Plumbing Upgrades to Consider During a Bathroom Remodel
There are two compelling reasons to consider plumbing upgrades: greater convenience and safety for your family, and increased resale value for your home. Unfortunately, many homeowners aren’t familiar with all of the options available to them to accomplish these goals. Here is an overview of four of the best plumbing upgrades to consider if you want to take advantage of the latest innovations.
Low-Flow Fixtures
Eco-conscious homeowners who want their plumbing should turn first to low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets. These upgrades will both reduce water waste in your home and allow you to take advantage of some modern features. For example, many low-flow showerheads have adjustable flow rates so you can save water without sacrificing water pressure.
Low-flow faucets often use an aerator, a thin screen that adds air to the water that passes through it to reduce water usage. Fortunately, you can try add-on aerators for your existing faucets before you commit to installing low-flow faucets throughout your home. You may also consider low-flow toilets with low- and high-power flush options or pressure-assist flushing.
Safe Pipework
You should know how old your home is to accurately assess the safety and durability of your plumbing. Homes built in the early 20th century often used lead pipes, which can leach harmful lead particles into your home’s drinking water. Even homes made after the 1970s may be using pipes made of polybutylene, an inferior material that is much more prone to bursting and leaking than modern pipes.
If your home is using outdated plumbing, your plumber may recommend repiping to replace your plumbing system with updated materials. Modern water supply lines use materials such as copper, chlorinated PVC, and cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) to provide several years of reliability without releasing harmful byproducts into your water.
Sink Upgrades
Sinks are the plumbing fixture that homeowners interact with most often throughout the day, so it makes sense to upgrade your sinks when you have the opportunity. If you’re simply looking for a visual upgrade, consider less common materials like granite, copper, or cast iron. If you struggle with sink space in your kitchen or bathroom, a double sink is an upgrade that could make your entire family happier.
When you choose sink upgrades, take into account how you’ll be using that sink. Many homeowners enjoy basin-style sinks in their kitchens because of their usefulness for washing fruits and vegetables. You can even find workstation sinks that integrate commonly needed kitchen tools like a cutting board or dish drainer.
A Modern Water Heater
If you have an older water heater with a storage tank, you should know that it’s one of the largest sources of ambient energy usage in your home. This is because these types of water heaters use heat on standby so that hot water is always available to your home. Unfortunately, older water heaters do not have the insulation capabilities of modern models, so they lose significant heat to the air around them.
A modern water heater can reduce both your water and energy usage. In addition to high-efficiency storage tank heaters, you also have tankless water heaters as an option. These units heat water on demand so that energy isn’t wasted to keep stored water heated. You may also consider a solar-powered water heater if you are interested in minimizing your household’s environmental impact.
Most of your plumbing system is out of sight, but it’s just as important to update your plumbing as it is to update any other part of your home. Remember to consider your upgrade options carefully, and call Moon Valley Plumbing and Rooter for all your plumbing needs!
