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Last Revised: 3/1/2025
Have you ever been worried that outdated plumbing could lower your home’s value or scare off potential buyers?
Plumbing upgrades are a powerful, but often overlooked, strategy that can make your home more attractive and marketable to buyers. Addressing your plumbing also protects your property and retains its value, as outdated systems can negatively impact your home’s appeal. Choosing the right plumbing system upgrades will help you:
- Increase home efficiency & lower utility bills
- Prevent costly repairs & water damage
- Make your property stand out in the real estate market
But not all plumbing upgrades are created equal. Your home’s resale price is only impacted by a few large plumbing system replacements. Smaller equipment upgrades won’t do so – however they often help your home sell faster. And some other plumbing upgrades simply prevent your home from losing value.
This article will walk you through which plumbing investments are worth making from a real estate perspective – and why. We’ve broken them each into three categories so that you have a clear picture of the impact that each home improvement decision has on your home value:
- High Value Plumbing Upgrades – May increase your home’s value
- Moderate Value Plumbing Upgrades – Help your home sell faster
- Essential Plumbing Work – Avoid losing value
You’ll notice the following themes as we explore the upgrades: improving energy and water efficiency, gaining modern appeal, and protecting your plumbing.
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The best way to increase value with plumbing upgrades is to consistently prioritize energy efficiency as you replace systems.
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Adding Home Value: 9 Plumbing Upgrades That Can Move the Needle
Whether you’re a real estate investor, a house flipper, or a homeowner looking to make smart home improvement decisions, the best property investments do more than increase resale value – they make day-to-day life easier, more efficient, and (hopefully) more enjoyable.
Realistically, small upgrades aren’t likely to change your listing price, however, consistently opting for the most efficient plumbing equipment will raise your home’s overall efficiency, potentially adding value or at least helping it sell faster. In other words, if you make enough smart upgrades, the average buyer won’t help but notice how your home stands out from the rest.
1. Low-Flow Toilets: Reduce Water Usage & Appeal To Buyers (Moderate Value)
Low-flow toilets use less water per flush without sacrificing performance – in fact, many are more powerful than traditional models. They’re good for your wallet and great for the planet. Toilets account for the most water used in the home (24%), so upgrading to a model that’s designed for conservation is a great step toward making your home stand out in the market.
2. Touchless or High-Efficiency Faucets: Save Water & Add Modern Appeal (Moderate Value)
Touchless and high-efficiency faucets help reduce water waste, prevent the spread of germs, and add a sleek modern touch to your kitchen and bathrooms. It’s another step towards higher household efficiency that, when included with other energy-efficient systems, can raise the overall marketability of your home.
3. Tankless or Heat Pump Water Heater: Energy Efficient Hot Water Solutions (High Value)
Tankless and heat pump water heaters are the two most efficient options available, so you can’t go wrong with either – although heat pump water heaters are 3-4 times more efficient than tankless. Both options will yield energy savings and can add modern appeal to your home.
It may make the most sense to invest in a tankless or heat pump water heater if you’re not planning on moving for at least another year, however, as installation costs may be higher than any added home value. Your water heater replacement is a great opportunity to boost your household’s efficiency and help it sell faster when you’re ready to move.
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If you’re trying to sell your home, replacing outdated plumbing is a must, and failing to do so can decrease your home value.
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4. Water Filtration & Conditioning Systems: Improve Water Quality & Home Value (High Value)
Regardless of any moving plans, testing your water quality is always a good idea. The problems tied to poor water quality range from inconvenient to unhealthy, so addressing any underlying contaminants in your water supply is best done sooner rather than later. Then, when it comes time to sell your home, systems like water softeners, neutralizers, and more advanced filters can give peace of mind about the property to any prospective buyer.
5. Updated Showerheads: Enhance Comfort & Water Efficiency (Moderate Value)
Installing a modern showerhead doesn’t mean you’ll be able to list your house at a higher price, however, it’s certainly a nice commodity compared to a standard model. While investing in larger systems (like water heaters) right before you move doesn’t make sense, purchasing a modern showerhead does, as it gives buyers a little something extra to think about. A high-quality showerhead offers better water pressure, customizable settings, and eco-friendly water efficiency.
6. PEX Piping To Replace Old Plumbing: Prevent Costly Repairs & Water Damage (Essential)
The average home buyer is smart enough to know that old, corroded pipes are a ticking time bomb that can lead to water damage, mold growth, and costly repairs. If you’re trying to sell your home, replacing outdated plumbing is a must, and failing to do so can decrease your home value.
PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) piping offers flexibility, durability, and resistance to freezing, making it the ideal replacement for old pipes. During the home buying process, virtually any news about pipes is bad news, and upgrading to PEX piping can give both you and your buyer peace of mind.
7. Smart Leak Detection System: Avoid Water Damage & Lower Insurance Costs (High Value)
Smart leak detection systems can truly be a lifesaver for you and whoever else will live in your home. They alert you to leaks and water damage early, before they become a disaster – saving thousands in repairs and keeping your home safe and dry.
In many cases, leak detection systems can also lower homeowners insurance premiums. Savings vary by insurer but typically average about 5-10% off your premium. Lower insurance rates can be important enough to make the “pros and cons” list as buyers compare homes.
8. Garbage Disposal Upgrade: Improve Kitchen Appeal (Moderate Value)
Much like showerheads, installing a new garbage disposal won’t do much for the listing price of your home. However, a more powerful, efficient model that can handle food scraps effortlessly to keep your sink clean is a luxury item that will stand out to buyers who value kitchen functionality. As you start showing your home to interested parties, features like this can add up and help you find the right buyer quickly.
9. Insulated Pipes: Improve Energy Efficiency & Prevent Freezing (Essential)
Heat loss can significantly diminish the quality of your hot water and force your water heater to work harder. Insulating your pipes is a simple step that should be taken care of regardless of when you plan on moving. While it’s often forgotten about, insulating your pipes will yield the same benefits as many other plumbing upgrades. It may not increase your listing price, but doing so will help avoid losing home value.
Final Thoughts: Make Smart Plumbing Upgrades That Add Value & Save Money
Most plumbing upgrades pay for themselves over time through energy and water savings but may not necessarily raise your home’s price. Their intrinsic value lies in the appeal gained from the perspective of buyers. They’ll make your home sell faster, but they’ll also avoid any potential value loss by preventing the types of problems that scare buyers away.
The best way to increase value with plumbing upgrades is to consistently prioritize energy efficiency as you replace systems. Once you’ve replaced enough fixtures (toilets, showerheads, faucets, etc.) with energy-efficient options, your house will stand out from the crowd as buyers look for their next home.
Plus, they make a home more comfortable – so don’t hesitate to make any of these upgrades even if you’re not planning on moving any time soon. When you’re ready, reach out to us at Mattioni to set up a consultation at (610) 400-8510. We’ll help you identify the best ways to transform your plumbing system into a household asset.
