Upgrading your home’s plumbing system is a significant investment. However, these upgrades will often pay for themselves in increased resale value and reduced water consumption over time. While new innovations hit the market every year, the overarching themes for 2022 are energy efficiency and luxury at home.
Here are some of the best home plumbing upgrades to consider in 2022.
Switch to a Tankless Water Heater
Tankless or on-demand water heaters are a burgeoning trend that’s quickly gaining momentum. According to one plumbing company in Port St. Lucie, replacing traditional water tanks with tankless heaters has been one of the top requests in recent months.
The traditional water tank takes up space and uses a lot of energy to operate. Even the most eco-friendly versions still aren’t as efficient as a tankless heater, as the water must be kept warm, whether it gets used or not. It’s this method that also results in you running out of hot water after everyone showers or you run the dishwasher.
A tankless water heater is wall-mounted with pipes running through it, taking up no floor space. When you turn on a tap, the water runs through the system and gets heated instantly, delivering hot water to your faucet regardless of how much you use in a day. As the heater only kicks in when the taps are on, you aren’t spending money on electricity or fuel to keep unused water warm all day.
Install a Steam Shower
Steam showers are both more luxurious and eco-friendly than traditional showers, which is a rare occurrence. When you turn on a steam shower, cold water is brought to a boil, and the steam is emitted into the shower stall. Turning on the steam full blast only uses about one gallon of water in ten minutes, saving water while opening your pores and your sinuses.
Many people use this moisture to get clean, only switching to a quick shower to rinse soap and shampoo. Imagine heading inside on a cold winter day and relishing in the steam to get warm.
Install Faucet Aerators
Faucet aerators are an impressive innovation invented with sustainability in mind. An aerator mixes water with oxygen as it comes out of the faucet, allowing for more water coverage while using fewer resources. These simple devices can save a lot of water as you shower and wash your hands. Unfortunately, if you’re filling a pot or a sink to do dishes, aerators don’t make a difference.
You’ll be able to pay for your faucet aerators in under a year, thanks to water usage savings.
Use a Smart Leak Detector
Smart home technology is just starting to take hold. While we’re at the dawn of this revolution, it’s not too early to make strategic changes in your home. One of the best smart devices to date is a smart leak detector, which notifies homeowners of changes in water pressure or potential damage.
Adding a smart leak detector is affordable and adds a level of security and comfort to homeownership. Rather than waiting until you see visible signs of water damage, this device will alert you to a minor concern well before it becomes a big problem.
Install Touchless Faucets
Touchless faucets are a luxury in the kitchen, allowing you to wash your hands without transferring germs from your hands to the handle. In light of the pandemic, more homeowners are installing touchless faucets and featuring them as a selling point.
This upgrade is also aligned with many of the new building codes, which are designed around accessibility for seniors and those with restricted mobility. As touchless faucets are becoming more popular, they’re also becoming more affordable.
These notable plumbing upgrades will increase your home’s value in 2022 and beyond, so you can enjoy the savings and luxury while getting the best possible return on your investment.