HOME > Planning Guide > Getting Started

What Every New Home Should Have
.... and probably won't, unless you ask

1   2   3   4   5   6

1. Water Heater Catch Pan
   
   The average life expectancy of a hot water heater is 10 to 12 years ... and when they fail, the cause is usually due to a cracked or ruptured glass tank liner.
   
   When that happens, the contents of the tank is going to go someplace in your home ... that's 30 - 100 gallons of water, depending on tank size ... assuming of course that you are there to turn off the water going into the tank.
   
   According to a recent nationwide analysis by Safeco Insurance, one out of every 10 water-damage claims can be traced back to a malfunctioning hot water tank or washing machine. These two appliances are more likely than Mother Nature to inflict damage on the home.
   
   A water heater catch/drain pan provides an extra level of protection against water damage. Made of aluminium, the pan is 2" deep and is fitted with a 1" side or bottom drain outlet.
   
   Available in 14", 16", 19", 22", 24", and 26½" diameters to help protect any installation area from possible water damage.
   

   The water heater drain/catch pan must be installed at the same time as the water heater. It cannot be added later, without removing the water heater.
   

   Made by Rheem
   (note: catch pan must conform to local building codes)
   
   
2. Battery Backup Sump Pump
   
   You have a sump pump for a reason.
   
   If it should ever fail, or should the power be interrupted during a heavy rainstorm, you could end up with a flooded basement. If the lower level in your home is used for living quarters, as many are today, this could be a disaster.
   
   In this case, an ounce of prevention might be worth a ton of cure. The battery backup pump is powered by a continually recharged deep-cycle battery and mounted in the same pit as the submersible pump, ready to activate in an emergency if the primary pump fails for any reason.
   Learn more
   
   
3. Insulated Supply Lines
   
   Installing inexpensive, preformed foam insulation sleeves on hot and cold water supply lines in unheated areas will not only prevent frozen pipes, but reduce energy bills.
   
   The foam simply slips onto the pipe through a slit in the sleeve, allowing easy access for repairs and maintenance.
   
   Insulating the entire length of the hot water pipes (not just in unheated areas) will reduce heat loss as the hot water is flowing to your faucet and, more importantly, it will reduce standby losses when the tap is turned off and then back on within an hour or so.
   
   (For maximum energy savings, make sure the foam fits snug)
   
   Even when pipes are insulated, the water in the pipes will eventually cool, but it stays warmer longer than it would if the pipes weren't insulated.
   
   Must have access to all piping - for New Construction or major Rehab
   
   
   
4. Hot Water Recirculating Pump
   (Instant Hot Water for the Whole House)
   
   
   It's not only tedious and frustrating waiting for the water to warm up in order to take a shower, it's extremely wasteful as well.
   
   The water cooling off in the pipes was heated once, but has cooled off and ends up in the sewer without being used.
   
   A recirculating pump keeps the water hot so there's no waiting and no waste. Recirculating pumps are easy to install and inexpensive in new construction. (hot water lines should be insulated when a recirculating pump is used)
   
   They can also be used for radiant heating systems - providing hot water for heating through floor-installed zoning loops.
   Manufactured by Grundfos.   Learn more
   
   

1   2   3   4   5   6

1. GENERAL PLUMBING     Water Heater Pan     Insulated Lines     Recirculating Pump 2. GARAGE     Freezeless Faucets     Utility Sink

3. MUD ROOM     Utility Sink     Mop Sink 4. LAUNDRY ROOM     Automatic Shutoff Valves     Floor Drain     Sink with pull-out spout

5. BATHROOM     Grab Bars     Fan/Light Over Tub/Shower     Hand Held Spray at Tub     Body Spray Shower 6. KITCHEN     Pot Filler

 BACK

Was this article helpful?   Yes    No