The plumbing system in our homes is something that many of us will take for granted. We’re all used to simply turning on a tap and water coming out.
But is yours working as well as it could be? It’s tough for someone without specialist knowledge to know, so we’ve put together a few tips to help.
Read on to find out when you should consider upgrading your plumbing system and the benefits that it can bring.
When should I upgrade?
Like most things, plumbing materials won’t last forever. Pipes deteriorate with time, so it could be worth an upgrade if you live in an old house that still has its original system installed. Frequent breakdowns and blockages are a sign that there could also be something more serious at play that needs addressing.
Undertaking some improvement works can be helpful even if you’re simply not happy with the water pressure or the amount of hot water that you get.
With energy prices rising to unprecedented levels in the UK, you may just be looking for a more efficient system to help you to save money on bills. This might entail more than just a new plumbing system – you may need a gas engineer to install a heat pump, for example – but there will be plenty of long-term benefits for you.
Are there any checks I can run?
Keep a watch out for any leaky pipes. If you notice one, be sure to get it looked at as soon as possible. It’s best not to try to fix it yourself if you’re not qualified as any leak can cause serious damage to your home.
A running toilet, clogged/slow drains, dripping taps and discoloured water are other warning signs for which to look out.
If you spot any of these and fail to act, you could be left facing a significant repair bill. Bear in mind your financial situation and do everything that you can to monitor the efficiency of your plumbing system.
Increasing the value of your home
There are so many ways to increase the value of your home; upgrading the plumbing system might not be one that you consider to be among them.
However, if you decided to sell up, prospective buyers could be willing to pay a premium for your property as they would know that they wouldn’t have to worry about requiring an expensive plumbing overhaul in the near future.
It will leave your house requiring some cosmetic upgrades – but you can also use this opportunity to make some adjustments to the interior decoration that could further increase your home’s value.
