Here on our plumbing blog, we often talk about ways in which you can modernize your plumbing system. After all, when it comes to a homeowner’s perspective on plumbing, you’re likely looking for two things. One, you want to make sure everything is functional and works correctly without constantly breaking down and forcing you to invest more money into it. That is a given, right? The last thing you want is to repeatedly have to hire your local plumber for repairs all over the house. Secondly, you’re likely going to want any visible components to be aesthetically pleasing. Obviously, with some plumbing pieces, there is only so much you can do to make this a reality. However, I’m more so referencing elements like the faucets, sinks, toilets, bathtubs and so on! For those that have followed some of our prior blog posts or even on social media, chances are you’ve seen just how much these various fixture industries have grown in recent years. Believe it or not, sometimes even the smallest of changes can have a significant impact on the look of a bathroom or kitchen!
In today’s blog post, we’re going to be taking a look at different fixture upgrades any homeowner might want to consider. With so many options available nowadays, we feel confident in saying that you’ll have no trouble finding something that fits your vision for the space while also falling within your desired budget for the project. With that all being said, let’s now take a look at where you may want to consider upgrading your plumbing fixtures.
Faucets
First up, we have faucets. Unsurprisingly, the possibilities are endless with faucets. You can go with a high-end luxurious faucet that will instantly serve as a statement piece or you can go with something simple that will still be an upgrade over any worn-out faucet. Furthermore, assuming you’re purchasing a faucet that is a similar type as the existing one, the installation process should be rather straightforward as well, which will mean a cheaper upgrade for the homeowner.
I briefly alluded to this at the start of the faucet section, but the nice thing about faucets upgrades is there are plenty to pick from. A good rule of thumb we typically recommend to customers is the importance of purchasing from reputable faucet brands. Not only will this ensure you get a reliable and professional-looking faucet, but also avoid any situations where you could potentially have trouble finding replacement parts for any future repairs. So…what faucet brands should you be considering for your home? To sum it up, you’ll be safe with any of the major companies that’ve been around for decades. Look for names like Moen, Kohler, Delta, American Standard, Pfister, and you’ll be in good shape!
Bathtubs
We started this blog off with faucet upgrades for one major reason: the process typically doesn’t often require any demo or replacing other plumbing pieces. As such, it’s a fixture upgrade that won’t require a significant investment. Nonetheless, there are also more than a few plumbing improvements that will make a huge impact on an area, but might be a little more complex of a project than simply swapping out a faucet. One perfect example of this is a bathtub installation. With bathtubs, homeowners have a few different options to consider at the start. One of the most common styles we come across are the recessed tubs, which are essentially surrounded by walls on three of the sides. Additionally, another popular style are those that combine the bathtub and shower together. And the final type we’ll mention today are the increasingly popular, freestanding bathtubs.
The most important thing to keep in mind in regards to bathtub upgrades is the fact that any decision is going to be dependent on the bathroom’s layout. Obviously, if you’re looking to turn this project into a complete remodel and tear down walls, you have a little more flexibility to work with. And truth be told, demo work sometimes accompanies bathtub replacements regardless. However, the current set-up of the bathroom will dictate some of the possibilities you have for this project.
Since freestanding bathtubs have grown more and more popular over the years, I did want to take a moment to highlight them real quick! First and foremost, freestanding tubs offer the rare ability to truly serve as a statement piece. Trust us, when you walk in a master bathroom with a new shiny freestanding bathtub, it’ll probably snag your attention immediately. Secondly, we’ve echoed this comment multiple times already, but homeowners have plenty of styles at their disposal when it comes time to go tub shopping. From the actual materials used in creating the tub to the size and even the shape, you really can pick out the perfect one for your bathroom!
If you’re interested in learning more about why so many of our customers have absolutely loved their new freestanding bathtubs, be sure to check out our previous blog post HERE. While they can require a decent-sized investment, there’s no denying the luxurious touch they add to any bathroom!
Toilets
Have you ever visited a public restroom and been quite underwhelmed by the toilet you’re greeted with? Whether it be in regards to cleanliness or just a toilet that looks to be decades old, many of us have been in this situation before and it’s not too pleasant! Our next plumbing fixture that you might want to consider upgrading is the toilet. Just like any other fixture, toilets have gradually improved over the years. If you’ve ever seen a smart toilet, you know the possibilities are endless when it comes to toilet technology in today’s world. Heated seats, remote control functionality, less water used per flush, the list goes on. While not everyone is going to need the latest and greatest toilet on the market, there are more than a few reasons why you might want to swap out that old toilet.
The most obvious point for replacing your toilet is simply to get one that looks good. Particularly, if it’s on your main floor where guests will be using it, you don’t want them to be using a 30-plus year old toilet that clearly looks like it’s seen its better days! Even if you simply install a standard toilet, it will undoubtedly look better than the dated toilet currently there. Another reason why you might consider a new toilet is if the existing toilet is constantly experiencing issues. Maybe you’ve had to call your local plumber out a few times recently simply for issues regarding that specific toilet. Even if they’re minor repairs, they could be the result of a toilet that’s simply had too much wear and tear over the years. Long story short, a toilet upgrade is never a bad investment to make.
Which Fixtures Need Upgraded in Your House?
Has it been awhile since you made any plumbing upgrades in your house? While we’ve highlighted a few different ways in which plumbing improvements can improve the look of your bathroom or kitchen, there’s no doubt that they can also help ensure everything operates more efficiently and effectively. Here at Stine-Nichols Plumbing, we strive to be your one-stop shop for all things plumbing. Whether that be installing new fixtures, repairing existing ones or anything else, we have you covered! To request a free estimate for a project, you’re more than welcome to give us a call at (816) 348-3481 or fill out the form linked HERE.