Serving the Houston area for Over 45 Years

Making it happen since 1979


Blog Layout
Plumbing Fixtures Worth Updating in Your Home
June 29, 2018
Plumbing Fixtures Worth Updating in Your Home

If you want to upgrade your home without undergoing a major remodel, consider upgrading a few common plumbing fixtures. You can make a difference in the appearance of your kitchen, bathroom, or other areas of your home by updating the following plumbing fixtures in your home.

Your Bathtub


Your bathtub is a fixture in the home you likely don't give a second thought to, but consider this: The average bathtub only lasts around 20 years before its lining starts to wear out or stains and age begin to take their toll.


You can replace your bathtub for around $300 (you will spend more if you are replacing accompanying plumbing hoses as well), or, if your tub is free of scratches and permanent stains, you can have your current bathtub relined. A new bathtub can give your bathroom a modern, well-kept appeal without the cost of a major remodel.


Your Kitchen Sink


Upgrading your classic porcelain kitchen sink for a stainless steel model gives your kitchen a more contemporary feel. If your current kitchen sink leaks, has rust stains in it from washing years' worth of utensils, or isn't deep enough to properly clean your dishes or allow you to rinse off your produce, then visit your local plumbing supply store to view various kitchen sink models that will better fit your needs.


Your Water Heater


Unless your water heater has been installed in the last few years, replacing the current unit you have is a wise idea. The average gas water heater lasts up to 12 years, while an electric model can last up to 15 years.


Replace your current water heater with an energy-efficient model to save money on water heating expenses. Keep in mind the size of your family and how many bathrooms you have when selecting a new water heater - buying a unit that is too small for your home's needs can result in less hot water being produced. Your plumbing supply specialist will help you select a water heater that is ideal for your home.


Your Bathroom Faucets


Give your bathroom a simple upgrade by replacing your current sink and tub faucets with modern, contemporary designs. Bronze or brass faucets give your bathroom a charming, classic appeal, while stainless steel faucet designs offer a more streamlined appearance to your bathroom.


When replacing faucets, make sure you choose tub and sink fixtures that complement one another. This way, you update your entire bathroom and allow these areas to shine in their own right. Since there are many applications and water flow allowances for faucets, let a plumbing supply specialist assist you in choosing the replacement parts you need.


In addition to updating plumbing fixtures in your home, it's wise to also replace outdated plumbing pipes and connections. If your pipes are made of copper, show signs of wear, or have mismatched connections, then update pipes as part of your remodeling project. CPVC replacement parts are a wise choice for updating your plumbing so that your new sinks, tubs, and water heater installations last longer.


You can upgrade your home's plumbing without spending a lot of money or tearing your house apart for a remodel. Visit a plumbing supply showroom to get ideas for upgrading your home's plumbing fixtures. Prices for replacement features vary depending on the brand, style, and additional plumbing parts you purchase.


Take measurements of your current tub and sink spaces so you choose replacement parts that will fit. You can install replacement plumbing features yourself or hire a plumber to do the work for you.


Visit Universal Plumbing Supply Co. today to see what inventory we have for your home's plumbing projects.

Plumbing fixtures

3 Eco-Friendly Plumbing Fixtures for Your Home

April 29, 2018
Plumbing is an imperative part of your home's function and family's needs. From washing clothes and taking a shower to doing the daily dishes and disposing of waste, it is easy to see the importance of your showers, tubs, toilets, faucets, sinks, and plumbing and septic lines. Your standard plumbing fixtures and appliances use a great deal of water and energy, which can negatively affect the environment while increasing your monthly water and electricity bills. Thankfully, help is available. With these eco-friendly plumbing fixtures , you can conserve water, energy, and money.
Record old well pump

Record Old Well Pump and Pressure Tank Setup for Proper Replacement

February 28, 2018
Is it time to change out your pump and pressure tank on your well water system? There are several ways to ensure your water system is suitable and reliable after the swap. Here's what you should do. 
Tankless water heater

4 Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters for Vacation Homes

December 26, 2017
If you have a vacation home that you only spend a few weeks in each year and it is time to replace the hot water heater, then you should consider installing a tankless hot water heater instead of a conventional hot water tank. Tankless water heaters work well in every home, but they are an especially great choice for vacation homes. This post lists four reasons you should install a tankless water heater in your vacation home.
PVC piping at home

What Do You Need To Install CPVC Piping In Your Home?

