Tag Archives: plumbing upgrades

May '24

Plumbing for Home Renovations in Chicago

Whether you’re remodeling your kitchen, bathroom, or entire home, understanding the plumbing aspects is crucial to ensure a successful and hassle-free renovation.

Why Plumbing Matters in Home Renovations

Plumbing is an essential component of any home renovation project. It involves the installation, repair, and maintenance of water supply and drainage systems. Neglecting plumbing can lead to various issues such as leaks, pipe burst emergencies, or inefficient water flow, which can dampen your renovation experience.

Choosing Reliable Plumbers

To ensure your home renovation project in Chicago goes smoothly, it’s vital to hire a reliable plumber in your area. Consider the following factors when selecting a contractor:

Experience: Look for plumbing professionals with experience in residential renovations.

License and Insurance: Ensure the plumber holds a valid license and has proper insurance coverage for liability and workers’ compensation.

References: Ask for references or check online reviews to gauge the plumbers reputation.

Estimates: Obtain detailed estimates from multiple plumbers to compare pricing and services.

Communication: Choose a plumber who communicates effectively and understands your renovation goals.

Understanding Chicago Plumbing Codes and Permits

Before starting any plumbing work, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the plumbing codes and regulations in Chicago. These codes ensure the safety and functionality of plumbing systems within the city. Additionally, certain plumbing projects may require permits. Hiring a licensed plumbing contractor will ensure compliance with all necessary codes and permits.

Key Plumbing Considerations for Home Renovations

1. Upgrading Water Supply Lines

When renovating, it’s wise to consider upgrading your water supply lines. Older homes may have outdated or corroded pipes that can cause issues with water pressure and quality. Upgrading to newer materials like copper or PEX can improve the overall performance and longevity of your plumbing system.

2. Installing Energy-Efficient Fixtures

Save both water and money by installing energy-efficient fixtures during your home renovation. Choose low-flow toilets, showerheads, and faucets that reduce water consumption without compromising functionality. These fixtures not only benefit the environment but also lead to long-term cost savings.

3. Adding Additional Bathroom or Kitchen Sink

If your home renovation includes creating new bathrooms or expanding your kitchen, adding additional sinks may be necessary. Consult with a plumbing professional to determine the best location and layout for the new sink, ensuring proper water supply and drainage connections.

4. Upgrading Drainage Systems

During a renovation, it’s an ideal time to assess and upgrade your drainage systems. Proper drainage is essential to prevent water damage and ensure the efficient removal of wastewater. Consider installing floor drains in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements, especially in areas prone to flooding.

5. Waterproofing in Basements

Chicago’s climate and occasional heavy rainfall make basement waterproofing a crucial consideration for home renovations. Prevent water seepage and potential mold growth by installing sump pumps, French drains, and waterproofing membranes. Speak with a plumber experienced in basement flood prevention systems to determine the best solutions for your specific needs.

a family attempting diy plumbing in chicago.

Unless you have plumbing expertise, it’s best to leave major plumbing tasks to professionals. Attempting DIY plumbing can lead to costly mistakes and preventable issues.

Common Plumbing Mistakes to Avoid

While renovating your home, it’s important to be aware of common plumbing mistakes and avoid them:

DIY Plumbing: Unless you have plumbing expertise, it’s best to leave major plumbing tasks to professionals. Attempting DIY plumbing can lead to costly mistakes and preventable issues.

Ignoring Leak Detection: Don’t ignore signs of leaks, such as damp walls, musty odors, or water stains. Timely leak detection and repairs can save you from extensive damage and expensive repairs in the future.

Incorrect Pipe Sizing: Proper pipe sizing is crucial to maintain optimal water pressure and prevent issues like poor drainage or inconsistent water flow. Contact a nearby plumber in Chicago to determine the correct pipe sizing for your renovation project.

