As the city of Burien continues its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, homeowners have an excellent opportunity to do their part—starting right at home with eco-friendly plumbing upgrades. These green solutions not only reduce your household’s environmental footprint but also lower water bills and increase your home’s value.
Whether you’re remodeling your bathroom, upgrading an aging kitchen, or planning routine maintenance, consider the following five plumbing upgrades that benefit both your wallet and the planet.
Need eco-friendly plumbing services in Burien? Einstein Pros Burien offers expert solutions with a green touch.
1. Install WaterSense-Labeled Fixtures
One of the simplest and most effective ways to make your plumbing system eco-friendly is to install WaterSense-labeled products, a program developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
WaterSense-certified toilets, showerheads, and faucets use at least 20% less water than standard models without compromising performance. For example:
- Toilets: Traditional toilets can use up to 6 gallons per flush, while WaterSense toilets use 1.28 gallons or less.
- Faucets: Low-flow faucets reduce water usage by over 30% per use.
- Showerheads: A standard showerhead may use 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm), while WaterSense models use only 2.0 gpm or less.
By upgrading to these fixtures, the average family can save over 13,000 gallons of water per year.
💧 Did You Know? Burien residents may qualify for local rebates or incentives for installing WaterSense-labeled products.
2. Switch to a Tankless Water Heater
Traditional water heaters store hot water in a large tank, constantly heating it even when not in use—leading to energy waste and higher utility bills. Tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand water heaters, heat water only when you need it.
Benefits of tankless systems include:
- Up to 34% greater energy efficiency for households using 41 gallons or less of hot water daily.
- Unlimited hot water on demand.
- Longer lifespan (typically 20+ years).
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
They are ideal for eco-conscious Burien homeowners looking to lower energy consumption while maximizing comfort.
🔧 Learn more about our tankless water heater services at Einstein Pros.
3. Install a Greywater Recycling System
A greywater system collects gently used water from sources like sinks, showers, and washing machines and reuses it for non-potable purposes, such as toilet flushing or garden irrigation. This reduces the amount of clean, treated water that’s wasted each day.
In Burien, greywater reuse is permitted under certain regulations governed by the Washington State Department of Health. The benefits of such systems include:
- Reduced water bills.
- Conservation of freshwater.
- Healthier landscaping without chemical-laden runoff.
This upgrade may require plumbing modifications, but the environmental payoff is significant—especially in drought-sensitive seasons.
4. Upgrade to a Smart Leak Detection System
Water leaks are one of the most common and costly plumbing issues. A small leak—like a dripping faucet or running toilet—can waste thousands of gallons per year. Fortunately, smart leak detection systems now make it possible to monitor water flow throughout your home in real time.
Features include:
- Immediate alerts via smartphone if a leak is detected.
- Automatic shutoff in case of major leaks or burst pipes.
- Usage tracking for smarter water habits.
For Burien residents looking to modernize their homes and avoid wasteful surprises, this is an eco-friendly investment with both environmental and financial benefits.
💡 Pro Tip: Pair your leak detection system with our annual plumbing maintenance service to stay ahead of costly repairs.
5. Install a Hot Water Recirculation Pump
If you’ve ever turned on your shower and waited for hot water to arrive, you’ve experienced the waste of time—and more importantly—water. A hot water recirculation pump addresses this by keeping hot water readily available at the tap, reducing wait time and water waste.
Benefits include:
- Immediate hot water access.
- Reduced water usage (no need to run taps for several minutes).
- Lower energy bills when paired with a smart timer.
These systems can be retrofitted into existing plumbing setups, making them a fantastic green upgrade for older Burien homes.
Final Thoughts
Eco-friendly plumbing upgrades aren’t just a trend—they’re a necessity in the face of climate change, increasing utility costs, and the need for sustainable living. Whether you’re replacing a faucet or retrofitting your entire water system, every drop saved counts.
By investing in these five smart upgrades, Burien homeowners can take meaningful steps toward water conservation, lower utility bills, and long-term home efficiency.
🛠️ Ready to make your Burien home more sustainable? Contact Einstein Pros Burien today for a free consultation on eco-friendly plumbing upgrades.