The water shortages in Hawaii have caused government agencies to look at ways to continue to provide enough clean water to residents. Water scarcity has contributed to wildfires and droughts for several years, not only in Hawaii but across the globe. Therefore the biggest plumbing trends for 2025 involve conserving and reusing water.
Water conservation and reclamation products not only save water; they also lower your water bill and increase the value of your home. There are several high-tech and affordable solutions available in 2025 to do just that. When you think of water in 2025, think “grey”, and go “green.”
Green Plumbing Systems and Sustainable Plumbing Solutions
The current water crisis in Hawaii and the increasing water shortages across the US are driving states to adopt incentives encouraging the use of sustainable plumbing technologies. Demand for green plumbing systems is expected to reach an all-time high in these areas in 2025.
Environmental regulations and increasing water bills are expected to drive the adoption of several sustainable plumbing technologies, including:
- Greywater Recycling (GWR)
- Rainwater Harvesting (RWH)
- Energy-Efficient Toilets
- Low-Flow Fixtures
- Smart Leak Detection
- Smart Water Monitors
- Smart Shut-off Valves
Hawaii’s Board of Water Supply is offering rebates for installing smart water monitors, rain barrels, and energy-efficient toilets.
Greywater recycling systems and sustainable plumbing solutions not only lower water bills; installation of these systems also raises property values, adding to their financial benefit.
How does a greywater recycling system work?
Greywater refers to all wastewater generated by households except for water coming from toilets. Greywater accounts for 30-50% the wastewater discharged into sewers. This water can be filtered and reused for flushing toilets and irrigating yards. Water from sinks and appliances is redirected to a collection unit by pumps or gravity where it is treated then stored in a tank for reuse.
Because greywater recycling systems reduce household water consumption by 40%, they pay for themselves in less than 3 years. GWR systems also increase the value of residential properties and count toward LEED certification in commercial buildings.
What is rainwater harvesting?
Rainwater harvesting involves the collection and storage of rainwater to reuse for watering plants, washing clothes, flushing toilets and washing vehicles. RWH systems can be as simple as using your gutters to direct water into a barrel, or more complex, including pumps, filters, and rooftop collection trays.
According to the World Water Reserve’s list, rainwater harvesting is encouraged in Hawaii. The Board of Water Supply in Oahu provides rebates on rain barrels and on other water saving devices purchased for use in your home. Some states place restrictions on rainwater collecting due to water rights violations, the disruption of the natural water cycle causing changes to the local environment, and its potential to be unsafe for use.
How much water do energy-efficient toilets save?
Toilets are the biggest water consumers in your home, making up 30% of the water used in a household. Installing an energy-efficient toilet can reduce household water waste by up to 60%. The EPA’s WaterSense Program lists the most energy-efficient toilets available.
In Hawaii, residents installing an energy-efficient WaterSense-approved toilet can receive a rebate on their purchase. On Maui, some residents may qualify to receive a dual flush toilet for free under the Department of Water Supply’s UHET Toilet Replacement program.
How do low-flow fixtures work?
Low-flow fixtures conserve water without compromising water pressure by mixing air into the water stream using an aerator, small devices that force water through holes. These provide a forceful stream of water that creates the feel of a full water flow. Low-flow fixtures can reduce water usage by up to 68%. For a 5-minute shower, that equates to saving 30 gallons of water.
What is the best smart leak detection system?
Water leaks account for 10,000 gallons of water wasted on average per US household. This accounts for 1 trillion gallons of water wasted nationwide. Obvious water leaks are bad enough, such as running toilets and dripping faucets. But the most devastating leaks are those that are harder to detect, such as water heater, washing machine, and dishwasher leaks. Because these leaks go undetected, they can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage to your home’s floors, walls, and personal belongings.
Smart leak detection systems are becoming a popular way to save water and protect your home from floods and mold, especially flooding that might occur while you are away from your home. There are three main types of leak detection systems:
- Water, temperature, and humidity sensors
- Water usage monitors
- Automated water shut-off valves
Leak detection and water monitoring systems work by sending alerts to your smart phone, notifying you of issues even if you are away from home. Water, temperature, and humidity sensors are activated when water touches them, when the air temperature approaches freezing, or when humidity levels change in the home. Water usage monitors track your water usage to help you conserve water, and to notify you if water usage increases suddenly. Automated water shut-off values may also monitor water usage, but their main benefit is their ability to shut off the main water supply automatically when abnormalities in water usage occur, and also provide the ability to turn water main valves off and on remotely.
More Tips for Saving Water at Home
There are things you can do today, with little effort or research, to conserve water and lower your water bill:
- Put a plastic bottle in your toilet tank. Put a sand or pebbles into the bottle, fit it with water, and place it in your toilet tank, away from the operating mechanisms.
- Turn water off while you brush your teeth.
- Only run full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine.
- Don’t let water run while you clean vegetables, soak them in a bowl instead.
- Soak pot and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them.
- Call Steve’s Plumbing & AC and schedule your yearly plumbing inspection to check for leaks and identify leak risks at (808) 563-4054.
Who is the Best Plumber Near Me
Steve’s Plumbing & AC Service serves the islands of Oahu, Maui, Big Island, and Kauai and has been Hawaii’s most trust plumbers since 1987. Call us today to schedule a plumbing inspection and we will assess your home for ways to decrease your water usage.
Considering a new water heater, water filtration system, or greywater recycling system? Steve’s Plumbing & AC offers free estimates on new plumbing installations. Steve’s plumbers are experts in energy-efficient systems such as heat pump and solar water heaters, and Steve’s is a certified Clean Energy Allies with Hawai’i Energy. Call us today at (808) 563-4054.
