Green plumbers

What can a green plumber do for your home? Find out with our expert on what you should look out for when choosing an environmentally friendly plumber.

Q. What is the purpose of the Green Plumbers program?

A. It's designed to give Australian plumbers a basic understanding of how to be green, and gives them that green mind-set when they go to a job. You learn about which areas to look out for in the home, how certain plumbing products save energy and water, and a bit of background knowledge on the environment.

Q. What are some cheap water savers in the bathroom?

A. The most efficient and cost-effective device is a water flow controller. This is a little aerator you attach to your taps that can reduce water use by about 50 per cent. It only costs around $15 and you don't need a plumber to install it.

Q. Are there other water-saving options available?

A. The newest thing is grey water treatment. There are some treatment systems on the market now that treat the grey water and allow you to store it for as long as you like. You can then use it safely in your toilet, washing machine, or on the garden.

Q. Are people becoming more water wise?

A. As water restrictions in Australia come into force, we definitely have more people calling up enquiring about rainwater tanks. However, they're sometimes quite shocked by how much a system can cost. Unfortunately, because water is so cheap, the incentive still isn't enough for people to take this on.

Q. How can people find a green plumber?

A. Call the Green Plumbers hotline, or jump on the Green Plumbers website. They have a database of accredited green plumbers.

Q. What is a green plumber?

A. An accredited green plumber has gone through at least one of the five free training courses offered by the Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia. They include Climate Protection, Water Efficient Technology, Solar Hot Water and Caring For Our Water.

Contact a plumber in your area to find out if they're green qualified: