Sewer lines are not generally what people have in mind when they think about green technology. For most homeowners, they don’t cross their minds until something goes wrong. But as more people look to shop, build, and live in more environmentally friendly ways, sewer systems are finally getting a green upgrade. Smarter, safer, and greener wastewater technologies are coming onto the scene, and they’re making a big difference in environmental cleanliness.
What Is Green Technology?
This is sometimes referred to as clean technology, and it includes tools and systems designed to deliver superior performance at lower costs, all while producing less damage to the environment. In water treatment plants, it could mean using more sustainable materials in sewer systems, enhancing water treatment methods, or adopting energy-efficient designs to move wastewater. The hope is to build sewer systems that last longer, waste less, and require fewer resources to build them.
Eco-Friendly Materials
Traditional sewer pipes are made of substances, such as cast iron and PVC (plastic). Those work well, but they aren’t the greenest options. Numerous contemporary systems now implement PET plastic or high-impact polyethylene (HDPE). These substances don’t corrode quickly, and they’re greener to make. HDPE pipes are also flexible and leak resistant, and they provide protection against soil and groundwater contamination.
Smart Sensors and Monitoring
Smartphones and speakers can’t have all the fun anymore because smart technology isn’t just for them. It is also being harnessed to upgrade sewer systems. The green sewer systems in use today often contain sensors to detect leaks, blockages, or shifts in water flow. These sensors ping your phone or a control center so that you can address problems before they grow into a big, expensive mess. This conserves water and stops dirty water from leaching into the ground.
Gravity-Based Design
One way to make sewer systems more efficient is with gravity. Gravity sewer lines, which are graded to match the slope of the land, require no pumps to assist in the movement of water. This is energy saving and cuts down on parts that can break. The simple systems using gravity are also non-failure systems and last longer with no repairs. If it’s feasible on your property, a plumber can help you plan a layout of this type.
Better Water Treatment
Green technology is transforming even what we do with wastewater. Some technology-advanced treatment plants now use natural methods like wetlands or recycled water for flushing toilets or watering plants. This decreases the stress on drinking water sources and minimizes pollution that goes into rivers or oceans. Though you aren’t likely to run a treatment plant in your home, overlooking the treatment that a city or community might use can turn out to be a mistake.
Using green technology in a sewer system is one of the best ways to reduce your environmental impact. Whether through better materials, smart monitors, or designing around gravitation as opposed to relying on a pump, every little bit helps. If you are building a new home or renovating your plumbing, ask your contractor about green sewer options. It’s a step toward a cleaner home and a cleaner planet. For eco-friendly sewer line technology in Corvallis, OR, contact the team at Evenflo Plumbing.
