Water distribution relies heavily on your home’s plumbing system. The plumbing system transports water via plumbing fixtures, pipes, and tanks. In this article, Greenwood’s plumbing experts from Complete Comfort share the most important plumbing fixtures used in homes.
1. Faucets
Faucets are decorative plumbing fixtures commonly used inside homes. These essential fixtures deliver water to your kitchen and bathroom sinks. In today’s market, many different styles, materials, finishes, and prices of faucets are available.
A new faucet will remain in your home for a long time, so pick one that compliments your aesthetic and functional preferences. For example, you can select a durable faucet in nickel, polished chrome, or bronze finish. Faucets also have different features, such as adjustable spout height, pull-down sprayer, or multiple handles.
2. Sinks
Sinks are the most used features in homes, as every kitchen and bathroom requires one. The sink is where you can wash your hands, dishes, vegetables, and more. Sinks can also provide a dishwasher connection to ensure your dishes receive fresh, clean water.
In kitchens, you can install single or two basins side-by-side. However, washing pots or preparing large quantities of food in a sink with a single, deep basin is much easier. For bathrooms, you can choose from porcelain, cast iron, glass, stone, or service sinks.
3. Showers
Showers are essential plumbing fixtures that provide continuous water for bathing. A walk-in shower is generally the first choice for people since it is a great addition to any bathroom and saves space. You can typically choose from four types of showers: electric, mixer, digital, and hand-held showers.
An electric shower can deliver instant hot water on demand or during use. A mixer shower is an excellent option to increase water flow by utilizing hot and cold water supplies. Lastly, a digital shower uses smart technology to ensure the water remains hot and uninterrupted.
4. Bathtubs
Many homeowners enjoy soaking in the bathtub after a long day of work. The bathtub experience goes beyond washing by providing a way to de-stress and relax. Manufacturers have responded to this appeal by creating bathtubs in different colors, styles, and shapes.
The most popular types of bathtubs are freestanding and the claw-foot. Modern bathtubs come in different materials that can impact comfort, such as cast iron, stone resin, or copper. You could also consider customizing your bathtub with jets, chromatherapy (LED lights), bubbles, music, and touchpad controls.
5. Toilets
Toilets are vital plumbing fixtures in every home, so you should select a toilet that will fit your bathroom’s space. These days, you can select from modern, eclectic, traditional, or contemporary style toilets.
The most common type of toilet in homes is the two-piece toilet, which comes with a separate tank and bowl. While these toilets are cheaper than one-piece toilets, they are harder to clean. Other options to consider include tank, tankless, and wall-mounted toilet systems.
6. Water Heaters
Water heaters are convenient, especially in areas with cold weather. They come in various types, such as conventional storage tanks, tankless systems, heat pumps, and solar power.
In addition, water heaters can work with natural gas, electricity, oil, propane, or geothermal energy. When choosing a water heater, consider comparing fuel costs if you have access to more than one fuel type in your area. Buy a water heater that is energy-efficient to maximize your savings and minimize energy consumption.
7. Sump Pumps
Many homes have sump pumps to prevent basement flooding by pumping excess water. To keep your house dry, sump pumps can remove 60 gallons of water per minute. Sump pumps come in two kinds: pedestal and submersible.
Submersible sump pumps make fewer noises than pedestal pumps since they operate underwater. Besides pumping out solids and debris from your sump pit, submersible systems are more powerful than pedestal pumps. Meanwhile, pedestal sump pumps are best if your basement’s sump pit is too shallow or small.
8. Garbage Disposals
Most people don’t think much about their garbage disposal after scraping the dinner plates into the kitchen sink and flipping a switch. However, these plumbing fixtures have the job of safely disposing of food. Sometimes, the garbage disposal system may stop working or break.
Common issues include frequent clogging, strange odors, leaks, and dull blades. If you plan to buy a new garbage disposal unit, they are available in two types: continuous and batch feed. While both perform the same task, continuous-feed garbage disposals are easier to use.
9. Bidets
The bidet is an essential toilet accessory that provides a safe, hygienic means of cleaning one’s body after using the toilet. Bidets offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional ways. While a bidet may use more water, it’s more sustainable when compared to manufacturing, stocking, and shipping toilet paper.
Homeowners can choose between the standalone, portable, built-in toilet or hand-held bidets. These plumbing fixtures have undergone several changes in appearance and design since their invention in the 18th century. Bidets have different layouts available, so you can choose one that meets your needs.
10. Hose Bibs
Hose bibs are small plumbing fixtures that attach to a hose to make it easier to perform water-related tasks. These devices can fill an outdoor pool, wash the car, or water your garden. Hose bibs connect to garden hoses or faucets outside your home to transport water from indoor pipes.
The installation process of hose bibs is straightforward. Many hose bibs consist of poor-quality materials, are susceptible to freezing, and have a short lifespan. Instead, buy stainless steel hose bibs that are more durable with frost protection.
Work with a Professional Plumbing Company
At Complete Comfort Heating Air & Plumbing, we provide professional 24/7 plumbing services to residents in Greenwood, IN, and nearby areas. We can help install or upgrade your home’s plumbing fixtures. Our team can answer any questions about common plumbing problems or floor flanges to secure your home’s pipes.
Contact us at Complete Comfort Heating Air & Plumbing in Greenwood, IN, today for more information on plumbing fixtures. Call us at (317) 648-5133.