbing-related needs.