Planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel and want the best return on your investment? Smart plumbing upgrades can boost resale value, reduce utility bills, and future‑proof your home.
Below is a practical, Long Beach–focused guide to the highest‑impact choices our Long Beach Plumbing experts recommend, created by A1 Best Plumbing.
Key Takeaways:
High-ROI upgrades: tankless water heater with recirculation, whole‑home filtration/conditioning, low‑flow WaterSense fixtures, smart leak detection with auto shutoff, and strategic repiping.
- Future‑proofing: upsize gas lines for tankless and outdoor kitchens, add cleanouts and backwater valves, and use 2-inch shower drains.
- Local wins: address hard water, aging galvanized lines, and seismic/gas safety. Check for Long Beach and California code requirements and available rebates.
For the best results, our Long Beach Plumbing experts recommend bundling these upgrades while walls are open—labor is already mobilized, so incremental costs stay low.
1) Tankless Water Heater + Recirculation: Comfort, Space, and Savings
A high-efficiency tankless unit delivers endless hot water and frees up floor space—two things buyers love. Adding a demand-controlled recirculation pump eliminates long waits at far fixtures without constant energy loss.
- Value adds: lower utility bills, longer lifespan than tanks, sleek footprint.
- Local note: our Long Beach Plumbing experts recommend verifying gas line size and venting; many older homes need a gas upsizing to support tankless. Consider seismic strapping and a dedicated drain for condensate per California Plumbing Code.
Tip: If you prefer to keep a tank, choose a heat pump water heater for major energy savings—also a compelling resale story.
2) Whole‑Home Water Filtration and Conditioning (Hard Water Solution)
Long Beach’s water is mineral‑rich, which can cause scale on fixtures and shorten appliance life. A whole‑home carbon filter plus a conditioning or softening system protects plumbing, improves taste, and keeps glass and tile spot‑free.
- Value adds: visibly cleaner fixtures, longer faucet and appliance life.
- Our Long Beach Plumbing experts recommend choosing systems with bypass valves and easy media changes, and locating the equipment with proper drains for maintenance flushes.
3) Low‑Flow, High‑Performance Fixtures That Don’t Feel “Low‑Flow”
Modern WaterSense fixtures deliver strong performance while cutting utility bills—win-win for you and future buyers.
- Toilets: 1.28 GPF (or better) with proven flush ratings; consider comfort-height and skirted designs for easy cleaning.
- Showerheads: 1.75–2.0 GPM with pressure-compensating tech for consistent spray.
- Faucets: 1.2 GPM lavatory faucets; pull‑down or touchless kitchen faucets.
- Our Long Beach Plumbing experts recommend trusted brands with metal internals and ceramic cartridges for longevity.
Bonus: Utility rebates are often available for WaterSense fixtures—check current Long Beach programs before you buy.
4) Smart Leak Detection + Automatic Shutoff: Protect Value Instantly
A single undetected leak can erase your remodel gains. A whole‑home smart shutoff valve paired with wi‑fi leak sensors in high‑risk areas (water heater, sinks, laundry, fridge) can catch issues early and turn water off automatically.
- Value adds: lower insurance risk, app alerts, and documented maintenance history.
- Our Long Beach Plumbing experts recommend systems that integrate with your smart home and provide granular usage data to spot hidden issues.
5) Strategic Repiping: Replace the Weak Links, Not the Whole House
Many Long Beach homes still have partial galvanized steel or brittle polybutylene segments. During a remodel, opening walls is the perfect time to swap vulnerable runs for type L copper or PEX‑A with expansion fittings.
- Best practice: a home‑run manifold for PEX provides balanced pressure and easy fixture isolation.
- Upgrade while open: install new shutoff valves, replace old angle stops, and use braided stainless supply lines.
- Our Long Beach Plumbing experts recommend repiping any lines you touch now to avoid future tear‑outs.
