Plumbing has come a long way in recent years.
From low-flow toilets to energy-efficient hot water heaters and smart pumps, the latest systems are built for convenience – and to help you save money and water.
But in Bermuda, many homes still rely on plumbing installed decades ago. If your pipes, fixtures or appliances are more than 50 years old, it might be time to consider an upgrade.
Adam Hines, general manager of H&H Plumbing and Mechanical Ltd, says some homes and commercial buildings now use half as much water as they did 15 years ago, thanks to newer water- and energy-saving devices.
Hi-tech pumps
A standout technology in recent years is the DAB pump which is one of the most requested options for both new builds and retrofits.
“It’s a constant pressure pump, and it’s a variable speed drive. The traditional water pump in Bermuda only knew one speed, which was on or off – 100 per cent or nothing,” Mr Hines explained.
“The new products are actually able to ramp up and use a variable speed loader to achieve the water pressure that’s needed, but it’s hardly any energy that’s used compared to what we used to use.”
Because they mount to the wall and take up a fraction of the space, DAB pumps are especially popular with homeowners upgrading older systems. H&H used to sell between 50 and 100 jet pumps a year. Now they sell around five.
“[The traditional jet pumps] took up almost your entire pump room, where the DAB pump, all these smaller systems, mount on the wall. They take up a tenth of the space,” Mr Hines said. “Customers are so happy to get an outdoor storage space where they used to have all this plumbing equipment. Now they can keep their pool stuff in there, the bikes, the kids’ stuff or whatever it is.”
Several commercial buildings, including The Royal Gazette and KPMG offices on Par-la-Ville Road, have made the switch to DAB systems, reducing their energy use by moving from five-horsepower pumps down to just two.
“They cut the energy costs down – I would say by 50 to 70 per cent – for the building’s water supply,” Mr Hines said.
The system has even been effective at Seon Place, a ten-storey building on Front Street.
“It’s not running full-time, but when we do work on the system, we use the same DAB pump with Watlington Water pressure coming in. Then we boost it with the DAB system. It’s amazing that we can run a building that size on such a small pump,” Mr Hines added.
In addition to efficiency, the technology reduces the number of service calls. The system can detect leaks that might otherwise go unnoticed, and an app allows users to monitor water use, energy consumption, and power draw in real time. It ties in well with Bermuda’s growing interest in solar power.
As more homeowners become familiar with monitoring their electricity use through solar apps, they begin to look for other ways to cut energy consumption.
“We find when one person goes for the upgrade for the solar and they’re just looking for the other technology to follow right behind it,” Mr Hines said.
“That app for the pump control is insane. You could land in Heathrow and see that you’re using water and nobody’s home, and turn your water pump off. It’s a really cool feature.”
New age heaters
Hot water heaters are another major energy draw. While instant water heaters are marketed as efficient, they’re not always practical in Bermuda. He’s had success installing them under a kitchen sink in small cottages but does not recommend them for the average whole-home system.
“A heater that controls a two-bathroom house – it has a tub and a kitchen – might require an 80-amp feed directly to that heater. That house may only have a 100-amp inlet from Belco, so that heater is going to consume 80 per cent of the available power in that house while it’s being used. It’s not an option for a lot of people in Bermuda,” he explained.
Instead, he recommends hybrid or heat pump water heaters which draw warm air from the surrounding space to heat water. They can also produce cool, dehumidified air.
“That is the common sense of water heating for modern technology. It’s absolutely amazing,” he said.
“There are two different modes of the heater so in full efficiency mode, the heater isn’t relying on any electric element. It’s only running on the heat pump function.
“Now, when we get the winter months of Bermuda, there’s a hybrid mode where you can kick that heater in and then there’s a backup heating element to compensate for any heat that it cannot make up in the cooler months.”
Though they require electrical upgrades and can push up installation costs, Mr Hines works to keep them affordable. He orders units factory-direct and passes along the savings. He’s also happy to offer free advice to anyone who needs help deciding what appliances would work best in their home.
SIDEBAR
Why upgrade your plumbing system?
- Cost savings
Modern plumbing fixtures are designed to be more efficient. For instance, water-saving toilets, faucets and showers use significantly less water per flush compared to older models. This leads to lower water and power bills.
- Improved performance
Newer plumbing technologies, such as electronic water pumps like the DAB system, provide consistent water pressure and flow, ensuring that you enjoy a reliable supply of water throughout your home while saving on energy. Additionally, modern hot water heaters like heat pumps and instant heaters offer faster heating times and better insulation, which can reduce energy costs also.
- Fewer repairs
Investing in modern plumbing reduces the likelihood of frequent calls to your plumber. New systems are built to withstand wear and tear more effectively than their older counterparts.
- Enhanced comfort
Upgrading your plumbing can also lead to an improved overall experience. Enjoy the benefits of instant hot water, perfectly regulated pressure and advanced features that make daily tasks easier and more enjoyable.
Contact H&H Plumbing and Mechanical Ltd at hhplumbingbda.com or 295-7473.
