Jeff Wilson Everyday DIY Blog

Faucets account for more than 15% of a home’s indoor water consumption. A low-flow WaterSense-labeled bathroom sink faucet can reduce that consumption by more than 30%. That equates to nearly 500 gallons of water per year. Much like a showerhead, a low-flow faucet will also create an energy savings by reducing demand on the water heater. This savings is small, about $10 per year, but it helps to create a total savings of $15 per year. Because a homeowner is more than capable of changing out a faucet, the total installed price can be less than $100, depending on preference and quality. This allows for a simple payback of under seven years, and an ROI of approximately 15%.

A standard residential showerhead uses 2.5 gallons of water per minute (gpm). However, a low-flow WaterSense-labeled showerhead uses only 2 gpm. That is a reduction of 20%, which can lead to a total household water savings of 2,300 gallons per year. Since this will also ease the demand on water heaters, it can create an energy savings of 300 kilo-watt hours per year as well. Assuming the same $10 per kilo-gallon charge as above, and $0.10 per kilo-watt hour of electricity, a WaterSense-labeled showerhead will create a total savings of more than $50 a year. This relates nicely to an average showerhead’s total installed price of $200, allowing a simple payback of four years with an ROI of 25%. Keep in mind that the ROI will be much higher if the installation is done by the homeowner.

Most people don’t realize that nearly 65% of all urinals in use today exceed the maximum allowable flush standards set by the federal government. This shortfall indicates a tremendous opportunity for building owners and managers to reduce their operating expenses through the implementation of high-performance, low-flow urinals.

Toilets are responsible for nearly 30% of the indoor water consumption in a typical U.S. home. In addition, a toilet made before 1994 can use over three times the water a new toilet uses. This makes the replacement of a home’s existing toilets a high priority when it comes to home and building improvements.

The University of North Texas (UNT) Apogee Stadium is on track to be the first new collegiate venue to make use of on-site, renewable wind power. Its three wind turbines are under construction now; the stadium itself hosted its first game in September 2011.

These are lessons learned from installing laminate flooring in my own home, along with my wife and a few friends. Laminate flooring is a relatively new and innovative product, well suited for home owners and do-it-yourself individuals who are looking for a weekend project. Fitting that description, my wife and I started our quest to redo our 12'-0" x 18'-0" family room.

A few years ago, our family moved into a home built in the 1980’s. The home has a nice exterior, other than the overgrown landscaping, and the interior plan is functional; however, the decor is original and is in need of updating. While my wife is a big fan of 80’s music, she can do without the decor from that era, and was determined on updating everything during our first month in the home.

Remnants of dirt, debris, and soap that are not rinsed down the drain can harden on the surface of a bathtub or shower, forming a residue. Limiting the amount of residue is important because mildew often grows in areas where residue is not properly removed. Also, areas that are prone to water infiltration should be regularly inspected and repaired as necessary.

Remnants of dirt, debris, and soap that are not rinsed down the drain can harden on the surface of a bathtub or shower, forming a residue. Limiting the amount of residue is important because mildew often grows in areas where residue is not properly removed. Also, areas that are prone to water infiltration should be regularly inspected and repaired as necessary.