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Installing these plumbing items while the house is under construction will save you thousands of dollars later on, and eliminate the inconvenience and mess of having to tear up the basement floor and/or foundation walls.

* All prices shown are based on Manufacturer's Suggested List Price

1. Automatic Washing Machine Water Shutoff Valves
   Did you know that traditional rubber hoses should to be replaced every five (5) years?
   
   It's easy to forget that the only thing separating a homeowner from a flooded house is a rubber hose.
   
   But all too often, people will leave the water turned on to a washing machine, leaving the hose to hold the water under pressure.
   
   Should either hot or cold water hose fail, the house can be flooded quickly.
   
   A burst washing machine hose can discharge 500 gallons of water in one hour!
   
   Watts makes 2 different products to prevent catastrophic water damage caused by burst, broken or ruptured water supply hoses and fittings.
   
   
   • The Watts Intelliflow Washer Valve
     Under $170.00
     
     The Intelliflow eliminates this hazard by sensing when the washing machine is on or off, and then opens or closes the hot and cold inlet valves as needed to allow or prevent water from flowing to the washer. If a leak is detected, both the hot and cold water valves are immediately closed.
     
     Learn more
     
     
   • FloodSafe™ Connectors
     Under $20.00 each
     
     These flexible braided stainless steel water supply connectors from Watts, feature a patented FloodSafe™ shutoff device that automatically shuts off the water supply to plumbing fixtures/appliances when a leak or rupture is sensed.
     
     FloodSafe™ Connectors are available for all faucet, washing machine, dishwasher, ice maker and toilet connections.
     
     Learn More
     
     
     
2. Laundry Room Floor Drain:
   
   Even with the use of automatic shut-off valves, a certain amount of water will be released into the room and elsewhere before the valves are turned off.
   
   Audible alarms that sound when water is detected on the floor, are only useful if someone is home to hear them.
   
   Some builders place the washing machine in a shower pan with a floor drain. This may help if the washer leaks from directly underneath, but it will not take care of water gushing from a burst hose. (it also makes it difficult to move the washer for service)
   
   A floor drain in the laundry room will help minimize the amount of water damage, and help clean up after a major leak occurs.
   
   Standard grates are PVC. Brushed satin or polished brass finishes are available.
   
   
   
3. Utility / Laundry Sink with pull-out spout:
   
   While it is true that laundry sinks today aren't used as much as before, every laundry room should have some type of a sink in it.
   
   A sink, such as a lavatory basin, is too shallow to soak clothes without some degree of splashing. However, think twice before choosing a sink that is over 11" deep. Chances are it will end up being used as "storage space".
   
   A sink 18" wide by 9" deep is generally adequate for use in the laundry room.
   
   Standard laundry faucets are generally smaller in size, offer less flexibility in use, and usually get in the way when trying to access the sink. A single lever, high neck, kitchen or prep-sink faucet with a pull-out spout is the preferred choice.
   
   Laundry Sinks »
   
   
   
4. Ventilator
   $50.00 and up
   
   Washers and dryers generate a lot of moisture, which can make laundry rooms walls damp.
   
   Your builder will include a vent to the outside for the dryer. But chances are a vent fan won't be there.
   
   Proper ventilation is important to prevent mold, mildew, peeling paint, and warping, Concentrated moisture problems like these demand concentrated ventilation.
   
   
   Learn More »
   
   

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