With over 20 years of experience as plumbers in Brisbane, we’ve seen residential plumbing evolve significantly over the decades. From major technological advancements and new regulations to shifting consumer demands, there are some important emerging plumbing trends that local homeowners need to be aware of.
Whether you’re building a new house, renovating, or just want to future-proof your plumbing system, here’s a rundown of the latest residential trends and what they mean for Brisbane homeowners:
Water conservation and environmental sustainability
Perhaps the biggest overarching trend is a heightened focus on water efficiency amid drought conditions and climate change concerns. We’re seeing:
- Installations of low-flow showerheads, taps and toilets
- Switch to front-loading washing machines
- Rainwater harvesting and greywater reuse plumbing
- Water softener and filtration systems
- Smart irrigation and xeriscaping landscaping
Both consumer demand and government regulations are driving this shift towards sustainable plumbing practices that reduce strain on municipal water supplies.
Smart, connected plumbing technology
Just like smart home tech for HVAC, security and more, plumbing systems are “going intelligent” with internet-connected capabilities:
- Remote mobile app control and monitoring
- Automatic water shut-off and leak detection sensors
- Self-cleaning systems for drains and tankless heaters
- Predictive maintenance alerts and data reporting
Smart plumbing provides greater convenience and efficiency for homeowners while also enabling proactive maintenance.
Rise of tankless and hybrid water heaters
While tanked storage water heaters still dominate, the tankless “on-demand” heater market has steadily grown thanks to:
- Never running out of hot water
- 20+ year lifespan (vs 10-12 years for tanks)
- Space savings from compact wall-mounting
- Improved energy efficiency up to 34%
There are also new hybrid electric/heat pump options that are extremely eco-friendly for water heating.
Increased use of PEX plumbing pipes
Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipes have emerged as a popular alternative to copper and CPVC plumbing lines due to advantages like:
- More freeze and heat resistant
- Faster, lower cost installation
- Flexible yet extremely durable
- Doesn’t leach chemicals or corrode
PEX handles Brisbane’s climate extremes admirably and meets all Australian plumbing codes.
High-end bathroom trends
For new construction and renovations, luxury bathroom upgrades have been in high demand locally:
- Freestanding bathtubs
- Walk-in showers with high-flow rainfall showerheads
- Automated shower/tub systems with push-button controls
- Wall-mounted toilets with integrated bidet functionality
These high-end fixtures and showers require specialised plumbing configurations and premium materials.
Focus on functional, durable design
In addition to efficiency and luxury, many homeowners are prioritising residential plumbing systems designed for:
- Extended product life cycles
- Low maintenance and easy repairs
- visual appeal and concealed pipework
- Flexible renovations and future expansion
The goal is balancing performance with livability to maximise return on plumbing investments.
Conclusion
From sustainability and smart home connectivity to designer bathrooms and modern plumbing products, there are exciting new trends reshaping residential plumbing. As a homeowner, it’s important to understand these emerging developments and how they impact your home’s value, efficiency and day-to-day living experience.
Our team of veteran Brisbane plumbers keeps ahead of the curve on all the latest solutions. We’ll work with you to incorporate future-focused plumbing designs and technologies that fit your lifestyle and budget. With over 20 years serving local residents, we know how to future-proof your plumbing for decades of reliable service.