Giving Your Home Some Flow—4 Plumbing Upgrades for 2019

Even if your plumbing system hasn’t been giving you any problems, you might want to consider upgrading it in the coming year. Just because there are no problems doesn’t mean it can’t be improved. A few simple changes to that system could have a major impact on your water use and monthly expenses. Here are four great upgrades that every homeowner should consider carrying out in 2019.

Low-Flow Showerheads

Most showerheads that were made before 1992 use around 5.5 gallons of water per minute. Replacing your old showerheads with low-flow showerheads could reduce your water consumption by as much as 30,000 gallons per year. Low-flow showerheads are incredibly easy to install, and you should be able to complete this project in a single afternoon with nothing more than a few basic tools.

Low-Flow Toilets

Many people are surprised to hear that toilet technology has actually improved quite a bit over the last few years. Low-flow toilets usually boast a wide variety of water-saving features such as glazed trapways and oversized flapper valves. Replacing an older model with a low-flow toilet could save a few thousand gallons of water per year depending on how many people live in your home.

Tankless Water Heater

This is another cutting-edge plumbing device that has become very popular over the last few years. Traditional water heaters constantly heat a large supply of water, and that is incredibly wasteful. A tankless water heater, on the other hand, only heats the water as it is being used. These devices are a great option for those who would like to save a little bit of money as well anyone who lives in a home that constantly runs out of hot water. With a tankless water heater, you will never run out of hot water as long as you choose the correct model.

PEX Pipes

If you plan on replacing old pipes or installing new water lines in your home, then you should think about using PEX pipes. In addition to being extremely easy to install, these pipes are also incredibly durable. As long as they are properly installed and not exposed to any harsh chemicals, these pipes often last for decades. They also expand and contract whenever the ambient temperature changes, and that makes them a great option for cold climates.

Before carrying out any major plumbing projects, you should always double-check local regulations. Some renovations can only be carried out by a licensed plumber, and you might be fined thousands of dollars if you tackle those projects on your own.