Have you ever wondered how you could make your home a little more environmentally friendly?

One place to start is by making your home’s plumbing more sustainable. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), we use 3% of our electric energy to move and process drinking water every year. And nearly 20% of a home's energy usage goes to its water heater.

Implementing sustainable plumbing practices will allow you to save water, energy, and money.

If you’re in the market for new plumbing appliances, familiarize yourself with the EPA’s WaterSense® program. When you see a piece of equipment with the EPA’s WaterSense® label, you’ll know it meets the agency’s criteria for efficiency and performance. Products and services with the label are certified to use at least 20% less water than regular models.

Here are three appliances where you should look for the WaterSense® label:

Toilets: The program identifies efficient toilets that use a maximum 1.28 gallons per flush.

Faucets: Efficient faucets and aerators use a maximum of 1.5 gallons per minute.

Showerheads: An efficient showerhead uses a maximum of 2.0 gallons per minute, according to the WaterSense® program’s guidelines.

If you’re looking to upgrade any of these appliances in your home, keep an eye out for this label to make sure you’re getting an efficient model.

You may also want to think about installing a tankless water heater. They provide an unlimited supply of hot water, no matter how much you use – and they’re up to 34% more efficient than a traditional storage water heater.

Aside from upgrading your appliances, there are some other things you can do to save water:

Fix leaky faucets. That drip, drip, drip is not only annoying, it can cause you to waste a ton of water. Watch your monthly bill closely for any changes —this could indicate a leak that you didn’t know about.

Shut off the faucet when it’s not in use. If you leave the water running while you’re brushing your teeth or washing your face, you might waste gallons of water a year. Turn off the faucet after you wet your toothbrush or begin lathering up your skin.

READ MORE: 8 Water Conservation Tips for the Bathroom

Check your toilet for leaks. Did you know you can use dye to see if you have a leaky toilet? Put a few drops of food coloring in your toilet’s tank and then wait 20 to 30 minutes. If the water in the toilet bowl has changed to the color of the dye, then you have a leak – and it’s time to get it fixed.

We’re here to help you make your home’s plumbing a little greener. Call the experts at 1-877-BEN-1776 or request an appointment online.