Neglecting Ventilation: Adequate ventilation is essential for plumbing systems to function properly. Ensure your renovation plans include proper venting to prevent a range of plumbing issues, including sewer gas odors.

As you embark on your home renovation journey in Chicago, prioritizing plumbing considerations will set the foundation for a successful project. By hiring experienced plumbers, staying compliant with local codes, and making informed decisions about upgrades and installations, you’ll create a renovated space that functions flawlessly for years to come. Remember to avoid common plumbing mistakes and always consult professionals when in doubt.

Nov '23

Five Plumbing Improvements to Increase the Value of Your Home

Your home’s plumbing is usually not the first thing that comes to your mind when you’re thinking of ways to improve your property’s value. Most homeowners don’t even see a connection between their home’s plumbing and its market value.

That is why, when planning for upgrades, such homeowners often focus on trendy updates that aim to quickly grab buyers’ attention. But savvy homeowners don’t do this; they know something that most less-experienced homeowners don’t understand.

They know that the quality of their home’s major systems has a bigger impact on its value than any cosmetic changes they can make to the building. Smart homeowners realize that, in the end, buyers base their buying decisions on the ordinary features of the home, like the plumbing.

That is why, before putting money into improving the home’s aesthetics, these smart owners invest in the building’s major systems. Mark Brower Properties explains that due to its impact on the structural integrity of their home, the plumbing system is one of these homeowners’ main focuses.

That is a strategy you want to adopt when planning to renovate your home. Focusing on your home’s plumbing and other major systems of the house can help to ensure that you get maximum returns on any money you spend on cosmetic improvements.

What plumbing improvements can you make to your home to improve its value today? The five plumbing improvements explained below are good places to start.

Repiping your home will make it more attractive to buyers because they won’t have to worry about the home’s plumbing maintenance costs.

Plumbing upgrades to improve your home’s value

Whole-house repipe

If the pipes in your home are close to their replacement date or you have been experiencing a spate of pipe issues, nothing will add more value to your home than doing a whole-house repipe. Problems like frequent blockages, burst pipes, low water pressure and poor water quality are often caused by aging pipes. They cost a lot of money to fix and exert a huge toll on your building’s structure. Repiping your home will make it more attractive to buyers because they won’t have to worry about the home’s plumbing maintenance costs. When doing this project, ensure that you upgrade to superior pipe materials like PVC, copper or PEX piping.

Eco-friendly upgrades

Eco-friendly plumbing upgrades help to cut your home’s energy costs. Every buyer wants a house that is not costly to maintain. Environmentally-conscious buyers in particular, go out of their way to look for features that will help to reduce their home’s environmental footprint. Since these buyers are often well-educated and affluent, eco-friendly plumbing features will make your home attractive to the upper echelons of the market. Some eco-friendly plumbing upgrades to consider include efficient washers, dishwashers, toilets or water heaters and faucets.

Replace worn-out plumbing fixtures

Old, worn-out fixtures diminish your home’s comfort through their negative impact on plumbing efficiency. Outdated plumbing fixtures will also impair the aesthetics of your home. Your old faucets and showerheads can cause problems like low water pressure. If you are planning to repipe your home, it makes a lot of sense to also replace your fixtures. The old fixtures will not perform to the level of your new piping. Furthermore, the style of those old fixtures will probably clash with the new ambience you are creating in the home. Examples of plumbing fixtures that you may want to replace include faucets, water heaters, and showerheads.

A good portion of your home’s energy costs are incurred via energy losses from exposed hot water pipes.

Insulating your pipes

Another great option for upgrading your home’s plumbing is to insulate your water pipes. A good portion of your home’s energy costs are incurred via energy losses from exposed hot water pipes. Exposed water pipes are also likely to freeze and burst during winter. Insulating these pipes not only improves the resilience of your plumbing, it can result in significant cuts to your energy spending. There are many ways to insulate the water pipes in your. Regardless of the method you choose, this upgrade will make your home more valuable and a lot more attractive to buyers.

