Ed Begley Jr. explains how his greywater system works to Allen Lyle.

In his new book Ed Begley Jr.’s Guide to Sustainable Living the noted actor and environmentalist explains how to conserve, produce, and manage the energy and water used in your home. Ed and his wife, Rachelle, also star in the Planet Green TV series Living with Ed, an informative and often humorous take on what it’s like to live a green lifestyle.

Recycled plastic fencing.

The Begleys installed a greywater system in their home to filter waste water from showers, bathtubs, sinks, dishwashers, and washing machines for use on their fruit trees and vegetable garden. Before it can be reused, greywater must pass through a series of filters to remove or kill any bacteria and other contaminants in the water.

Another eco-friendly improvement the Begleys made is a privacy fence made from recycled plastic milk jugs. Composite decking—composed of plastic and sawdust—is a plastic product that is a durable alternative to wood decking. Since not all composite is made from recycled materials, check with the manufacturer if you want to make a green choice for your home.

Danny Lipford discusses green living with Bill Nye the Science Guy.

Just down the street from the Begleys’ is the home of science guru and TV personality Bill Nye, who is also a green enthusiast. His home includes solar panels for producing electricity and a solar hot water system.

Eco-Friendly Lawn Equipment

The propane powered Eco Blower from LEHR.

One way to make your yard work easier on the environment is with the LEHR Eco Blower and Eco Trimmer. Powered by clean burning propane, these award winning lawn and garden tools emit 70% less hydrocarbons, 96% fewer carcinogens, and 97% less particulates than gasoline powered models.

Solar Powered Landscape Lighting

LED solar powered landscape lighting with NiMH batteries.

Recent advances in solar powered landscape lighting have made them work far more effectively and efficiently. Features to look for when choosing solar landscape lighting include:

• LED (light emitting diode) light.
• NiMH (nickel-metal hydride) battery.
• Improved solar photovoltaic panel.

Water Saving Toilets

HydroRight dual flush converter.

Toilets account for a quarter of the water used in the average home. Older toilets use up to five gallons of water per flush, three times that of newer models. Dual flush toilets save even more water by giving you two flushing options, one for liquid and one for solid waste.

While you can replace your existing toilet with a water saving model, another option is to modify your existing toilet with the HydroRight dual flush converter. The kit costs less than $30 and reduces the water used by a toilet by 70%. Installation is easy and takes less than 10 minutes.

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The Milwaukee M-Spector Cordless Camera can be equipped with a 3’ or 8’ long waterproof cable that can fit through a 3/4” diameter hole to see inside walls or down plumbing pipes. Adjustable zoom and a three stage LED light enhance the image on the LCD color screen. The M-Spector Camera is available at The Home Depot.

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The Ridgid Faucet and Sink Installer is a multipurpose tool for use under sinks that can turn a frustrating job into an easy one. Uses include tightening and removing faucet nuts and supply lines, turning shut off valves, and holding strainer baskets in place. It’s available at The Home Depot.

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With the rising cost of gas and electricity, finding ways to cut back on your energy consumption is more important than ever. To help you cope, we’re taking a look at four great ways to make your home more energy efficient that are also eligible for the Federal Energy Efficiency Tax Credit by upgrading your heating and cooling system, water heater, windows, and attic insulation.

Home Energy Audit

Blower door test.

One of the best ways to find out how to reduce the amount of energy you use is by having an energy audit conducted on your home. Your local utility provider will often conduct the audit at no cost, or you can hire a private company.

Tests conducted include installing a blower in an exterior door to create negative air pressure inside the house. A smoke pencil and infrared photography are then used to identify areas of air movement and infiltration. Similar tests on the heating and cooling system are used to detect air leaks in the ductwork, which on average account for a 25% to 40% loss in conditioned air in your home.

Once the tests have identified problem areas in walls, around windows and doors, in the attic, and in the heating and cooling system, steps are then taken to seal up any cracks or gaps to make the house tighter and more energy efficient.

Heating & Cooling

In addition to sealing up ductwork, consider replacing an older HVAC unit with a newer, more energy efficient model that has a higher Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER).

Danny discusses water heaters with actor and environmentalist Ed Begley, Jr.

