Just as trends come and go in other industries, like music or design, home living styles evolve according to taste, need, and technological development. Such is the case when it comes to the latest plumbing trends and the up-and-coming use of smart technology.
Smart technology and green living have both been eagerly embraced, from the perspective of homeowners and builders alike. Whether it’s a remodel or a project built from the ground up, more and more, plumbers are being asked to install more efficient and advanced systems. These are some of the latest trends that we’re seeing in smart plumbing technology that combine practicality with a bit of luxury:
Brain Pipes
This is a very interesting concept. Brain pipes are smart home automation plumbing systems that allow you to conserve natural resources while reducing your water footprint. They’re even able to prevent potential damage from leaks that could cost you a fortune to replace and repair. These systems actually monitor your entire home or building and are set up to detect the location of a breakage or leak. It is then able to send you an alert that will tell you the exact location of the problem.
Eco-Friendly Components
More and more people are becoming environmentally conscious and are requesting more efficient, Green plumbing components. This is in part due to the rising cost of water and electricity, but people are also simply becoming more aware of their carbon footprint. They are seeking more efficient faucets, shower heads and toilets with low flow flush capacity.
Smart Appliances
One of the biggest trends we’re seeing is the use of smart appliances, like dishwashers, washing machines, water heaters and toilets, and considering that it’s the 21st century, it’s no surprise. There are so many outstanding machines out there, today, that it’s almost hard to keep up with the level of technology that’s being incorporated. For example, appliances now come with computer chips installed in them to control everything from wash settings, to water temperature, to water conservation modes, to automated cycles and so much more. They even sync with your smart devices so that you can control them on the go and track exactly what’s cycling through your water systems.
Led Temperature Monitor
Speaking of smart technology – some faucets and appliances now come with attached LED lighting and screens that allow you to monitor temperature control. Bathroom faucets can give you the exact temperature readings of the water coming out and use LED lights to visually guide you. For example, if the water plate or water flow turns blue, the water is cold. If it turns red, the water is hot. These fixtures use a built-in magnet that generates power via water flow when the valve is turned on.
ETWater
Smart technology is even moving outdoors and into lawn care. With systems like ETWater, there is now such a thing as smart, home irrigation. Through cloud technology, you can track the exact amount of water needed to keep your landscape healthy and green through your smart device. It even adapts to changes in weather, knowing the precise amounts of rainfall your lawn has already received so that no water is wasted.
Greywater Recycling
Greywater recycling is another interesting and innovative way we’re seeing people recycle and save resources. Greywater is water from your bathroom sinks, showers, tubs and washing machines that has been gently used. It’s not dirty, but may contain traces of dirt, food or cleaning products. If it’s not used, it simply flows into our natural water systems, like rivers lakes and estuaries, where these trace elements can become pollutants. It is not, however harmful to your plants, and can be used as an excellent fertilizer. Instead of this water simply flowing down the drain, never to be used again, it is actually a safe and beneficial irrigation source that can be easily be transferred through a piping system to your yard to keep it alive and healthy, thus restoring the natural water cycle.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your systems with new technologies that will turn your home into a smart home or simply looking for a better, more eco-friendly way to use resources, we can help you make the transition. Our team is experienced and ready to help you take on those pesky plumbing projects. So, give us a call today!
