Upgrading a home often brings attention to kitchens, bathrooms and finishes – but plumbing is one area experts say should not be overlooked.
Whether purchasing a property or undertaking a major renovation, a plumbing system can affect everything from water pressure to energy efficiency.
At Bermuda Waterworks, advice on plumbing upgrades comes from a company that works with water at every level.
In addition to operating its piped water utility and bottled water division, the company also runs a retail plumbing supply outlet at 32 Parsons Lane, Devonshire.
The Water Depot is Bermuda Waterworks’ retail plumbing outlet. It stocks PVC and CPVC pipes and fittings, as well as equipment that can be harder to source locally, including water pumps and accessories, water treatment equipment, pressure tanks, water heaters, pipe repair clamps, mechanical couplings and in-ground covers designed to support heavy wheel loading.
The retail arm grew out of necessity. As Bermuda Waterworks sourced equipment to support its own water production and distribution systems, interest grew in the fittings, pipes and components being brought onto the island and led to the launch of a dedicated retail shop.
“What’s different about us is that we are a bit of a specialty plumbing outlet,” explained Roger Todd, president and chief executive of Watlington Waterworks Ltd.
“We sell plumbing supplies, but we currently do not provide plumbing services.”
The Water Depot is well known among contractors, but it is also open to homeowners looking to upgrade or replace key components of their plumbing systems. One of the newer products gaining attention is the DAB EsyBox Mini3 pump, a variable-speed, multi-stage centrifugal pump that differs from traditional household pumps.
“It eliminates the need for a pressure tank, and it operates extremely quietly,” Mr Todd said.
“It actually ramps up and ramps down to maintain constant pressure according to the system demands and thus optimises energy consumption.”
Unlike traditional pumps that cycle on and off with varying pressure, the DAB pump maintains steady pressure throughout the home.
“If you set it to 60 psi, it will keep your entire plumbing system at 60 psi,” Mr Todd added.
Bermuda Waterworks stocks a one-horsepower DAB pump, which the company says can replace a traditional jet pump of up to two horsepower, depending on the system. With a 20 per cent discount for cash and card purchases, the sales price is $1,400.
Experience with the pumps has been encouraging.
“I know DAB pumps that have been in service for over 10 years, and they’re still in operation,” the CEO said.
Beyond pumps, The Water Depot also supplies water meters and meter chambers, which can be useful for properties with multiple dwelling units, allowing homeowners to better monitor water usage.
When planning upgrades, Bermuda Waterworks advises homeowners to think beyond individual components.
Mr Todd said: “I would advise that when people are considering purchasing a home, or if they’re doing a significant renovation or upgrade, that they really consider the whole plumbing system, and not just pieces of it, because as with everything, you’re only as strong as the weakest link.”
Although the company does not provide installation services, it offers technical support through engineers and plumbers who work within its utility operations and stands behind the products it sells.
To protect warranties and ensure proper installation, customers are encouraged to use qualified plumbers.
“If you’re used to working on a certain type of product, and you’ve done that for years, and then there’s a shift in the product type, it can throw some tradesmen a curve ball,” he added.
“So you do need to make sure that you have a qualified and experienced plumber.”
The Water Depot is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm at 32 Parsons Lane, Devonshire. For more information, visit bwl.bm.
