Making a Change: Getting Excited About Your Home Again
An important part of many remodeling projects is what is put behind the walls. It’s critical to have a well designed plumbing system installed in a manner that won’t fail. In fact, homeowners are comforted by the fact that a plumber is the lead person on the project. They know that when the finishing work is done, they do not have to worry about what is going on behind the walls. Read Full
When indoor plumbing first began, the biggest concerns were making sure the water arrived where it was supposed to and not leaking where it shouldn’t. Although those are still things we think about today, plumbing information, options and decisions have greatly increased.
Water Heaters
According to the DOE, heating water accounts for between 15-30% of a typical households’ energy use. Therefore, when making a decision to purchase or replace a water heater, it is best to thoroughly research your options, analyze your households’ hot water usage patterns and seek a qualified professional to assist in the process.
Traditional water heating options include (excludes solar):
Tankless water heaters and storage tank water heaters comprise the vast majority of water heaters used.
Storage tank water heaters are still the best selling water heaters. They are simple, designed to operate for many years and are relatively inexpensive.
Tankless water heaters have been used for decades and have been gaining popularity in the United States. Tankless water heaters are designed to save money by not constantly heating the water when you don’t need it. Although a great option for some, smaller models can’t always meet peak demands of homeowners. Be sure to buy the size your home needs.
Water Heater Facts:
Standard Venting Atmospheric
Least Expensive
Has a separate chimney for venting
59% efficient
Required maintenance – minor if ever
Installed
40 gallons - $900 (approximate installed cost)
50 gallons - $950 (approximate installed cost)
75 gallon - $1,300 (approximate installed cost)
Note: Standard Venting Atmospheric water heater can be replaced by any style water heater.
Power Vent
60-64 % efficient
No chimney - vents with PVC pipe from side of house
Medium cost
Required maintenance minimal
Installed
40 gallons - $1,300 (approximate installed cost)
50 gallons - $1,370 (approximate installed cost)
75 gallon - $1,810 (approximate installed cost)
Note: because the Standard Venting Atmospheric water heater requires a separate chimney exhaust, if you replace this type of water heater, it must be with another power vent model or a tankless water heater.
May qualify for Focus On Energy rebates if replacing a Standard Venting Atmospheric water heater.
Tankless
82 % efficient
Life span of 20+ years
Required maintenance minimal
Unlimited Hot Water - $2,600 (approximate installed cost)
Note: When installing Tankess water heaters, each installation is unique because of venting requirements.
The additional investment can be recovered in 8-10 years, giving 10 + years of savings.
Qualifies for Federal tax rebate
Showers
Many showers are being updated to provide a spa like experience. Frameless shower doors, multiple shower heads, groupings of jets from the walls, rain showers, and intricate control systems can be used to create a shower, steam bath or vertical spa that is uniquely yours.
In addition, technological advancements allow showers to operate on a single valve, which means the water volume and temperature control are manipulated in one knob rather than two. That single-valve technology essentially separates the toilet's water flow from the showers, preventing shower water temperature changes when a toilet is flushed.
Bathtubs
How do you improve a bathtub? Consider the following: Hydrotherapy features like water jets, warm air bubbles, or both are available in a wide selection of tubs. The newer, more expensive tub designs include whirlpool-like jets, extending nozzles, light and sound therapy, and tiny holes that shoot air after a bath is completed to prevent the accumulation of mold and mildew.
Soaking tubs have also seen resurgence lately, with more people tending to want simplicity. Like many things these days, the tub can be controlled digitally and remotely.
Sinks and Faucets
Every new season brings many additional options when considering sinks and faucets. Pedestal sinks constructed in a variety of looks are great for the powder room. If you have space though, in a larger bathroom, two sinks are very popular.
Under mount sinks are still the most popular choice and are available in many shapes and colors.
Vessel bowls which reside on top of the counter are becoming more popular, provide an upscale, artistic look and come in stone, glass, metal, ceramic, and porcelain.
Wall faucets are also a popular, but more expensive trend. Rather than having your faucet connected to your sink, the faucet comes directly out of the wall. The installation of these faucets can be expensive since the plumbing lines need to be moved to the wall.
Electronic faucets are also finding their way into home bathrooms. Originally found in commercial uses, the electronic faucet can now be used in a home for practical convenience.
Toilets
Although toilets haven’t seen drastic changes, the improvements are noteworthy. “Chair height” or “right height” models are now available. These new heights make it much easier for the general population to get back up.
In addition, low flow, dual flush or tank less toilets conserve water by being able to sense how much water is needed.
Green
With so much interest today in luxury and indulgence it could be easy to lose sight of the larger trend in home remodeling, that is sustainability and green methods.
Some areas to consider when looking for green plumbing options include those products that provide practical energy and water reducing efforts. Consider the following:
Tankless water heaters and toilets
Low flush or dual flush toilets
Low flow shower heads and electronic faucets
Note - Homeowners who install water-saving plumbing fixtures can realize significant savings and possible tax credits at the State or Federal level, or both.
