When investing in plumbing upgrades, many of us tend to focus on aesthetic improvements like fancy faucets or beautiful bathtubs. Practical plumbing upgrades can often get overlooked – even though many of these investments can save us money, ward off disaster and greatly improve daily life. Below are a few examples of practical plumbing upgrades that could be worth prioritizing.
Emergency water tank
An emergency water tank is a lifesaver during outages, providing a backup supply of water for drinking and cleaning. Such tanks are recommended in areas at risk of natural disasters, where outages are common. A 30 gallon water tank could be enough to get you through small outages, while 300 gallon water tanks are also available for longer periods without water. These tanks are made from food grade polyethylene and have spigots for easy use.
Water softener
If you live in a hard water area, you may already be aware of the damage that limescale can cause to your plumbing and appliances. Water softeners can help to filter out these hard minerals – prolonging the life of water heaters, dishwashers and washing machines. This softer water can also be better for our hair and skin. You can install softeners on individual faucets, or use a whole-house softener to treat all water entering your home.
Water pressure regulator
Unpredictable water pressure can lead to burst pipes, damaged fixtures and uncomfortable showers. Older homes and properties in hilly areas are particularly susceptible to pressure changes. Installing a water pressure regulator can help your home to maintain an even pressure. Devices don’t cost much to buy and can sometimes be fitted in less than an hour. Invest in durable brass models with gauges for accurately monitoring the pressure.
Sump pump
If your basement often gets flooded, it could be time to invest in a sump pump. This device can be used to pump out excess groundwater or stormwater. Sump pumps can help to reduce structural damage and mold issues caused by flooding. You can invest in battery-backup models that keep working during power outages, and pumps with check valves that prevent backflow. For optimal protection, combine sump pumps with other anti-flood features like French drains, flood barriers and efficient guttering.
Whole-house water filter
Impurities in household water like chlorine, lead and bacteria can affect the taste and lead to health issues. Whole-house filters are designed to purify water as it enters your home. These filter systems use technology like activated carbon filtration and UV light filtration to absorb chemicals and disinfect the water. You can add filters to individual faucets, however whole-house filters are generally a better investment for making sure all water around your home is clean and chemical-free. Such filter systems are particularly recommended in more rural areas where contaminated water is more of a risk.
When investing in all of these plumbing upgrades, it is best to hire a professional plumber to make sure that everything is installed properly. While the upfront costs of some of these upgrades can be high, you will save money in the long run by making all of these improvements, and you may even boost the value of your home.