2015 home improvement projects — it’s time to start planning

As 2014 draws to a close, it’s a good time to start thinking about the year ahead. If you’re a Los Angeles homeowner and inclined to repairs, that means home improvement projects. Obviously, there are endless ways in which you can improve the strength of your home. From electrical jobs to whole additions to the house, any resident could spend hours making a long list of future plans. However, as this here is a plumbing blog, we’re going to focus on plumbing projects. After all, your home just can’t function without working plumbing, right?

To guide you along as you start your list, here are just a few ideas for inspiration.

Repiping

Sure, simple projects like fixing a leaky faucet or unclogging a drain are worthwhile, especially if you want to focus on short-term DIY jobs. However, if you really want to tackle your home’s plumbing, you should inspect the pipes. If your home is older, replacing the lines is a good idea, as age can cause them to fail over time.

Additionally, many older houses used copper, which is stable and durable, but has become less trusted over the years. Some critics say that copper particles can flake off into your water supply, theoretically posing a threat to your drinking water. Repiping probably isn’t something you can do yourself, unless you are experienced or exceptionally handy. Obviously, you’ll want to seek professional advice and use extreme caution if you make it a DIY operation.

New fixtures

Replacing fixtures can actually be kind of exciting. If you don’t have enough time or money for a full remodel, changing out the fixtures can act as a nice hold-over until the right time. Old toilets, for example, are a great place to start. Consider swapping out the antiquated, water-wasting model for a new efficient one instead. However, like repiping, you’ll probably want to contact a professional for this. For an expert plumber that Los Angeles can rely on, call Fisk-it. From Downtown LA to Santa Monica, our trained team of technicians will replace your toilet with skill, as well as showerheads, faucets, or any other fixture you want to change. Add new fixtures to your list of 2015 projects, and you’ll see highly satisfying results.

New hot water heater

Perhaps more than any other plumbing project, replacing a home’s hot water heater is a popular choice among local homeowners. Like those old copper pipes, traditional water heaters tend to consume more water than is necessary, and drive up energy bills by constantly reheating and distributing gallons of water. You may opt to go tankless in the new year. Tankless water heaters heat water on demand, cutting costs on your water and energy bills. If you’re switching over for the first time, you should most likely consult a plumber. However, if you’re merely replacing your old tank with a new one, you might consider taking this on solo. The directions, while complex, can be found online.