If you’re looking for new ways to increase the value of your home or trying to prepare your property for the Oklahoma real estate market, it’s essential to invest in some plumbing upgrades. Not only can they boost the appearance of your home and its value, but they also ensure your water systems and appliances are working properly.
While some of these upgrades may feel like a hefty investment, they’ll save you a ton of money in the long run. For example, minor plumbing leaks, which can use up to 90 gallons of water every day, are present in 10 percent of homes. By upgrading your systems, you’re guaranteed a home that’s safe, energy-efficient and financially practical —saving money on your water and electricity bills.
The best plumbing upgrade for your home will greatly depend on your needs and budget. However, if you’re unsure where to start, here are a few of the most popular upgrades you should consider for your home.
1. Install a new dishwasher.
One of the easiest and best investments you can make for your home is a new dishwasher. Not only do you gain the convenience of not having to wash your dishes by hand, but it also increases the value of your home.
Contrary to popular belief, it’ll save you money to use a dishwasher over a sink. According to a recent study done by Cascade, the average person takes about 15 seconds to hand wash a single dish. During this time, the sink will use about half a gallon of water. By adding a new dishwasher to replace hand washing, you’re using less than four gallons per cycle. So, running a load with as little as ten dishes can save you a ton of water each year!
If you have an older dishwasher, consider upgrading to a newer, energy-efficient model. Not only do they use less water, but they also reduce the amount of electricity used per wash. When installing a new dishwasher, it's essential to use a professional plumber to ensure that the technical work is done correctly. The last thing you want to do is mess up a plumbing connection as it can lead to leaks, water damage and wasted water.
2. Swap out your fixtures with low-flow.
Low-flow helps slow down the amount of water being distributed from the water source and contrary to belief, it’s hardly noticeable! Common fixtures that you can change to low-flow include showerheads, faucets and toilets. This is a great eco-friendly upgrade that encourages sustainability and water conservation.
While there’s an initial monetary investment, you'll see plenty of benefits in the long term. For example, the average family can save 13,000 gallons of water a year by replacing toilets with more efficient options and 2,700 gallons per year by replacing showerheads! These fixtures are available in various styles and colors as well, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from to match your home's style and decor. Be sure to enlist the guidance of your favorite plumber to install these fixtures to transform the way you use water around the home.
3. Upgrade your pipes to PVC or copper.
Did you know the pipes used around your home can affect the qualify of water you’re drinking? Internal corrosion is common with galvanized pipes, which can lead to material breaking into the water. This type of corrosion can build up so severely that your pipes could explode. Other pipe materials like lead and polybutylene are just as bad. Lead can cause serious health, while polybutylene is fragile and easy to break.
If any of your plumbing systems still use galvanized, polybutylene or lead pipes, it's time to replace those sections immediately before you have more significant problems on your hands. Good options for replacement include PVC pipes for waste or copper pipes for your water supply. Both materials are effective because they can easily shape into your equipment and aren’t prone to corrosion. Upgrading your pipes also helps to add value to your home while increasing safety and overall functionality.
4. Invest in a new water heater.
While water heaters are supposed to last around 10 years, the average life span tends to be between six to eight years. Common signs of a faulty water heater include long wait times, strange colors, sediment, or if your water consistently changes to cold or gives out quickly. If any of these issues are happening to you, it’s time to consider a new system.
Consistently waiting for your water system to heat up can waste a ton of energy. Investing in a new one is one of the best plumbing upgrades you can consider, as it can help reduce your overall water usage. Older models contain mineral encrusted heating elements, which use extra energy to heat your water. Replacing your old system with a tankless model would allow you to double the lifespan of your water heater and save money on your utility bills.
5. Consider drain repair.
When it comes to plumbing issues, it's better to be proactive instead of reactive. Consider having your pipes inspected by a professional to see if they need to be replaced. If you consistently experience backed-up sinks or showers, this could be due to built-up hair, food or grime in your pipes. Clogged drains lead to water sitting in your drain, causing unpleasant smells, leaks and can even contribute to mold growth on your walls or floors. Instead of using a quick fix like Drano, call your local plumber to see what needs to be replaced before it becomes a more significant and costly problem.
Thinking About Upgrading Your Plumbing?
There are so many ways to upgrade your home's plumbing, and it all starts with a trusted Oklahoma plumber. Contact us today for a more accurate picture of your next home plumbing project — the time it’ll take to install, a cost estimate and the materials required. Working with a plumber can speed up the renovation process and ensure the job is done correctly. Before jumping into your next project, set up an appointment with our team at BL3 Inc Plumbing.
