It's easy to forget about your plumbing as you are planning your home improvement and maintenance schedule. With pipes tucked away behind your walls and generally functioning as they should be, they are often overlooked. However, it's important to consider home improvement projects that will protect and enhance your plumbing, as this will ensure that everything is always running smoothly — quite literally — and your home maintains its value.
Here are some plumbing home improvement projects to consider:
Add Insulation to Your Pipes
Foam insulation can be installed on top of the water pipes in your home to prevent heat from escaping the pipes. Foam insulation not only helps you enjoy a warm shower in a shorter amount of time, but it also will reduce your energy costs and decrease the amount of water that you use inside your home. It is a cheap, easy and sustainable home improvement project that will improve your plumbing.
Install a New Toilet
If your toilet is more than 10 or 15 years old, then it may be time to consider replacing it. An old, out-of-date toilet is going to be less efficient than the newer models, and is going to put more strain on your drains. A low-flush toilet will save you money and reduce your water consumption, all while preserving your pipes.
Caulk the Bathtub
The caulk around the tub may deteriorate with time, so it's important to re-caulk the tub every once in a while. This will prevent water from seeping into the caulk and building up underneath the tub
Fix Broken Pipes as Quickly as Possible
When you address a leaking pipe quickly, you will prevent significant damage from occurring in your home. In some cases, you can patch the pipe, but if the break is more severe, a plumber may need to fix the pipe for you.
Fix a Leaky Faucet
A leaky faucet in the kitchen or bathroom may not seem like a big deal, but you lose a lot of water with those constant drips and drops. By fixing a leaky faucet, you reduce your water consumption and prevent further issues with your plumbing.
Most of these projects are simple and affordable improvements that will help you protect the plumbing in your home. By preserving your plumbing, you will continue adding value to your home while simultaneously preventing an emergency situation from occurring in the future.
About the Author
Meryl Diamond
While I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, I have spent the last 27 years living in the Lisle and Naperville area. The first single family home my husband and I ever owned was in Green Trails, Lisle. There were two things we loved about living in Green Trails - the sense of community and all the green space. This was a dream come true for my children who always had a friend to play with or a babysitter near by. For me, it gave me a chance to get to know the neighbors whom I have built lifelong friendships with. From neighborhood garage sales to summer barbeques, we always found reason to come together.
