Best Plumbing Upgrades for Your Home

Home Plumbing Upgrades
crawfordmech March 9, 2023

Whether you are moving into a new or old home, there are bound to be some plumbing issues. New home water systems might have problems from not being tested thoroughly. Old systems might need updates or repairs. When buying a home, leave room in your budget for unforeseen expenses, such as plumbing issues.

If you have the budget, replacing it is always a better option. If your plumbing needs repairs due to general wear and tear, talk to your plumber about the costs of repairing, replacing and upgrading. 

Consider getting an upgrade if your pipes, water heaters or faucets show signs of aging or need repairs. It is an excellent opportunity to upgrade and get new systems installed.

Upgrade Your Pipes

Many old pipes in older homes still have galvanized steel, lead, clay or cast iron piping that is prone to leaks and corrosion. The pipe material affects your water pressure and quality. Upgrading your pipes instead of repairing them can save you costs in the long run and improve the quality of your shower!

Issues related to old pipes include the following:

  • Clay pipes are fragile.
  • Cast iron pipes corrode over time, causing leaks.
  • Lead pipes harm water quality and cause health issues.

Newer options for plumbing upgrades include copper or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) piping. These materials resist corrosion and breakage. Upgrading pipes will also repair old leaks and prevent wasted water.

The Beauty of Copper Pipes

Copper piping has been used for house plumbing for years. It is particularly popular in hospitals due to its antibacterial qualities. Some benefits of using copper pipes include the following:

  • They have a long life span.
  • Copper is strong and flexible.
  • They are aesthetically pleasing.
  • Copper is cost-effective compared to other metals.

The Practicality of PVC Pipes 

Many residential homeowners opt for using PVC piping for their plumbing requirements. Some benefits of using PVC include the following:

  • Lightweight
  • Leak-free joints
  • Corrosion resistant
  • Relatively inexpensive
  • Quick installation time

Check With a Professional

You may want to use both copper and PCV pipes, depending on your situation and specific uses. Consider the following when chatting with a professional about which option is better for your house, budget and needs:

  • Pipe longevity
  • Parts and labor costs
  • Installation and repair
  • Recyclability and sustainability
  • Chemical leaching and health concerns

Improve Your Water Heater

Having access to hot water is something many of us take for granted. Consider how it impacts our lives, from washing dishes to hot showers. If you notice that your water is not getting as hot as it used to or that there is a leak, then it is time for a new water heater.

Water heater technology has changed drastically over the last decades, and today, these units are:

  • Quieter
  • Easier to maintain
  • More heat efficient
  • More energy efficient

Water heaters are complicated to install, so it’s best to call a professional to do the job. A professional will also have the correct tools and technical expertise.

Several water heater types are available for installation depending on your needs and water usage. Here are the three most popular:

Gas Water Heaters

Gas heaters are one of the more traditional options for water heaters. They have the following benefits:

  • Heat water quickly
  • Cost-effective to run
  • Environmentally friendly
  • Quick and easy to install
  • High recovery rate for freshwater

Electric Heaters

Electric water heaters have many of the same benefits as gas water heaters. They can also be a good option for homes. Benefits include:

  • Less noise
  • Improved heat control
  • Cost-effective to install
  • Reduced chance of leaks
  • Wi-Fi connection and control options

Update Your Faucet Fixtures

You will be amazed how new taps can change a bathroom’s look and feel. Old faucets and fixtures installed before you moved in may not match your style, so replacing fixtures to suit your personality will make a difference. Faucets are available in all types and sizes, so you’re sure to find one you love.

One of the common upgrades is switching from two faucets to one. Older homes may have one tap for cold water and another for hot. Modern bathrooms have a single faucet for both to give users better control over the water temperature. 

Faucet changes are for more than the bathroom sink. There are taps in the kitchen, shower, bath and even outside the property, which can all be updated to modern styles. 

New faucets can bring life into the house. Old fixtures can leak and clog. By replacing the fixtures, you can save costs in repairing and water-saving. 

The benefits of updating your bathroom include the following:

  • Lower your utility costs
  • Update the style and look
  • Repair any previous issues
  • Enhance your property value
  • Breathe new life into that space

Consider a New Addition

New additions to a house can add tremendous value. A new bathroom can be a cost-effective way to install luxury features, like heated flooring, without demolition. A smaller half bath can also increase your property value and make your home more convenient. Consider a five-bedroom house with only one full bathroom. Imagine how quickly morning routines could be for that household if there were two bathrooms!

Even if you don’t have space for a new room, adding a second sink or installing a showerhead over a bathtub can make a significant difference. Upgrade piping, faucets and plumbing fixtures, especially if you’re having issues. Problems can spread as other parts of the system take the load from a damaged one. Call a professional as soon as you spot the following:

  • Leaking pipes
  • Clogging drains
  • Leaking sink faucets
  • Wobbling toilet seats
  • High or low water pressure
  • Running or overflowing toilets
  • Loose or broken toilet fixtures

Contact Our Plumbing Team at Crawford Mechanical Services, Inc.

At Crawford Mechanical Services, we keep certain aspects of our business traditional, like being family-owned, valuing trust with our customers and ensuring quality work. Other parts of our company are up-to-date, like our qualifications, technical expertise and fixture offerings. 

We offer 24-hour customer support services and have over 40 years of experience in the business. If you need to call in a professional for any plumbing issues in Columbus, Ohio, chat with Crawford Mechanical Services, Inc.

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