Some people follow the wisdom of, “If it is not broken, don’t fix it,” but this Park Slope Plumber knows that is not always wise when it comes to your plumbing system. Time and use can take a toll on some aspects of plumbing, and those who decide to do some preventive maintenance can save money in the long run. If you are thinking of some possible upcoming plumbing projects, any of the following upgrades are known to increase property values and quality of life.
- New plumbing fixtures. Older fixtures often look outdated, but they can be problematic too. Often, they develop slow leaks that end up costing homeowners and business owners money in the form of high water bills. Just three drips per minute add up to a liter a day, or 100 gallons down the drain every year. Upgrading fixtures will give you an instant aesthetic update and will keep your water bill manageable.
- Installation of water-saving, Energy Star appliances. New appliances use less water and energy, and many homeowners notice an instant reduction in utility bills, especially if they are replacing older ones. A plumber can install your dishwasher or clothes washer correctly, avoiding issues.
- Add a sump pump or backflow valve. Maybe you typically don’t have water issues or backflow problems on your lower level, but it only takes one problem to do thousands of dollars of damage and hundreds of hours in labor cleaning up the aftermath. These are good investments.
- Upgrade your water heater. Traditional water heaters use a lot of energy heating up massive amounts of water just in case it is needed. A tankless heater will only heat on demand, eliminating excessive energy usage.
- Invest in a new boiler. If you have a hot water heating system such as radiators, hot water baseboards, or radiant floor heat, your boiler is the heart of your system. New technology has come a long way in reducing energy usage in these systems which will save you money. Also, many old boilers develop leaks which can cost money in water usage, but also cause a fire if the boiler empties unexpectedly. If you currently have a steam heating system and are looking to replace your boiler, consider converting your home to a hot water heating system. They are more efficient and more flexible, saving you money and giving more comfort to you and your family!
Plumbing upgrades may not be the most exciting thing you can spend your money on, but it is often a good investment in your home and future. For more information about how we can help you upgrade your home or business plumbing, contact Aladdin Plumbing.