Upgrading the plumbing fixtures in your Mesa, AZ, home is an opportunity to beautify your kitchen and bathrooms, add value to your investment in your home, and lower your utility bills. Free of heavy sediment buildups, loose connections, and leaks, new plumbing fixtures look better, perform better, and are enjoyable to use. If you opt for water-efficient upgrades, they can qualify you for government rebates and incentives.
Why Water Conservation Is Important
Arizona has a hot and naturally dry climate and a fast-growing population. With little rainfall, most towns have limited freshwater supplies. Misuse, overuse, and inefficient plumbing appliances place tremendous strain on the Colorado River, which in turn affects connected estuaries and countless natural habitats.
To curb water waste, the State of Arizona and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offer an impressive range of incentives for homeowners installing water-efficient:
- Toilets and urinals
- Faucets
- Irrigation systems and controllers
- Showerheads
Thus, there’s ample opportunity to save whether you’re making plumbing improvements indoors or out.
Watersense Is the Authority on Water Efficiency
As you shop your options in new plumbing fixtures and apply for rebates, you’ll need to adhere to the guidelines for efficiency set forth by WaterSense. WaterSense is a voluntary program of the EPA. Just as ENERGY STAR maintains a rating system for energy-efficient home appliances, WaterSense labels plumbing products based on their ability to:
- Match or outperform comparable fixture and appliance types
- Use 20% less water than comparable models
- Reduce energy consumption
Choosing new plumbing fixtures with a WaterSense label will qualify you for federal, state, and local rebate programs. Many utility companies will even accept WaterSense labeling as proof of compliance with their rebate program terms.
How To Save Cash With Watersense
Arizona and many other states offer the greatest incentives for water-efficient plumbing upgrades at the city level. These rewards are federally and state-funded but distributed by local municipalities. The rebate finder tool on the EPA’s WaterSense website can help you find the latest local rebate programs.
Standard Rebate Offers for Arizona Cities
While installing a single, water-efficient showerhead won’t earn you much, replacing all of your plumbing fixtures with WaterSense-labeled options will. Best of all, in addition to any rebates you qualify for, you can also look forward to lower water bills.
Toilet Rebates
Also known as high-efficiency toilets, water-efficient toilets use just 1.28 gallons of water per flush. This is a major improvement from standard toilets, which use up to seven gallons of water with a single flush. High-efficiency toilets also outperform low-flow toilets in terms of water savings. To compare, low-flow toilets use 1.6 gallons per flush or greater.
If you install an EPA WaterSense-labeled, high-efficiency toilet, you can receive a rebate of $75. If you replace multiple toilets throughout your home, you’ll receive this same reward for each qualifying toilet you install. You can also cut your flush-related water use by more than 500%.
Smart Irrigation Controllers
Smart irrigation controllers are significantly more efficient than simple irrigation system timers. These systems use sensors and other cutting-edge technologies to track the weather, soil conditions, and other environmental factors. They then automatically adjust watering schedules to suit key changes.
Another major, water-efficient benefit of smart irrigation controllers is their ability to detect water leaks. According to the EPA, an unchecked irrigation system leak could result in more than 6,000 gallons of water waste every month.
In arid climates like Arizona’s, irrigation system leaks can also cause tremendous landscape damage. For instance, if you opt to plant native plant species as a water-saving strategy, your landscape vegetation naturally thrives in dry conditions. Overwatering could kill many naturally hearty forms of vegetation, even as it drives up your water bill.
When you install a smart irrigation controller, you can qualify for a $75 rebate. You can also protect your lawn and foliage, reduce your environmental impact, and save money month to month.
Rebates and Incentives for Water Conservation Retrofit Kits
As consumers, regulators, and product manufacturers have become increasingly concerned about the state of the natural environment, plumbing system design has evolved. The latest residential plumbing system designs and the most current plumbing codes prioritize the use of safe and durable materials and water conservation. If your home was built before 1992, your plumbing system is likely missing many important, eco-friendly upgrades.
Fortunately, you can bring your home on par with current expectations by investing in a water conservation retrofit kit. These all-inclusive kits include many water-efficient plumbing fixtures, such as:
- Shower fixtures
- Faucets
- Faucet aerators
- Hose bigs
They also include several basic plumbing updates like fill cycle diverters and toilet displacement bags. If you pay for a qualifying retrofit kit, your rebate could be as high as $2,000, depending on your location. This is especially true if your retrofit kit includes water harvesting elements or gray water applications. However, some cities throughout Arizona offer free water conservation retrofit kits instead of rebates.
How To Qualify and Apply for Government Rebates and Incentives
The most important step in qualifying for government rebates and incentives for water-efficient plumbing upgrades is choosing products with the WaterSense label. However, it’s also important to visit the WaterSense website and search for active rebate offers in your area so that you can choose your plumbing improvements accordingly. This will give you a comprehensive list of utility and city-based programs for your municipality.
Alternatively, you can hire a reputable, local plumber committed to helping homeowners conserve water and protect the environment. If you’re planning a plumbing upgrade, we can help you optimize your savings and streamline the application process. Having a licensed plumber makes everything much easier.
Tips for Applying
Many efficiency rebate programs have limited funding, so monies are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Others have firm income limits and reserve their most generous rewards for those living below, at, or just above the poverty level or below the region’s median income.
When applying, be ready to submit the following documentation:
- Proof of purchase
- Images of your old, inefficient fixtures
- Images of your newly installed, water-efficient fixtures
- The make and model numbers for all upgraded fixtures
You can submit a photocopy of your original receipt for proof of purchase, or your plumber can do this on your behalf. However, most programs will not accept handwritten receipts.
If you’re a renter and have paid for these upgrades out of your own pocket, you must submit a letter of approval from your landlord. When income limits apply, you may need to submit a copy of your most recent tax return or your pay stubs for the past 30 to 60 days.
We proudly serve Mesa, AZ, and the surrounding cities. With over 30 years of experience, we offer outstanding plumbing, drain, leak detection, and sewer line services. We also provide and install water heaters. If you need help finding water-efficient upgrades for your home, contact Delta Mechanical now.
