What plumbing upgrades add the most value to a new home?

03/07/2024
Nick at Fergusons Plumbing

As a seasoned plumber, I can’t emphasise enough the importance of investing in your home’s plumbing system.

Plumbing upgrades not only enhance the functionality of your home but also significantly increase its value.

Let’s delve into a few key areas where an investment in plumbing serves to deliver immense value:

Modernising Pipe Systems: Outdated pipes are a ticking time bomb; modernising them improves home safety and efficiency.
Insulating Pipes: An excellent way to save energy and cut down on utility costs.
High-Efficiency Fixtures: Eco-friendly fixtures decrease water usage, thus conserving the environment and saving money.
Quality Water Filtration System: This provides cleaner, healthier water for your household.
Tankless Water Heaters: An upgrade that offers immediate hot water and energy efficiency.
Smart Home Plumbing Integration: Integrating smart technology enhances control over your home’s plumbing system.
Low-Flow Toilets and Taps: These reduce water consumption dramatically, contributing to sustainability and cost-effectiveness.

The value of these plumbing upgrades is undeniable when considering long-term benefits.

The Worth-It Investment

A well-maintained plumbing system significantly adds to your property’s value.

Beyond this, it ensures peace of mind knowing that your water supply is safe, efficient, and cost-effective.

Ideally, improvements should focus on increasing efficiency and promoting sustainability, making your abode more attractive to potential buyers should you ever consider selling.

Never underestimate the value of investing in your home’s plumbing system; the returns are well worth it.

Contents

Modernizing Your Home’s Pipe System
Insulation of Pipes for Energy Efficiency
Replacement of Old and Worn-Out Fixtures
Installing Eco-Friendly, High-Efficiency Fixtures
Adding a High-Quality Water Filtration System
Investment in Tankless Water Heaters
Smart Home Integration for Plumbing Systems
Transition to Low-Flow Toilets and Taps
Value-Adding Upgrades

Modernizing Your Home’s Pipe System

Modernising your home’s plumbing might seem daunting, but it is a worthwhile investment. The improved system can solve common issues such as leaky connections, cracked pipes and faulty valves.

Having a proper system eliminates the risk of water contamination, leading to a healthier home environment. Additionally, the use of quality valves ensures longevity and leak-free performance.

Switch To Plastic Pipes

Consider upgrading to plastic pipes like PVC, CPVC and PEX. These materials offer advantages over traditional metal pipes such as corrosion resistance and ease of installation.

PVC is often used for drainage and cold water supply while CPVC can handle higher temperatures, making it suitable for hot water lines. PEX tubing is favoured by many due to its flexibility and colour coding system, streamlining the installation process.

Consider Copper For Longevity

If you’re after durability, consider copper piping. While more expensive than plastic, copper has a proven track record in plumbing applications. Remember, however, that copper can react chemically with certain minerals in the water supply.

Regardless of the material chosen, knowledge of their best uses and limitations will empower you to make an informed decision about your home’s pipe system upgrade.

Keen On Water Conservation?

Incorporating modern plumbing fixtures like efficient toilets and showerheads can lower your water usage significantly. This not only eases the load on your septic system but helps protect the environment too.

If you have your own well and septic system, ensure they are properly maintained to avoid contamination and potential repairs down the line.

Mindful decisions about necessary upgrades to your home’s pipe system can lead to improved efficiency, reduced water consumption and overall increased value for your home. Remember to consult with professionals when unsure.

Insulation of Pipes for Energy Efficiency

Adding insulation to your hot water pipes can effectively reduce heat loss and increase water temperature by -15°C – 17°C. This means you can lower your water temperature setting and conserve water, as it won’t take as long for the hot water to reach your taps or showerhead.

Insulating pipes in exterior walls or other cold areas can also prevent them from freezing and bursting, which can result in significant damage and expensive repairs. Whether done during construction, as part of other plumbing work, or as a DIY project, pipe insulation is a worthy investment.

In certain scenarios, such as when the heated water travels a long distance, the pipes are exposed to extremely cold air, or if a lot of water is used in the household, the energy savings can be even greater. The cost savings could potentially outweigh the expense of professional installation.

To start with insulation of your pipes on your own, first decide what type of insulation material you want to use. You will need to measure the length and diameter of your pipes to determine how much material you will need. It’s essential to find a type of insulation that fits snugly around your pipes.

In situations where an electric water heater is in use, commonly used insulations are polyethylene or neoprene foam pipe sleeves. If pipe sleeves are being installed near gas heaters, ensure it’s maintained at least 6 inches from the flue for safety reasons. Should the pipes be within 8 inches of the flue, the safest option is to use fiberglass pipe-wrap without a facing.

The task of measuring, cutting and securing the insulation may require certain tools like a tape measure, scissors or box cutter, and acrylic or duct tape. In darker working spaces like crawl spaces, having a headlamp or light could prove handy.

Start by measuring your pipes, beginning at the water heater. Focus on covering hot water pipes, especially the first 3 feet originating from the water heater. It’s also advisable to insulate the cold-water inlet pipes for the first 3 feet. Once you’ve measured and cut your insulation, place it around your pipe with the seam facing down and secure it in place every foot or two.

Replacement of Old and Worn-Out Fixtures

Renovating your kitchen fully may not always pay dividends when you decide to sell. Despite buyers appreciating a fresh look, it’s not worth the hefty expense.

“Kitchens remain a top priority for potential buyers,” as Haynie points out. However, this does not mean that you need to spend a small fortune updating your kitchen for the sale.

Strategise Your Kitchen Upgrades

According to Wilder, “revamping your kitchen doesn’t have to break the bank.” There are several cost-effective, high-impact projects you can tackle instead of an extensive renovation.

