PAUL BUNYAN PLUMBING & DRAINS: CLEAN AND GREEN
When you are searching for a local plumbing contractor, you want not only great service, high integrity and the best available prices. You also want to know you’re dealing with folks who place as high a priority on environmentally sustainable practices as you do.
At Paul Bunyan Plumbing & Drains, nothing is more important to us than preserving the clean air and sky-blue waters of our great state of Minnesota. We undergo constant training and certification to ensure we follow best practices in sustainability.
The good news is that this focus provides great benefits not only to your community, but also to the quality of life inside your home.
How We’re Helping
From installing energy-efficient water heaters to fixing leaks that waste precious water, we do it all!
Conserving Water … and Energy
Many of the water heaters that we promote and sell are highly energy efficient. When compared to standard water heaters, they use less electricity, natural gas or other fuel, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions and a reduced carbon footprint.
Similarly, many of our plumbing fixtures are designed to maximize water efficiency. These include low-flow shower heads, dual-flush toilets and much more. With no sacrifice in performance, efficient devices can be a win-win – for the environment and for your home.
Recycling Old Equipment
At Paul Bunyan Plumbing & Drains, we partner with several recycling facilities in the greater Minneapolis-St.Paul area to ensure that the materials and components of plumbing fixtures such as water heaters, faucets, toilets and more are properly sorted, disassembled and recycled. Our longstanding goal is to reduce the need for new raw materials and to minimize environmental impact.
Rebates
Consumer rebates often are available for switching to a high-efficiency water heating system. These include not only programs at the federal, state and municipal level, but also manufacturer rebates. We work with you to maximize your return on your plumbing investment. Don’t leave money on the table!
Helpful resources include:
- Energy Star: https://www.energystar.gov/
- Minneapolis Water Utility: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/utility-billing/ways-to-save/
- CenterPoint Energy: https://centerpointenergy.com
- Xcel Energy: https://xcelenergy.com/
How You Can Help
Your usage and maintenance habits, over time, can make a big difference. Here are some tips and guidelines that can improve your home’s sustainability and efficiency:
Fix leaks promptly. Regularly check for and repair any leaks in faucets, toilets and pipes. A dripping faucet or a leaky toilet can waste a significant amount of water over time.
Install water-efficient fixtures. Replace old, inefficient fixtures with water-saving options. Install low-flow showerheads and aerators on faucets to reduce water usage without sacrificing performance. Consider dual-flush toilets or toilet tank retrofit kits to minimize water waste during flushing.
Take shorter showers. Consider using a shower timer or a water-saving shower head to reduce the amount of water used while still enjoying a comfortable shower experience.
Capture and reuse water. Collect rainwater in barrels or other containers to use for watering plants, gardens or outdoor cleaning. Consider installing a gray water system to recycle water from sinks, showers or washing machines for non-potable purposes.
Use efficient washing machines and dishwashers. When purchasing new appliances, opt for water-efficient models. Energy Star-rated washing machines and dishwashers are designed to use less water while still providing effective cleaning.
Run only full loads. Use dishwashers and washing machines for full loads whenever possible. Running partial loads wastes water and energy. And if your appliances have load-size options, adjust them accordingly.
Be mindful of water use in the kitchen. Don’t let the faucet run continuously while washing dishes or rinsing produce. Fill a basin or the sink with water for washing and rinsing instead. Scrape food scraps into the trash instead of using the garbage disposal, which requires water to operate.
Landscape wisely. Choose drought-tolerant plants for your garden and landscape, as they require less water. Group plants with similar watering needs together. Use mulch to retain moisture in the soil. Water your plants in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation.
Consider water-efficient irrigation. Install a smart irrigation system or use drip irrigation to deliver water directly to plant roots, minimizing evaporation and runoff. Use rain sensors or moisture sensors to adjust watering based on weather conditions and soil moisture.
Educate and engage family members. Encourage water-saving habits among your household members. Teach them the importance of water conservation and involve everyone in practicing efficient water use.
By implementing these water-conserving tips, you can help reduce water waste and contribute to the sustainable management of this valuable resource.
