If you are planning to build a new home (or carry out a significant remodel), it pays to design your plumbing system the right way from the start. Certain features can be expensive to retrofit later, so it is smart to consider them now. Below are three critical “must-haves” that will support health, efficiency, and overall performance in your new plumbing setup.
1. Whole-House Water Filtration
Filtering water right when it enters your home is a major step in ensuring better health and longer-lasting fixtures. Municipal water often contains enough chlorine to prevent bacteria growth in piping systems, but that same chlorine can be hard on your body and your plumbing parts.
• Health Benefits
Skin is our largest organ, absorbing chlorine in baths and showers. A filtration system can reduce that exposure significantly.
• Fixture Protection
Chlorine can degrade rubber parts like toilet flappers or seals in faucets, forcing frequent replacements.
• Simple Maintenance
Premium whole-house filtration systems (like Halo) often have easy-to-service cartridges or backwashing setups, so ongoing care does not become a headache.
2. Electrical Outlets Near Toilets
Thinking about a bidet or smart toilet upgrade? Installing an electrical outlet behind or beside each toilet is a game-changer.
• Convenience
Bidet toilet seats require a power source for their heating elements, control panels, and water sprayers.
• Hygiene Boost
A bidet or smart toilet reduces toilet paper usage and helps you feel cleaner.
• Easy Retrofits
Running a dedicated circuit later is much pricier than simply placing an outlet during new construction. Even a remodel that opens walls is the perfect time to plan for the future.
3. Tankless-Ready Gas and Electric Setup
A tankless water heater offers on-demand hot water and energy savings, but it can require upgrades. Designing your build around a tankless ensures you do not face major costs later.
• Adequate Gas Supply
Traditional tank heaters may use 30,000-40,000 BTUs, while tankless can use up to 200,000 BTUs. Ensuring a bigger gas line and possibly a higher-capacity meter avoids expensive upgrades down the road.
• Smart Venting
Tankless units often have specific venting requirements, so planning framing and exhaust routes from the start is simpler than retrofits.
• Backup Power
Most tankless water heaters need electrical power for ignition or digital controls. Having an outlet or circuit pre-planned eliminates surprise wiring later.
Conclusion
Building a new home is a chance to get the plumbing 100% right from the onset. By integrating whole-house filtration, wiring for bidet-capable toilets, and preparing for tankless water heating, you protect your family’s health, ensure comfort, and save yourself big retrofit costs. Think about these features now, and you will enjoy superior plumbing performance for years to come.
