Want to learn how to get even more value from your outdoor living space?
When most homeowners think about upgrading their backyard or patio, they think about decking, furniture and landscaping. But one critical upgrade that almost everyone forgets about…
Plumbing.
The right plumbing additions and upgrades can take your basic patio from blah to blockbuster. Outdoor spaces with usable plumbing are more attractive to buyers and according to this latest survey from Fixr, home experts agree that investing in an outdoor living space can have a huge impact on your home value. 98% of respondents to be exact.
That’s a big number.
Here’s the deal… If you don’t have the right sewer and water main repairs done, your outdoor drainage system and water supply lines in place, none of the renovations will stand the test of time. The right plumbing for outdoor living is what makes everything else possible.
Let’s get into it.
What you’re going to learn:
- Why Plumbing Is Key to Successful Outdoor Spaces
- Best Plumbing Upgrades to Increase Your Return
- Tackling Your Outdoor Plumbing Projects in Priority Order
Why Plumbing Is the Foundation of Outdoor Living
Ok, think of your plumbing as the foundation of a house… Not very glamorous but holds the whole thing together.
No one cares about your water supply lines or drainage system. But take one of those away and suddenly your outdoor kitchen isn’t functional. Your irrigation can’t operate. And when it rains your new patio turns into a muddy pool.
Here’s the thing about outdoor plumbing…
Americans are spending more money on their outdoor spaces than ever before. A recent report from This Old House shows that over 60% of homeowners say they’d spend money on an outdoor living space if they were planning a remodel.
That means more homeowners wanting functional outdoor entertaining areas than ever before. Functional includes everything from proper water supply lines to drainpipes and irrigation plumbing.
Don’t forget that investing in your outdoor plumbing also protects your investment. Damaged sewer lines, leaky pipes and improper drainage cause thousands of dollars of damage each year. Partnering with a professional plumbing company like Boris Mechanical for sewer and water main repair ensures your outdoor build is done right the first time.
Saving you time, money and headaches.
The Top Plumbing Upgrades That Add Real Value
Not every plumbing upgrade is created equal. Some items will offer greater return than others. Below are the best plumbing upgrades that increase your curb appeal and your ROI.
Outdoor Kitchen Plumbing
Outdoor kitchens are super popular right now. But if all you want is a grill on the patio, you’re missing out on some key benefits.
Don’t settle for less than the full deal. Here’s what your outdoor kitchen needs to work properly:
- Hot water supply lines
- Cold water supply lines
- A proper kitchen sink with drains
- Gas plumbing for built-in appliances
- Grease trap plumbing
Installing your outdoor kitchen plumbing might seem like overkill. But when your guests can wash their dishes outside and you can grill steak without setting off the smoke alarm it’ll be worth it. Plus, adding outdoor kitchen plumbing increases your home value.
Irrigation Systems
Landscaping makes your outdoor living space shine. But more greenery means more water.
An automatic irrigation system is one of the best backyard plumbing investments you can make. Automated timers and sprinklers keep your yard gorgeous year-round without spending all day watering.
Benefits of a Smart Irrigation System:
- Save water with efficient watering schedules
- Lower water bill when compared to hand-watering
- Healthier lawn and gardens
- Increased home value and curb appeal
Irrigation systems have come a long way too. Smart controllers use local weather data to optimize watering schedules and conserve water. Plus you can control smart systems from your phone.
Nobody has time to hand water like they used to. Get a sprinkler system.
Drainage Solutions
This one isn’t glamorous but listen up…
Bad drainage will destroy your outdoor living space. Water sits on uneven pavement, kills landscaping and attracts mosquitoes.
Correcting your outdoor drainage might not sound exciting. But it is important. Three of the best things you can do to improve drainage around your outdoor space are:
- Install a French drain around the patio perimeter
- Add channel drains through hardscaping areas
- Ensure proper grading slopes away from structures
Note: If you have older sewer lines they can cause drainage issues around your home too. Making sure your home’s sewer and water mains are in good repair before building out your outdoor space is key. Hire a reputable plumbing contractor to get the job done right.
Outdoor Showers + Water Features
Thinking of how to take your outdoor living space from cool to amazing?
Look no further than the humble outdoor shower.
They’re great for rinsing off at the pool but add serious value to your home. Outdoor showers add that hotel vibe homeowners dream about.
Water features are another area of outdoor plumbing that can offer big benefits. Waterfalls, ponds, and other features require plumbing to keep water recirculating.
Hose Bib Upgrades
Okay this one is low-hanging fruit. But sometimes you just have to start with the basics.
Installing modern frost-proof hose bibs will:
- Eliminate frozen pipes/bursts during cold snaps
- Provide better water pressure outdoors
- Have built-in backflow prevention
- Last longer than old school hose bibs
How To Prioritise Your Outdoor Plumbing Projects
Not every homeowner can (or wants to) do everything at once. That is perfectly okay!
The best way to budget your outdoor plumbing projects is to start with the foundations.
Here is how to tackle outdoor plumbing projects:
- Repair any current sewer and water main problems
- Install proper drainage solutions
- Add any water supply lines for kitchens or landscaping
- Upgrade old hose bibs/spigots
- Install irrigation after landscaping is complete
This order allows you to build your outdoor entertaining areas on a solid foundation. No literally. Don’t pour that fancy new deck right on a busted drainage system.
Bringing It All Together
This guide should help you navigate the world of outdoor plumbing.
To keep it super simple, these are the best outdoor plumbing projects to increase value and functionality.
- Outdoor kitchen plumbing
- Irrigation upgrades
- Drainage improvements
- Outdoor showers + water features
- Hose bib upgrades
Start with the foundation and work up. Get your outdoor plumbing in order. Then start planning that dream patio or backyard everyone will flock to.