Water Heaters

Heating water accounts for approximately 13% of the total energy usage in a home. Replacing an inefficient hot water heater with a new high efficiency model can save up to $300 a year on your utility bills. Energy efficient models include:

• Solar water heaters
• Heat pump water heaters
• Tankless water heaters
• High efficiency tank water heaters like the Vertex from A. O. Smith.

Windows Replacement

Up to 50% of the heating and cooling loss in older, existing homes is due to heat loss and gain through the glass in single pane windows and air infiltration in the weather stripping around the sash. While you can replace the entire window unit, JELD-WEN Windows and Doors also offers sash packs that retain the existing window frame while replacing just the sash and balance tracks on each side. The new sash have double pane glass with a low-E coating—to make them very energy efficient—set in a low maintenance, vinyl covered frame.

Insulation

Adding more insulation to your attic is one of the best and most economical ways to increase the energy efficiency of your home and reduce utility bills. A common, inexpensive solution is to install batts or blow in fiberglass or cellulose insulation on top of the existing insulation in your attic. Another option that is gaining in popularity, is to spray expanding foam insulation between the rafters and wall studs.

Spaying foam between the rafters prevents heat from entering your attic and allows your HVAC system to perform more efficiently. While more expensive than traditional insulation, foam has a higher insulation R-value and seal out air infiltration better than fiberglass or cellulose.

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This homemade rain barrel to recycle rainwater for use in your lawn and garden is an easy do-it-yourself project that costs less than $50. Here’s how to go about it:

• Drill a hole in a large garbage can near the bottom
• Attach an outside faucet to the can using rubber washers with a nut on the inside to secure it.
• Cut a hole in the can lid with a jigsaw so it fits a drainage grate to filter out any debris.
• Use cable ties to hold the lid on securely to prevent children or animals from falling in.
• Set the barrel on concrete blocks next to the house under a gutter downspout.
• Modify the downspout so that it fits in the top of the barrel.
• Attach a hose to the faucet water the plants in your yard.

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I would like to put in a tankless hot water heater, but I’m concerned that the water will not get hot enough. Is that a problem?” -Gail

Hi Gail,

Tankless water heaters can get the water plenty hot enough. Depending on the brand and model, most tankless water heaters have a temperature setting that is adjustable between 100° to 140° (most tank water heaters are set around 120°).

In order to make sure the water will be hot enough, it’s important that a tankless water heater is sized based on your climate and hot water needs.

• Size tankless water heater for usage: The amount of water being used can affect the temperature of the hot water if the unit is too small for the amount of flow it’s being asked to produce. A unit that is too small for the amount of hot water it is asked to provide may work fine when only one shower is running, but the temperature could drop when another hot water tap is opened at the same time.
• Size tankless water heater to the water supply temperature: Tankless water heaters are rated based on the rise in water temperature they produce. The colder the temperature of the water supply coming in, the lower the maximum temperature of the heater. So if you live in a cold climate, like Alaska, you’ll need a larger tankless water heater than someone living in a warm climate, like Florida.

Good luck with your project,

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When we use the hot water in our new home, there is a very strong smelly odor. Please help. –Dean

Hi Dean,

There are several possibilities for the unpleasant odor in your water, but the reason you notice it more in hot water than cold is that the high temperature vaporizes some of the water into the air as it comes out of the sink or shower.

If the water supply lines in your new home are plastic—such as PVC and CPVC—the odor may be coming from chemicals present in the new pipe as well as the solvent based glue that was used to join it together. Hot water increases the amount of chemicals released into the water from the plastic. The odor in water caused by plastic pipes is not considered a health hazard and should diminish over time.

If the new plumbing isn’t the problem, the smell may be coming from the water itself. In that case you should have the water tested or contact your local water supplier and have them look into the problem. Chemicals, such as chlorine, that are added to municipal water supplies may also impart an odor that is more easily detected in hot water.

If you are on a well, the groundwater from it may be rich in minerals or other natural chemicals, like sulphur, which can result in an unpleasant odor that is more easily detected when the water is heated.

If the water has been tested and is considered safe to drink, you might want consider installing a filter to remove the odor and chemicals from your drinking water. Whole house water filters are available to treat all the water coming into the house.

