4 Plumbing Upgrades for Aging Homes in 2025

Older homes have a unique charm, but they can also hide challenges, including outdated plumbing systems. 

Plumbing problems in old homes are not uncommon and can lead to issues like leaks, clogs, and inefficient water usage. These plumbing issues in old homes can disrupt daily life and result in costly repairs if left unaddressed. 

If this sounds like your home, now is the time to address your aging plumbing system! 

Why You Should Modernize Your Plumbing

Generally, homeowners who have a home 30 years or older should consider plumbing upgrades this year. This is especially true if the original plumbing is used in the house—lead pipes, galvanized steel pipes, or polybutylene pipes—which are prone to cracking and leaks and can pose risks to your household’s health. 

Upgrades can enhance water efficiency throughout your home, lower utility bills, and create a more reliable plumbing system that can provide peace of mind. Adding modern plumbing systems also increases the overall value of your home, making it more appealing to potential buyers if you and your family choose to move. 

Investing in these plumbing updates for your aging home in 2025 can prevent plumbing problems in old homes and help you protect your property from preventable issues in the future. 

1. Replace Old Pipes

Older pipes are prone to corrosion, leaks, and potential health risks involving contamination in the water you drink and cook with. Upgrading to modern materials for your pipes, including PEX, copper, or CPVC, improves water quality and enhances your plumbing’s durability and efficiency. 

PEX piping, for example, is flexible, making it resistant to freezing Wisconsin temperatures and easier to install. Copper pipes are valuable when you want a plumbing pipe option known for its longevity and reliability. 

Replacing outdated pipes in your older home can help eliminate common plumbing problems you may already be experiencing. The Watters Plumbing professionals can help you choose the best pipe material for your home’s needs. 

2. Install Low-Flow Fixtures

Low-flow fixtures are a simple yet effective way to modernize your home’s aging plumbing. These fixtures include low-flow toilets, showerheads, and faucets designed to use significantly less water without sacrificing performance. 

Low-flow toilets use as little as 1.28 gallons of water per flush compared to the standard 3.5-gallon tanks in older models. These upgrades allow you to save on your water bill while creating a more eco-conscious environment within your home. Low-flow showerheads don’t mean you’re sacrificing on performance. These fixtures maintain strong water pressure, yet they reduce water usage by up to 50%! 

You can customize your new fixtures to your style by choosing from many different fixture styles from trusted brands in the industry, including Kohler, Moen, and Delta, as well as Luxart, Artisan, and Mirabelle. You can visit our showroom to see these low-flow faucets in action, giving you a better understanding of how they work while our team explains the best options for your home. 

3. Upgrade Your Water Heater

Upgrading your water heater is an excellent investment for your aging home if you have not upgraded already. 

Traditional tank water heaters used in older homes can struggle to meet the demands of today’s households, especially if you have children or are often hosting guests. This lack of performance means higher energy bills and inconsistent hot water. This is where a new tankless water heater comes in handy. 

Tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand, eliminating the need to store and constantly reheat water and reducing energy consumption. Hybrid water heater models combine the efficiency of a heat pump with a storage tank to deliver reliable hot water while using less energy. 

Many of the modern water heaters that the Watters Plumbing team installs also have smart features, such as adjustable temperature controls and energy usage tracking. These features make it easier to optimize performance to your family’s needs while helping you save money. 

4. Add Smart Plumbing Technology

Incorporating smart plumbing technology is one of our team’s favorite innovative ways to modernize outdated plumbing systems throughout the Fox Valley area. These integrations enhance efficiency and reliability while catching plumbing problems before you even notice them. 

Devices like leak detection sensors can monitor water usage in real-time and alert you to potential issues, such as hidden leaks or unusual water flow, preventing costly repairs and damage. Smart water shut-off valves provide an extra layer of security, allowing you to stop water flow remotely in emergencies, even when you’re away from home. 

Contact Watters for Plumbing Services in the Fox Cities 

From upgrading pipes to choosing new fixtures, the expert team at Watters is here to help you update your home and maintain peace of mind throughout the year. 

Call us at (920) 204-7507 to upgrade your home’s plumbing system!