6) Kitchen Plumbing That Sells: Function Meets Luxury
- Deep, 16–18 gauge stainless sink to reduce noise and dents.
- Quiet disposal with proper baffle and an air switch at the deck for safer control.
- Pot filler over the range when gas/electric and layout permit.
- RO tap (reverse osmosis) at the sink with a dedicated ice maker feed for clear ice and great coffee.
- Our Long Beach Plumbing experts recommend installing a dedicated GFCI outlet for the RO booster pump and ensuring proper air gaps per code.
7) Bathroom Upgrades Buyers Notice
- 2-inch shower drains for faster drainage and fewer clogs.
- Pressure-balancing or thermostatic valves to eliminate temperature swings.
- Linear drains for barrier-free, spa-like showers.
- Warming bidet seat with GFCI-protected outlet behind the toilet.
- Our Long Beach Plumbing experts recommend rough‑in heights and blocking for future grab bars (universal design) without announcing “ADA.”
8) Hot Water Recirculation Loop (Even Without Tankless)
If your home’s layout causes long hot‑water waits, a dedicated return line or crossover recirculation system slashes water waste and boosts comfort.
- Value adds: instant hot water at distant baths, lower water bills.
- Our Long Beach Plumbing experts recommend demand‑activated recirc (button or motion sensor) to avoid constant energy use.
9) Sewer Line Due Diligence: Camera, Cleanouts, and Backwater Protection
Tree roots, offsets, and aging clay lines are common in older Long Beach neighborhoods. A pre‑remodel camera inspection can save you from post‑remodel surprises.
- Add two‑way cleanouts at the property line for easy maintenance.
- Consider a backwater valve if your home sits lower than the street or has a basement/crawl fixtures; it can prevent messy and costly backups during heavy rains.
- Our Long Beach Plumbing experts recommend scheduling repairs before you close walls or pour new slabs.
10) Gas Line Sizing and Seismic Safety
If you’re adding a tankless heater, outdoor grill, or accessory dwelling unit, you may need to upsize gas lines to maintain proper BTU delivery.
- Install an excess flow or seismic gas shutoff valve for safety—often required during major alterations in California.
- Our Long Beach Plumbing experts recommend labeling shutoffs and documenting sizing for future inspections.
11) Code, Permits, and Documentation: Invisible Value That Pays Off
Nothing kills a sale faster than unpermitted work. Clean inspections and paperwork reassure buyers and insurers.
- Pull permits and follow the California Plumbing Code and local Long Beach amendments.
- Pressure test new lines; keep as‑built photos of pipe routes and shutoff locations.
- Our Long Beach Plumbing experts recommend creating a homeowner binder with appliance manuals, valve locations, and warranty info—small effort, big buyer confidence.
12) Exterior Touches That Matter
- Anti‑siphon hose bibs to protect water quality.
- Irrigation backflow testing and labeling.
- Laundry upgrades: drain pan with leak sensor, stainless supply lines, and a quick‑shut valve.
- Garage utility sink or mudroom wash station for everyday convenience.
Local Rebates and Incentives
Water‑efficient fixtures, high‑efficiency toilets, and certain water heaters may qualify for regional rebates. Our Long Beach Plumbing experts recommend checking current programs with local utilities and SoCal energy providers before purchasing—stacking rebates can materially improve ROI.
The Bottom Line
- Prioritize comfort, protection, and efficiency. Tankless + recirc, water treatment, smart leak shutoff, selective repiping, and modern fixtures deliver the strongest value.
- Leverage open walls. Do the behind‑the‑scenes upgrades now to avoid future demolition.
- Think Long Beach. Address hard water, aging lines, gas safety, and sewer health specific to our housing stock.
Ready to plan a value‑packed remodel? A1 Best Plumbing can design and install the upgrades our Long Beach Plumbing experts recommend, coordinate permits, and provide the documentation buyers and insurers want. Contact A1 Best Plumbing to schedule a consultation and turn your remodel into a long‑term investment.