Further Information

• Water Filters for Your Home
• Are Plastic Water Pipes Safe?
• How to Test and Filter Water for Lead and Other Contaminants

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A concrete septic tank ready to be installed.

How a Septic Tank Works

A septic tank consists of a large, underground tank with an inlet for the drain pipe coming from your house, and an outlet going to the field lines buried in the yard. The tank allows solid waste to settle out and begins the decomposition process using the natural action of anaerobic bacteria.

Baffles in the tank retain the solid material while allowing liquid to flow into perforated field lines buried in the yard. As it soaks into the soil, the action of aerobic bacteria complete the process of breaking down any remaining waste material.

How to Find the Location of Your Septic Tank

The first step is to determine the location of the septic tank in your yard so it can be inspected and serviced. Septic tanks are usually located at least five feet away from the house with the top buried up to several feet below ground.

Here are some tips on how to locate your septic tank:

Using a camera to find a septic tank.

• A plat of your land (available from your county environmental office) should show the location of the septic tank in your yard.
• Often the general location of the tank and field lines will be evident by greener grass or lush vegetation in the yard.
• If you’re still not sure of the location of the septic tank in your yard, a video camera can be inserted in a drain to track the distance to the tank.
• Once you know the general location of your septic tank, a probing device—such as a thin metal rod—is used to find the top of the buried tank. Take care when probing to keep from damaging drain pipes, field lines, sprinkler systems, or buried utility lines.

Probing to locate the top of a septic tank.

When to Pump Out a Septic Tank

A septic tank should be pumped out every three to five years on average, depending upon the size of the tank and the number of occupants in the house. If you experience drainage problems—including bathtubs that are slow to drain or toilets that tend to back up after flushing—contact a reputable sewage contractor at the first sign of trouble, and limit your water use until the problem has been diagnosed and resolved.

Digging up a septic tank to pump and clean it out.

Septic Tank Dos and Don’ts

Follow these tips to maintain your septic tank system and keep it working properly:

• Once you’ve found your septic tank, record the location for future reference.
• Have your septic tank inspected regularly.
• Pump out your septic tank every three to five years.
• Use biodegradable toilet paper that breaks down easily.


Pumping out a septic tank.

• Conserve water to limit the amount that goes into the tank.
• Never put grease or harsh chemicals—such as solvents, bleach, drain cleaners, pesticides, gasoline, and paint—down a drain or toilet.
• Do not put non-biodegradable items—including dental floss, disposable diapers, kitty litter, condoms, female hygiene products, facial tissue, and cigarettes—down a drain or toilet.
• Do not build or pave on or near a septic tank or field lines.
• Avoid planting trees or shrubs on or near a septic tank or field lines.
• Do not locate a vegetable or herb garden on or near a septic tank or field lines.
• Call a reputable septic tank company if your drains show signs of backing up or draining slowly.

If regular septic tank maintenance is performed, and precautions are taken to keep your system working properly, your system will provide many years of trouble free service.

Dee Massey is employed by Hulsey Environmental & Plumbing Services, Inc. of Gainesville, Georgia. More information is available on their website at www.hulseyenvironmental.com.

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Here are six do-it-yourself projects that can solve some common home improvement problems around your home. When using or installing any tool or product, remember to follow the manufacturers’ directions and observe all safety precautions.

How to Finish a Garage Floor

Finishing your garage floor with an epoxy coating, such as Epoxy Shield from Rust-Oleum can make your garage look better than new. Each kit contains everything you need to coat a one-car garage including cleaner, epoxy coating, decorative paint chips, and even an instructional DVD.

• Start by testing to see if the floor has already been sealed by pouring a few drops of water on it in several spots. If the water beads up, the coating may not adhere properly.
• Test to see if the floor has a moisture problem by taping a two-foot square piece of plastic to the floor for 24 hours. If the area under the plastic is damp, the coating may not adhere properly.
• If your floor passes these tests, clean it using the supplied packet of cleaner and a long-handled scrub brush. Rinse the cleaner off with a hose, and allow the floor to dry. Remove any oil or grease stains with mineral spirits.
• Fill any cracks or holes with concrete repair caulk and allow to set.
• Mix the two-part epoxy coating and apply with a roller within the time specified.
• Allow the floor to cure thoroughly before parking on it.

