Plumbing issues quickly turn from a minor inconvenience into a major headache. Faulty plumbing leads to leaks, mold, flooding, and damage that reduce your home’s value. Outdated plumbing fixtures and appliances not only detract from your home’s aesthetic but also waste water and energy. Upgrading your home’s plumbing improves efficiency, functionality, and curbs appeal. The right plumbing upgrades boost your property value and make your house more attractive to potential buyers. Here are five of the best plumbing upgrades to increase the worth of your home.
Replace galvanized pipes
Galvanized steel pipes were commonly installed in homes built before the 1960s. While galvanized pipes were an upgrade from lead pipes, they still have a lifespan of only 40 to 50 years. As galvanized pipes age, the zinc coating erodes and exposes the steel to corrosion and buildup. This causes restricted water flow, leaks, and flooding. Replacing plumber Sydney old galvanized pipes with copper or plastic ones eliminates existing problems and prevents future plumbing emergencies. The project does require cutting into walls and be expensive. However, it’s a worthwhile investment that adds approximately $1,000 to your home’s value.
Install a tankless water heater
Traditional water heaters with storage tanks waste energy reheating water. Tankless water heaters only heat water on demand, so they’re much more energy-efficient. Tankless models provide an endless supply of hot water, so you’ll never run out during showers or baths. They are switching to a tankless system lower your utility bills by $100 or more per year. Going tankless also frees up space, as you won’t need a large storage tank. The upfront costs are higher, but a tankless water heater increases your home’s value by about $1,500.
Upgrade faucets and fixtures
Replacing outdated faucets, showerheads, and other fixtures gives your kitchen and bathrooms a modern look and feel. New water-efficient models also help conserve water and reduce your utility costs. Luxury fixtures with finishes like chrome, bronze, or nickel add style and value. Touchless faucets are trendy, convenient, and hygienic. Upgrading all fixtures improves the room’s aesthetics and increases your home’s worth by around $2,000.
Install a high-efficiency toilet
The EPA estimates that replacing an old toilet with a WaterSense-approved high-efficiency model save nearly 13,000 gallons of water per year. New toilets are also much less likely to clog or leak. A stylish one-piece toilet your bathroom looks more contemporary. Comfort height models are easier to use too. Replacing all toilets with high-efficiency options adds around $1,000 to your home’s resale value.
Convert to pex plumbing
PEX (crosslinked polyethylene) is flexible plastic tubing that’s become very popular for water supply lines. PEX is cheaper than copper, doesn’t corrode, and is easy for DIYers to install. The flexibility of the tubes also makes PEX more resistant to freezing and damage. Switching your home’s plumbing to a PEX system is a project best left to professionals. It comes with an upfront investment, but buyers recognize the benefits of PEX plumbing.