Are you looking to upgrade your plumbing? Or maybe you want to renovate your kitchen or bathroom, fitting new plumbing fixtures. Whichever it is, there are many benefits of doing a renovation.
It’s pretty easy to forget about your plumbing lines, but like everything else in a home, they age and become less efficient over time. The wear and tear on plumbing fixtures can be substantial, especially in old houses.
Whether your focus is on kitchen or bathroom renovation or appliances like the water heater, new fixtures work more efficiently and help save money on constant plumbing repairs. But before embarking on any remodeling project, there’s a chance you’d want to examine your decision thoroughly.
Though replacing an older plumbing system is beneficial, it has some downsides too, and the following are the advantages and disadvantages of upgrading your plumbing:
Advantages of Upgrading Your Plumbing Fixtures
The benefits of upgrading your home’s plumbing system are numerous. Whether you’re doing a significant bathroom renovation job or replacing a faulty fixture, here are the gains you’ll enjoy:
Reduced Utility Bill
Older fixtures use more water, running up your water bill. Energy-saving fixtures lower your monthly water expense, as new generation shower heads, faucets, and water heaters use significantly less water than the old models.
For example, replacing an old shower head with a new model designed for low flow or installing an aerator in your faucet can positively impact your water bill. And if you need an experienced plumber for your bathroom plumbing or general repairs, look no further.
Eliminates Problems with Your Plumbing Lines
Broken fixtures, toilet clogs, and other plumbing issues can be annoying and cause water wastage, requiring multiple repairs. Replacing old and faulty fixtures eliminates problems and saves you time and money.
Remember to track your plumbing repairs. If you constantly repair the same fixture, it’d make sense to have a licensed plumber replace it and probably check for other plumbing faults.
Improves Functionality
The needs of a household change over time; that’s why many homeowners invest in kitchen and bathroom renovations. You can improve the functionality of your kitchen or bathroom space by doing upgrades that’ll ensure safety and efficiency.
For instance, a family with middle-aged kids may need a combination of a shower and bathtub to make bathing easier. Meanwhile, adults may want a spacious bathroom with a comfort-height toilet, double sink, and increased safety features.
Your plumbing contractor may have to remove some bathroom walls and restructure your plumbing layout to create your desired bathroom, and it’s all worth it.
Kitchen and Bathroom Renovations Increase Home Value
A remodeled kitchen or bathroom can add value to your home when it’s time to sell. Even if you don’t have the resources to do a significant plumbing project before selling, installing a new faucet, shower head, or PEX pipes are some easy and affordable upgrade options.
These new plumbing fixtures will give your bathroom that fresh, clean look many home buyers seek. Besides, replacing broken fixtures is necessary for your home to attract worthy pricing.
Disadvantages of Plumbing Upgrades
Many American homeowners consider doing a bathroom or kitchen renovation job – some after purchasing a house and others after a few years. But only a few people weigh the cons of doing so. If you’re contemplating a plumbing upgrade, here are some of its disadvantages:
Cost of Upgrading
Perhaps the project’s final cost is the most significant downside to a plumbing upgrade or renovation. The cost of a kitchen or bathroom upgrade depends on how much remodeling you want. Buying new appliances, replacing the bathroom tiles, and changing your entire kitchen floor plan are some of the activities that run up the cost of a renovation project.
In addition to the cost of materials, you have to factor in uncertainties and the contractor’s pay. However, you can do a budget remodeling job in your bathroom or kitchen space. You don’t necessarily have to replace everything unless you can afford it.
Time
Time is another plumbing upgrade drawback to consider. How long will my bathroom take? Can I wait that long? Is there an alternative pending when my kitchen gets ready? Ask yourself questions like these to know how to go about your decision.
If you only want to replace your toilet or the water heater, you’ll find that it takes less time than a complete remodeling job. Meanwhile, the time a plumbing upgrade takes depends on whether you plan to hire a professional or do it yourself.
Signs Indicating You Need to Upgrade Your Plumbing
Many people only replace their plumbing fixtures when it breaks beyond repair. Rather than waiting for that water heater to pack up or a washing machine hose to rupture and cause water damage, you can save time and money by inspecting for familiar signs that a fixture is failing.
Below are failure signs to look out for on some of your plumbing fixtures:
Toilets
Toilets usually last for a long, but they tend to develop problems sometimes. Every few years, you need to replace some of their internal components, including flappers. Occasional clogs aren’t a big deal, but if you’re constantly unclogging your toilet, it’s high time you replaced it.
Water Heaters
The average life span of a water heater is around 12 years. However, they last longer with proper maintenance. If you’re experiencing leaks or inadequate hot water supply, call Arvada Residential Plumbing Services for an inspection.
A simple repair might be all it needs to be fully functional again. Perhaps the tank is leaking or rusting; replacing it would be excellent. Even if the old unit is still operational, it may be time to opt for a newer model with improved energy efficiency.
Pipes
Plumbing pipes last long, but their lifespan depends on the daily wear and tear they receive. If your pipes start leaking or you see stains, discoloration, or rust on exposed pipes, your pipes are corroding, and changing them would be a great idea.
Need Help with Your Plumbing? Call Arvada Plumbing Services
Old and faulty plumbing fixtures put you at high risk for emergency plumbing problems. Don’t wait until you need emergency help. Call our qualified plumbers at 303 – 500 – 0437 for all kinds of plumbing repairs.