Add a tankless water heater

A conventional water heater can easily aggravate your home maintenance woes. Because they store heated water and have to reheat that water several times a day, tank water heaters use up a lot of energy. Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, do not have this problem. Because they provide hot water on demand, tankless water heaters are more efficient and can help to cut your home’s energy and maintenance costs. You never have to worry about not having enough hot water when you upgrade to tankless water heaters.

Which of these plumbing upgrades should you start with? That depends on how much you have and how bad the plumbing in your home is. If you plan on repiping your entire house, you can make the cost more manageable by doing the project in phases. Also, talk to an experienced plumber; they can give you insights that will help you make the most of every dollar.

Jul '23

What Plumbing Upgrades Should You Make Before You Sell Your Home?

When it comes to selling your home, making the right upgrades can significantly increase its value and appeal to potential buyers. While many homeowners focus on improving the aesthetics of their properties, it’s essential not to overlook the importance of plumbing upgrades. Upgrading your plumbing system can improve functionality, efficiency, and even prevent future problems. Below we will discuss some key plumbing upgrades that you should consider before putting your home on the market.

Upgrade Water Fixtures

One of the first plumbing upgrades you should consider is replacing outdated water fixtures. Installing modern and water-efficient faucets, showerheads, and toilets can give your bathrooms and kitchens a fresh and appealing look. Additionally, these upgrades will save water and lower utility bills for the new homeowners, making your property even more attractive to potential buyers.

Replace Old Pipes

If your house has old and corroded plumbing pipes, replacing them should be a priority before selling. Outdated pipes can be prone to leaks, reduce water pressure, and even affect the quality of the water. Consider hiring a professional plumber to inspect your plumbing system and advise you on whether you should re-pipe your entire home. Upgrading to newer pipes, such as durable PVC or PEX, will not only enhance the value of your home but also provide peace of mind to the future owners.

a plumber installing a water filtration system in a chicago home.

Many homeowners are increasingly concerned about the quality of their drinking water, and having a filtration system in place can be a significant selling point.

Install a Water Filtration System

Investing in a water filtration system is another valuable plumbing upgrade. Many homeowners are increasingly concerned about the quality of their drinking water, and having a filtration system in place can be a significant selling point. By providing clean and purified water, you are not only improving the overall health and well-being of the occupants but also adding an attractive feature that sets your home apart from others in the market.

Consider a Tankless Water Heater

An upgrade that is gaining popularity among homeowners is installing a tankless water heater. Unlike traditional water heaters that constantly heat and store water, tankless models heat water on demand. These energy-efficient systems provide a continuous supply of hot water and save space, making them highly desirable for potential buyers. Upgrading to a tankless water heater can significantly increase the value of your home while reducing the energy consumption and utility bills for the new owners.

It’s also crucial to address any visible leaks promptly. Buyers are likely to be turned off by signs of water damage or any potential for future problems.

Improve Drainage and Fix Leaks

Poor drainage and leaking pipes are red flags for potential buyers. Before putting your home on the market, ensure all drains are functioning correctly and free from blockages. Consider hiring a plumber to clean your drains professionally, fixing any issues that might cause unpleasant odors or slow drainage. It’s also crucial to address any visible leaks promptly. Buyers are likely to be turned off by signs of water damage or any potential for future problems. Proactively resolving plumbing issues will provide reassurance to potential buyers and increase the value of your home.

To Sum It Up

When selling your home, paying attention to plumbing upgrades can make a significant difference. Upgrading water fixtures, replacing old pipes, installing water filtration systems, considering tankless water heaters, and addressing drainage and leak issues are all valuable plumbing upgrades that can enhance the appeal and value of your property. Before making any decisions, don’t hesitate to speak with a good residential plumber to ensure you make the right upgrades based on your specific home’s needs. By investing in these plumbing upgrades, you can attract potential buyers and sell your home at a higher price.