Upgraded Plumbing Fixtures

August 10, 2012

When considering any type of home renovation, adding value to the home plays a big part in the decision-making process; not many improvements add more value than kitchen and bathroom upgrades, and that usually means plumbing and fixtures. Some of the easiest upgrades involve upgrading plumbing fixtures.  In the bath, this can include new faucets, showerheads, and toilets. If your kitchen needs an update, you can install a new faucet.

Modern fixtures are more water-efficient than they were even ten years ago.  If your fixtures are older than that, it's time to update them for more than a new style; do it to save money and water.

For each fixture, there are several features that you will need to consider.

• Brand by brand, quality can be very different for two similarly designed fixtures. Do your research to ensure that you are choosing a high-quality product.  Some brands, such as Kohler, are known for high quality.
• Finishes have come a long way in the past several years.  Where there were two or three to choose from, now you may encounter several different finishes, from brushed nickel to polished brass to antique copper and everything in between.  Make sure your choice will match other design elements in your room.
• In the kitchen a popular feature is a pull-out faucet. This means the sprayer is built into the faucet and can be pulled out when it's needed and put back when it's not.
• In the past few years, kitchen faucets have begun to get taller.  Many faucets are made so that it's easy to fill very tall pots or buckets from the faucet, so you'll need to decide if this feature is right for you.
• Look for faucets and showerheads that include low-flow options to use less water but not compromise on water pressure.
• For all faucets, consider the type of handle you prefer.  Some have one, some have two, some are on top, and some are on the side. There are even models that boast a feature that turns the faucet on if you touch the faucet—a great feature if you often have very dirty hands due to a hobby.
• Showerheads can be merely functional, they can have multiple flow settings, or they can give you a spa-like rain shower every day. Some also have multiple shower heads.
• Toilets come with elongated or rounded bowls, in standard or raised height. New toilets use only about 1.5 gallons of water per flush, as opposed to older models that used up to five.  When purchasing a new toilet, water-efficiency is not a decision you need to make; it's mandated by law. The good news is these high-efficiency toilets do not sacrifice flushing power and work as well as the older models, all while paying for themselves in water savings.

Once you've done your homework and made some decisions, it's time to call a licensed plumber to install your fixtures.  A plumber will ensure your fixtures will fit your needs, fit your space, and most importantly are installed correctly to avoid leaks or other disasters.

Adding value to your home doesn't have to mean a total makeover; simply by upgrading and modernizing your plumbing fixtures, you can give your kitchen and bathroom a whole new look.