There are many reasons to consider upgrading your plumbing at home. Better functionality is one. In some cases, aesthetic appeal can be another. But one key reason that carries a lot of weight with homeowners is that it can simply increase the value of your property.
Modern plumbing systems are great for reducing your water and energy usage. They also appeal to potential homebuyers who value a well-maintained, up-to-date property.
Whether you plan to sell soon or simply want to improve your home, here are 10 ways you can do so through upgrading your plumbing.
1. Upgrade to a Tankless Water Heater
Hot water systems generally come in two forms – storage tank systems and continuous flow or tankless water systems.
If you have a storage tank system, chances are you’ve likely found yourself out of hot water more than once and have had to wait hours before you have a replenished supply.
By getting a tankless water heater, though, your hot water system heats water on demand so you’ll never run out.
Tankless water heaters also offer space-saving benefits. They’re typically mounted on the wall so you do not need to make room on the ground for a storage tank.
They’re also comparatively better in energy efficiency as they only heat water when needed, not 24 hours a day.
Homebuyers love the idea of reliable hot water and the long-term savings that come with this modern solution.
2. Install Water-Saving Fixtures
These days, we’re all looking for ways to reduce our water use, and installing water-saving fixtures is a simple yet effective way to do so.
Making the switch to low-flow showerheads, taps, and toilets helps you drastically cut down on water consumption without compromising performance. These water-saving fixtures use less water while maintaining strong water pressure.
It makes them a sustainable and cost-effective choice that appeals greatly to potential buyers.
3. Replace Old Pipes
Old plumbing pipes can cause a raft of problems for your home, so replacing them will always be a smart and important upgrade.
Older pipes – especially those containing outdated materials like lead or galvanised steel – can corrode over time. This can lead to leaks and issues with water pressure. You may even encounter health risks due to contamination.
By upgrading your pipes to those made of modern materials such as copper or cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), you’ll improve water quality and increase the reliability of your plumbing.
With new, more durable pipes, you’re less susceptible to leaks which can save you money on repairs. Prospective homebuyers will also appreciate knowing your home has an updated plumbing system and is likely worry-free for the long term.
4. Add a Smart Plumbing System
In this age of smart home automation, adding a smart plumbing system can be a forward-thinking move that provides convenience and peace of mind. Among the many options you can consider are:
- Smart leak detectors
- Water sensors
- Automatic shut-off valves
These additions can monitor your plumbing and alert you to any issues before they become serious problems. Some systems even allow you to control water usage remotely, helping you save water and minimise the likelihood of damage.
Smart features like these appeal to tech-savvy buyers while also providing added protection for your home.
5. Upgrade to Dual-Flush Toilets
Upgrading to dual-flush toilets is a practical and eco-friendly way to save water and lower your water bills.
Dual-flush toilets offer two flush options – a lower water setting for liquid waste and a higher one for solids. This simple choice allows you to use just the right amount of water, which can make a noticeable difference in your household’s water consumption.
In fact, Dual flush toilets can reduce water usage by 60 to 70% compared to toilets made before 1994.
Boasting high efficiency without ever sacrificing performance, dual-flush systems are an attractive feature for environmentally conscious buyers.
6. Install a Water Filtration System
Fresh, clean water is something we all value for cooking, drinking and cleaning. Adding a working filtration system to your home plumbing is a great way to enjoy that crystal-clear water.
Filtration systems remove contaminants from your water such as:
- Chlorine
- Sediment
- Heavy metals
- Microorganisms
- Pesticides
- Other impurities
They guarantee your home enjoys clean, great-tasting water straight from the tap.
Aside from the health benefits, filtration reduces the need for bottled water, so it’s an eco-friendly choice too.
Buyers are increasingly drawn to homes with filtration systems, as they offer convenience and peace of mind.
7. Add a Recirculating Pump for Instant Hot Water
Anyone with an instantaneous hot water system knows the term “instantaneous” isn’t entirely accurate. Often there’s still a 30 to 45-second wait for the hot water to kick in. But by adding a recirculating pump to your plumbing system, that short wait can become a thing of the past.
Instead of waiting for water to heat up, a recirculating pump keeps hot water moving through the pipes, so it’s available immediately when you turn on the tap. This means you’re not wasting cold water that goes down the drain as you wait for it to heat, which is a big win.
The energy efficiency and water conservation benefits of a recirculating pump appeal highly to eco-conscious buyers, making it a smart upgrade choice.
8. Upgrade Outdoor Plumbing
While you upgrade your indoor plumbing, consider the outside plumbing too. It’s a great way to make your home’s outdoor spaces more practical and enjoyable.
You can do so by installing frost-proof outdoor taps, irrigation systems, or even outdoor kitchens and showers.
These upgrades offer the dual benefits of boosting property value and offering year-round usability, making outdoor living spaces more inviting for you and future buyers.
9. Renovate the Bathroom
A bathroom renovation is one surefire way to boost the value of your home. Common bathroom modifications can include:
- Upgrading plumbing fixtures
- Adding double sinks
- Installing features like rain showers
With these, you can transform a standard bathroom into a modern, spa-like retreat.
A fresh, contemporary bathroom with improved plumbing appeals to potential buyers and makes your home more functional and stylish.
10. Install a Greywater Recycling System
Finally, putting in a greywater recycling system is a great way to dramatically reduce your household’s water use. This system collects water from sinks, showers, and washing machines, treating it for reuse in irrigation or toilet flushing.
Recycling water means you don’t need to rely so much on your mains water supply. This reduces your water bills while making your home more sustainable too.
Property buyers are increasingly drawn to eco-friendly homes, and a greywater system certainly appeals to those seeking to lower their environmental footprint.
Ready to Boost Your Home’s Value?
Upgrading your home plumbing makes a significant difference to your property value, comfort and efficiency.
Each of the improvements we’ve looked at provides great long-term benefits that lower your bills and appeal to potential buyers looking for a well-maintained and forward-thinking home.
By making smart plumbing choices now, you’ll enjoy a more comfortable living space while increasing your property’s value for the future. Why not start planning your upgrades today?
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