Green Plumbing Products

According to a recent report from the American Federations of Labor, many building and construction unions are working hard to educate their members on the best ways to utilize efficient materials, new skills, and green technologies in order to prepare them for green jobs of the future.

The Plumber and Pipe Fitters of the United Association of Journeymen have already begun their concentration on going green by identifying and educating members on various technologies that could prove to be the future of plumbing. Such technologies use less energy and natural resources than traditional technologies, have minimal impact on the environment and use materials that can be reused or recycled. Even some of these innovations have already been implemented in commercial and residential sites as part of the program.

Additionally, the group has also a founding member of the Green Mechanical Council, an alliance of manufacturers, skilled professionals, universities and other organizations dedicated to promoting environmentally friendly equipment and processes that maximize energy efficiency, conserve water and use renewable and sustainable fuel sources. The council (called “GreenMech”) conducts education and training activities for professionals and apprentices working within various industries, including plumbing and home energy.

To all plumbers and contractors out there: what green technologies have you implemented in your recent projects? How do you think green technologies will impact the future of plumbing and construction?

Springtime is here and you know what that means: basement flooding caused by snow melt, heavy rainfall, and all of the muck that goes along with the thaw.

Taking a page from information from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, several city groups, attorneys, and contractors, we’ve compiled a short checklist of flood prevention methods to avoid a flooding disaster in your home.

Know your flood risk: Enter your address at floodsmart.gov under “Assess Your Risk,” or ask your insurance agent. Or check with your municipality to see a local flood map, which will detail what permits or building requirements you may have.

Get insurance: If you live in a floodplain, you need flood insurance. Homeowners’ policies generally don’t cover flood damage, so you’ll probably need to go through the National Flood Insurance Program. Some policies must be in effect up to 30 days before a flood. Check with your insurance agent or call 1-800-427-2419 for information.

Back up your sump pump: Sump pumps should have a backup sump pump and power source, either a battery pack or a generator. The part that usually breaks is the mechanical float switch which turns the pump on and off, so consider an electronic switch.

Monitor your basement: An electronic water detection alarm can alert homeowners when moisture is present. Electronic shut-off valves can shut off leaking washers, water heaters or refrigerators before they cause water damage from within.

Check drains: Make sure your floor drain is clear and unobstructed.

In Kansas, a local news station compiled a list of ways to cut up to $1,500 off your utility bills by making a few lifestyle adjustments and home improvements. To save on your utilities during these tough economic times, here are the tips and tricks you need to save.

Your fireplace keeps you warm, but it also can deplete your savings. If you shut off the pilot light when it’s not in use, you will save about $365.

Second, invest in compact fluorescent light bulbs to save about $200 a year. Stock up when there are deals to reduce the cost. Utilities often team up with hardware stores to offer cheap CFLs.

Third, add insulation to your home to slash another $300 off your bill. If your house was built before 1995 and hasn’t been remodeled, you only have 6 inches of insulation and you should have 16 inches. Buy blown cellulose and install it yourself.

Fourth, add caulk to seal air leaks around plumbing and holes behind your light switches. By doing that, you’ll save about $300 a year.

Fifth, don’t block air vents. By increasing heat flow, you can save about $100 a year.

Lastly, replace your old thermostat with a digital thermostat. You can save about $200 a year if you set it down while you are working or asleep. SimplyPlumbing.com sells a great variety of Digital Thermostats that are ideal.

Number 1
Fixing a leaky faucet can save 20 gallons of water per day. Investing in a new faucet with low-flow water aerators can also be a great way to save. Aerators are the small devices that have a screen in them and are mounted to the end of your faucet. Low-flow aerators may be purchased separately for some types and brands of faucets. A typical low-flow aerator can save up to 30% of the water used by a regular aerator. When buying a new faucet, look for the EPA WaterSense label so you know the faucet is independently certified to perform and save water.

Number 2
Consider a water filtration system mounted to your faucet, or a free-standing system. One unit can annually purify enough water to fill up to 3,200 plastic water bottles. This will help reduce the number of bottles that are tossed out each year (which globally totals 38 billion annually).

Number 3
Invest in the environment, and replace your old toilets. With the savings on your water bills, a high-efficiency, low-consumption toilet will soon pay for itself. They use only 1.28 gallons per flush as compared to older models, which consume 1.6 gallons, and account for an average of 1/4 of the water we use in our homes.

Welcome to SimplyPlumbing.com’s blog! A leader providing high quality supplies for your kitchen or bathroom!

If you’re looking to make your bathroom or kitchen look spectacular, we have the products you need! We can supply you with products from Beckett Oil and Gas Burners to elegant fixtures from Kohler, Rohl, and Moen. Each product is backed with the promise of same day shipping, a 30 day return policy and a high level of customer service! It is our belief that you deserve that best quality service when you’re trying to make your kitchen or bath amazing!

Our blog will provide tips, advice, and answer questions that many of our customers will be asking when trying to re-model your kitchen or bath. We look forward to sharing our knowledge and experiences with the people who make SimplyPlumbing.com a success – our customers!

So be sure to check back with us for updates! And remember, we’re here for you, so please comment and ask questions. We’ll happy to hear from you!