Builder - January 2009 - (Page 47) HOUSECALL DOWN THE DRAIN: This schematic shows a system that reuses sink water for toilet flushing. GREEN INNOVATIONS Promising Plumbing Q: courtesy WaterSaver Technologies JAMES LYONS I am so overwhelmed with the array of plumbing products and systems touting energy savings, water savings, and green messaging. Which options are credible and can actually deliver on their promises? at switching to cross-linked polyethylene (PEX). PEX has quickly garnered a reputation as a very durable plumbing material because it is: ▪ flexible—allowing for fewer joints and an easier (and quicker) installation; ▪ capable of withstanding extreme temperatures; ▪ highly resistant to chemicals typically found in the plumbing environment. Flexible PEX piping is also consumer-friendly as it is quieter than traditional piping materials and manufacturers offer color-coded PEX tubing for simple identifi(see page 48) cation of cold and hot water lines. plumbing decrease A: Innovations insave energy can water,asand construction costs, and earn points in green certification programs such the U.S. Senior Consultant Newport Partners Davidsonville, Md. jameslyons@newport partnersllc.com Green Building Council’s LEED for Homes program or the NAHB’s National Green Building Program. These innovations run the gamut from piping to fi xtures, with several promising options described below. PIPING MATERIALS Advancements in the piping materials used in homes can reduce builder costs and benefit the homeowner. With copper prices on the increase, builders should look W W W.BUILDERONLINE.COM ja n ua ry 2 0 0 9 BUILDER ■ 47 http://WWW.BUILDERONLINE.COM
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