Southern California’s real estate market has been booming, and home prices continue to climb. In early 2024, the median price of a home in California exceeded $900,000! That’s why it’s more important than ever for homeowners to be confident in the value of their property. While location might be the biggest selling point, the condition of your home’s infrastructure can also impact its marketability.
Investing in valuable home improvements not only improves your lifestyle, it also increases your home’s resale value, if and when you decide to sell. And while cosmetic upgrades like fresh paint and landscaping may add curb appeal, plumbing upgrades offer a more immediate return-on-investment by lowering utility costs and increasing comfort, in addition to adding to your home’s value. Here are the four best plumbing improvements to boost your home’s resale potential.
1. Upgrade to a Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater is one of the most energy-efficient and sought-after plumbing upgrades for modern homes. Unlike traditional water heaters, which store and continuously heat a large tank of water, tankless systems heat water on demand.
Why Homeowners Love It:
✔ Lower Energy Bills – According to Energy.gov, homes that use 41 gallons of hot water or less daily can cut energy consumption by 24%-34% with a tankless system.
✔ Endless Hot Water – No more waiting for the tank to refill; you’ll have a continuous supply of hot water.
✔ Longer Lifespan – Traditional water heaters last about 10-15 years, while tankless units can last 20+ years with proper maintenance.
✔ Space-Saving Design – These compact systems free up storage space by eliminating the need for a bulky tank.
2. Install Water-Saving Fixtures Like Low-Flow Toilets
Water-efficient fixtures may seem like small upgrades, but they make a big splash by reducing your water usage and increasing your home’s appeal to environmentally conscious buyers.
How Low-Flow Toilets Save Money & Water:
Uses Less Water Per Flush – A standard toilet uses around 3.5 gallons per flush, while a low-flow toilet uses just 1.28 gallons—cutting water use by more than 60%.
Lower Water Bills – A family of four can save thousands of gallons of water each year, leading to noticeable savings on utility bills.
Environmentally Friendly – Reducing water waste is a great way to contribute to sustainability efforts while making your home more attractive to buyers.
Beyond toilets, upgrading to water-efficient showerheads and faucets can also make a big difference in cutting down on water waste.
3. Replace Old Pipes with PEX for Durability & Efficiency
Old, leaking pipes are more than just an annoyance, they can cause leaks, water damage, and even lower your home’s value. Many older homes have outdated galvanized steel or polybutylene pipes, which are prone to corrosion and leaks. Upgrading to modern materials like PEX piping can prevent costly repairs and improve your home’s plumbing system.
Why PEX is the Best Choice for Repiping:
✔ Flexible & Easy to Install – Unlike rigid copper piping, PEX is flexible, making installation quicker and more cost-effective.
✔ Resistant to Corrosion & Freezing – PEX doesn’t corrode like metal pipes and is less likely to burst in freezing temperatures.
✔ Affordable Alternative to Copper – It offers similar durability at a fraction of the cost.
✔ Better Water Pressure – PEX reduces friction in the plumbing system, improving water flow throughout the home.
Investing in modern piping materials ensures fewer plumbing problems in the future and adds long-term value to your home.
4. Install a Water Filtration System
A high-quality water filtration system is an underrated home upgrade offering health benefits and long-term savings. Instead of relying on bottled water, a filtration system purifies every drop of water coming through your pipes, improving drinking water quality and protecting appliances from hard water buildup.
Top Benefits of a Home Water Filtration System:
Better-Tasting Water – Removes contaminants like chlorine, lead, and sediment for cleaner, fresher water from every tap.
Protects Appliances – Reduces mineral buildup that can damage water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines.
Eco-Friendly & Cost-Effective – Saves money by eliminating the need for bottled water and reducing plastic waste.
There are various filtration options, including under-sink filters, refrigerator water dispensers, and whole-house filtration systems that provide clean water to every faucet.
Final Thoughts
Plumbing upgrades are a smart investment that enhance both your home’s functionality and its resale value. Unlike topical improvements, modern plumbing solutions offer noticeable benefits, including lower utility costs and a more valuable home.
While some home improvement projects you can do yourself, when it comes to plumbing it’s best to call in the pros. Whether considering a tankless water heater, repiping your home, or upgrading to water-efficient fixtures, OC/Tustin Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help. Contact our expert team today to get started on your plumbing upgrades!