How to Replace an Outdoor Security Light

Replace your existing yard light with one that has a motion sensor.

• Turn off the power to the light.
• Remove the old fixture.
• Attach a center bracket to the box to accommodate the new fixture.
• Attach the wires to the new fixture with wire nuts. Make sure the fixture is grounded as well.
• Mount the fixture using the rubber gasket for a waterproof seal.
• Set the sensitivity and light duration of the motion sensor.
• Turn the power back on and test light.

How to Install Bifold Closet Doors

Replace hard to use sliding closet doors with bifold doors.

• Remove the old sliding doors, and cut a board to cover the recessed track.
• Find a set of bifold door that fit the opening.
• Attach the track to the top door jamb.
• Mark the location of the floor brackets using a plumb bob.
• Align and screw the floor brackets to the door frame.
• Insert the bottom door pins in the floor brackets and top pins in the track.
• Adjust the fit of the door.
• If desired, attach the aligning brackets to the inside of the doors.
• Paint or stain the doors and attach the knobs.

How to Refinish an Entry Door

Give your front door a facelift by refinishing it and replacing the hardware.

• Remove the hinge pins, and take the door down.
• Place it on padded sawhorses, and remove the old hardware.
• Strip and sand down the door, starting with coarse followed by finer grits of sandpaper.
• Stain the door and apply several coats of exterior polyurethane, or prime and paint it.
• Rehang the door.
• Install new hardware, keying the lock to other doors in the house.

How to Replace a Showerhead

New low-flow showerheads use less than half the water of old models.

• Remove the old showerhead by turning it counter clockwise.
• Wrap Teflon tape around the pipe in a clockwise direction.
• Thread the new showerhead on in a clockwise direction.
• Tighten up the showerhead using a strap wrench to keep from marring the chrome.
• Turn on the showerhead and check for leaks.

How to Tile a Floor

Tiling a floor is a bit more ambitious DIY project.

• Start by leveling the subfloor if needed.
• Tile can be laid directly on concrete, but wood or plywood floors should be covered with cement backer board first.
• Mark the midpoints of each wall, then pop a chalk line on the floor in both directions to locate the center of the room.
• Mix up thin-set adhesive and apply to the center section of the floor with a notched trowel.
• Set and level the tiles in the adhesive, using plastic spacers between them.
• Cut border tile to size with a scoring cutter or wet saw.
• After the adhesive has set, apply grout to the cracks with a rubber float.
• Use a sponge and water to remove any excess grout.
• When the grout has cured, apply a sealer to keep it from staining.

For more information, check out our article on How to Lay a Tile Floor.

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I recently had my septic tank pumped out and noticed a steady stream of water coming from the house drain pipe into the tank. Where could it be coming from?
-Betty

Hi Betty,
The most likely culprit is a leaking toilet, but there are a couple of other possibilities to consider as well.

• Start by inspecting the plumbing fixtures in your home—such as sinks, showers, and tubs—to be sure water from a faucet isn’t literally going down the drain.
• Next, check to see if your toilet might be leaking by closing the cut-off valve and flushing it. Give it 5-10 minutes to fully drain, then check the pipe into the septic tank to see if the water has stopped flowing. If it has, the problem is with that toilet. If it’s still running, try the same procedure with any other toilets. If you find that the problem is with one or more of your toilets, check out our article on How to Repair a Toilet to see how to go about fixing it.
• If the mystery leak still isn’t solved, check to see if there are any other sources of drain water you haven’t considered. Some that come to mind include a basement drain, the drain line from an air conditioner unit or hot water heater pressure relief valve, the drain from the pan under a water heater or washing machine, and the backflow from a whole house water filter. While most of these are usually plumbed to drain outside on the ground, it’s possible they were tied into your house plumbing drain system.
• Another way to check to see if the water is coming from the plumbing inside your house is by monitoring your water meter over a few hours when nothing is running (be sure to turn your ice maker off!). If there aren’t any leaks or water flowing from your supply lines into the drain, the dials on the water meter won’t move.

Good luck,

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