For instance, painting wooden cabinets can drastically improve the overall aesthetic of your kitchen. This is a relatively low-cost project that can make a significant difference.

Simple Fixes Can Make a Big Difference

Another affordable option is upgrading your hardware. New handles and knobs can give your space a modern touch without requiring a massive budget.

If you’re willing to invest a bit more, consider installing new countertops or appliances. These changes can dramatically enhance the look and functionality of your kitchen.

Focus on Value-Adding Projects

Remember, it’s all about adding value without going overboard on expenditure. Buyers will appreciate these thoughtful touches and might even be willing to pay more for them.

The goal should always be to create an inviting, modern space that appeals to potential buyers without straining your wallet unnecessarily.

Installing Eco-Friendly, High-Efficiency Fixtures

When considering an upgrade to your plumbing, eco-friendly fixtures are a top choice. They not only conserve water but also reduce your bills.

High-efficiency fixtures offer significant savings over time. For instance, low-flow taps and showerheads can restrict water flow, decreasing usage without affecting pressure.

Energy-efficient water heaters: These units use less energy and heat water more efficiently compared to traditional models.
Dual-flush toilets: A dual-flush system offers two flush options – a half flush for liquid waste and a full flush for solid waste. This reduces the volume of water used.
Residential greywater systems: These systems recycle waste water from showers or washing machines for use in the garden or toilet flushing.

Moreover, tankless water heaters can deliver hot water on demand, eliminating the need for a storage tank and saving space.

Selecting these fixtures would ensure you’re doing your bit for the environment while also saving on utility costs.

All these upgrades require professional installation for optimal functionality. It’s crucial to engage a skilled plumber to ensure proper fit and performance.

Besides being eco-friendly, high-efficiency fixtures add value to your home. They’re a key selling point for potential buyers who are increasingly conscious of their environmental impact.

Adding a High-Quality Water Filtration System

Adding HighQuality Water Filtration System

The pursuit for clean drinking water often prompts many homeowners to consider installing under-sink filtration systems.

The Aquasana AQ-5200, or Aquasana Claryum Dual-Stage, is a notable option among under-sink filters.

It boasts top-notch ANSI/NSF certifications, covering chlorine, chloramine, lead, mercury, VOC and multiple emerging contaminants.

Its affordable price combined with solid construction makes it an attractive choice for households needing pure water on demand.

Filtration Systems	Certifications	Features
Aquasana AQ-5200	Chlorine, Chloramine, Lead	Solid metal components, compact design
A.O. Smith AO-US-200	VOC, Microplastics, PFOA/PFOS	All-metal construction, 0.5 gpm flow and 500-gallon capacity
Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow	Lead, Mercury, VOC	Higher flow rate and larger capacity
Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect	Chlorine, Chloramine, Lead	No drilling installation, Up to 1.5 gallons of filtered water per minute
Table: Comparison of various under-sink filtration systems

In conclusion, choosing a high-quality filtration system can provide accessible clean water for your household.

Investment in Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters are becoming a popular choice for many homeowners. They offer the potential for unlimited hot water and improved energy efficiency, making them a worthwhile investment.

However, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, tankless models tend to be more expensive initially than storage tank units. Installation costs for these models can also be high. Depending on your home’s existing infrastructure, you may be looking at a significant installation bill.

One should keep in mind that such water heaters require professional installation by certified electricians or plumbers. Not only does this ensure they’re installed correctly, but it also aids in maintaining the warranty provided by manufacturers.

This table gives an estimate of the costs you may face when investing in a tankless water heater.

An important aspect to note is the longer payback time of tankless water heaters. For gas models, this can range from 22½ to 27½ years, while for electric models, it’s between 12 and 20 years.

If you’re constructing a new house or renovating an old one, opting for a tankless heater may be beneficial as it saves space and provides endless hot water.

Lastly, ongoing preventative maintenance is essential, such as cleaning out the sediment filter and periodic flushing of the heat exchanger to remove hard-water deposits. This could cost over $300 if completed by a professional plumber.

Smart Home Integration for Plumbing Systems

Integrating smart tech into your plumbing systems delivers notable energy efficiency advantages. It’s more than just water management – it also optimises energy usage for heating and pumping your water.

By operating only when needed and maintaining optimal levels, these systems can lead to substantial savings on utility bills and contribute to a more sustainable domestic environment.

Intelligent Water Heating

Smart water heaters ‘learn’ usage patterns, heating water only when necessary. This significantly reduces energy consumption compared with traditional systems that continuously heat water.

The energy saved by heating unused water is crucial. Smart heaters directly cut the energy wasted on this process.

Sensible Water Usage

Smart systems modulate water flow based on usage, resulting in no wastage. This saves both water and the energy used to pump it.

Avoiding leaks and unnecessary water use indirectly conserves energy that would otherwise be spent treating and pumping lost water.

Economic and Environmental Gains

The energy efficiency of smart plumbing doesn’t just benefit the environment by reducing the carbon footprint associated with water heating and pumping. It also provides economic benefits via lower utility costs.

Adopting smart plumbing can drastically change both residential and commercial properties, making it a valuable upgrade to consider.

Transition to Low-Flow Toilets and Taps

Upgrading to WaterSense labelled toilets can significantly minimize your household’s water usage. These efficient models can decrease water utilized for loos by 20% – 60%.

Toilet flushing forms nearly 30% of a home’s indoor water consumption, indicating there can be significant benefits from low-flow toilet installations.

Value-Adding Upgrades

Upgrading your plumbing system significantly increases your home’s value. Installing energy-efficient fixtures, modernising your bathroom and kitchen, as well as incorporating smart plumbing technologies can greatly enhance the appeal of your home. Furthermore, regular maintenance of drains and pipes ensures longevity and efficiency of the system, making your property more desirable to prospective buyers.