October 31, 2017
CPVC (Chlorinated Poly Vinyl Chloride) pipe is a type of plastic pipe that can be used for water supply lines inside your home, as opposed to PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride) pipe, which is only suitable for drainage. This type of pipe has many advantages over galvanized steel or copper pipe. The material itself is less expensive and installation is less labor intensive than either of the metallic options. CPVC pipe will not rust or corrode from age or exposure to harsh contaminants in the local water supply, and can connect easily to existing galvanized or copper lines through the use of conversion fittings that are specially designed for that use. Best of all, installation of CPVC piping involves the use of a type of adhesive cement for connections, eliminating the need for soldering as with copper pipe or wrestling with heavy galvanized pipe to make threaded connections.
Bathroom faucets

Bathroom Faucet Types and How to Identify Them

September 1, 2017
Whether you're renovating your bathroom, need some new plumbing fixtures or just need to find replacement parts for a leaky faucet, knowing what type of faucet you have is critical. The more you know about your current faucet, the easier it will be to find replacement parts or to decide on a new model.  Bathroom faucets can be categorized by several criteria, such as the type of mount or the internal function of the faucet. Here are the basics of each of these and how to tell which category your faucet falls into, as well as what that means for your renovation or replacement faucet.
Water heater

Choosing The Right Water Heater

September 1, 2017
Warm water is a homeowner’s favorite comfort, but it’s one that's often taken for granted. When you're between water heaters or when your heater is malfunctioning and won't supply you with hot showers, you can't take it for granted; you have to think seriously about choosing a replacement. The replacement water heater you choose should fit your volume needs, your budget, and your living situation. Here are some tips for how to choose based on these variables.
Gas water heater

Tips on Repairing Your Gas Water Heater

March 3, 2017
A gas water heater is an excellent addition to a home when you need a reliable source of warm, clean water. However, it may break down eventually. In which case, you need to be able to perform some basic maintenance.
Sewer Snake

Benefits of Owning a Sewer Snake and When to Use It

January 1, 2017
A sewer snake is a flexible wire you can send down a drain to break apart any troublesome clogs. It is a simple way to remove clogs in your home. With so many advantages to be gained, it is worth considering the next time you have drainage problems.
Tankless versus normal water heaters

The Differences Between a Tankless or Normal Water Heaters

October 29, 2016
There’s a whole debate out there on whether it’s best to purchase a water heater with a tank or one that is tankless. However, the truth is that both have advantages. Therefore, when it comes down to the final purchase, it is entirely up to the homeowners’ personal preferences. Some simple tips can help assist in the choice. Space - For the installation of a water heater, homeowners should first consider the amount of space they have. The size of the space where the water heater has to be located can be a determining factor of which type to purchase. Budget - Homeowner budgets have a large impact on which water heater to choose. The cost of water heaters varies depending on the capacity of the heater. Other factors include short-term savings versus long-term savings. Installation - Both tanked and tankless water heaters require installation by a licensed plumber. Depending the age of the home and the wiring, one type water heater may be recommended over another, especially if any additional wiring may be required to be in compliance with local building codes. After homeowners have all the information, they can then make an informed decision on which type of water heater to purchase. To find the right water heater for your home, contact Universal Plumbing Supply at 713-225-2800.
PVC Piping

The Benefits of Using PVC Piping

August 16, 2016
When the pipes in your building are on their last legs, it is time to get a replacement. One option to consider is PVC piping for the variety of advantages it offers.
Share by: