As one of the best commercial and residential plumbers in Toledo, OH, the team at Fry has seen a range of interesting plumbing system investments. Some are amazing, and some are just a waste of money. In this blog, we are going to do a bit of a deep dive into some meaningful plumbing upgrades you can make tomorrow that will help you save money, add a feature to your home that is actually an upgrade and can help avoid issues with your water and sewer lines down the line.
Low-Flow Showerheads
For many homes in Toledo, one of the best upgrades you can make is installing low-flow showerheads in your main and auxiliary bathrooms. Low-flow showerheads use an aerated design that maintains your water pressure by reducing overall water use while showering. These modern designs allow you to still enjoy the multi-functional showerhead while saving up to 2,700 gallons of water per year. For comparison, a standard showerhead uses 2.5 to 3.0 gallons per minute, while a low-flow model drops that to 2.0 gallons per minute or less, depending on the specific make and model you choose.
Faucet Aerator
One of the more common issues we get called in to fix is a poorly running faucet. Faucet issues are nothing new, but one of the best upgrades you can make that is going to take just a few minutes to install is a new faucet aerator. Aerators screw into your kitchen or bathroom faucet with ease and can fix common complaints like weak water flow and splashing. Plus, with their easy-to-clean and remove heads, you can make cleaning out your faucet pain-free, which is an upgrade in itself.
Touchless Faucets
Faucets are often one of the things that people forget about in their plumbing systems, and an upgrade to a faucet can be worth its weight in gold when you invest in something that is actually going to improve your current set-up. For many, touchless faucets in the kitchen or the bathroom are a great addition. Think of the many times that you have meat juices or dough stuck to your hands and have to navigate the handles of your kitchen sink. Well, with a touchless faucet, you simply need to wave your hand in front of the sensor, and the water is on- no more messy or flour-baked handles!
Braided Steel Hoses
If you are looking for an upgrade to ease concerns and prevent a flood in your laundry room, a braided steel hose might be the best option for your washing machines. These braided steel hoses are used in new builds and renovations across Ohio because they provide a more reliable, stable option for hot and cold water to your washer. These steel hoses typically replace older rubber washing machine supply lines that are prone to working loose from your water connectors and leaking.
Fill Valve Replacement
Fill valves are internal plumbing components that control the incoming water supply and refill the tank after a flush. Your generic toilet fill valve can start to struggle, leading to issues such as running water, slow refilling, or no refilling at all. A replacement for an aftermarket fill valve can make a world of difference, such as the Fluidmaster 400A, which can quiet your bathroom and ensure that you are not wasting water for hours on end.
Smart Leak Detectors
Technology is not just changing the way we work; it is also helping you detect leaks in your home before they can cause significant damage. Smart leak detectors are Wi-Fi-enabled sensors installed under sinks and near the water heater to detect potential leaks and notify you via your smartphone. There are a few models to consider, including GoveeLife, X-Sense, Moen, D-Link and TP-Link. Some models, including the Moen Flo Mart Water Monitor, feature an automated shutoff that you can control from your smartphone, providing full detection and protection even when travelling.
When it comes to plumbing upgrades, finding targeted, worthwhile ones can be a struggle. There are so many options out there, and with social media pages promoting the latest Temu invention, many clients are unsure where to start. Well, if you are looking for some meaningful upgrades to your residential plumbing system, the team at Fry is here to help. Whether you are looking for a simple replacement or want to chat through some ideas, our expert plumbers are here to guide you through the replacement process and ensure that your new technology or fixtures are properly installed, without drips, leaks, or malfunctions. Call us today and see how Fry can help with your next residential plumbing service!
