Kitchens and bathrooms are among the most important rooms in modern homes. Often, it’s fixtures that determine whether kitchen and bathroom designs are a success. Let’s explore the latest trends in bathroom and kitchen fixture upgrades for your home.
WaterSense Products
WaterSense is a program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA sets standards for household fixtures and certifies products that meet them. That’s why you’ll find the WaterSense label on many products from the most popular home brands. While water conservation is a program focus, the EPA, through independent labs, evaluates these products broadly, including for usability. More consumers are purchasing WaterSense products than ever before, and that’s driving more voluntary corporate participation for 2025.
Smart Kitchen & Bathroom Fixtures
Home automation is among the hottest trends in home improvement, and you can find those advancements on the plumbing aisles, too. That includes smart leak detectors that can automatically activate smart valves to avoid water damage. Many water heaters now have Wi-Fi capabilities and provide app-based remote access and control. You’ll find these types of enhancements with faucets, showers, and toilets as well. Turn faucets on and off with voice commands. Receive a notification when your shower reaches your desired temperature, or set a filtered tap to give you just enough water to fill your favorite glass.
Toilets
According to the EPA, toilets account for 30% of the average household’s water consumption. Many homes still have decades-old toilets that can use 5-7 gallons per flush. The federal limit is now 1.6 gallons per flush, but that’s still high. An exciting trend in toilets is an emphasis on high-efficiency models, and installing a toilet with these features can save you money over time. WaterSense toilets use no more than 1.28 gallons per flush. That can save the average household around $2,000 over the life of each low-flow toilet in the home. Many WaterSense toilets are dual-flush toilets, which means they have two handles or buttons. One provides maximum flushing power, but the other lets you use much less water when you don’t need it.
Bidets are increasing in popularity throughout the U.S., but many bathrooms don’t have space for them without major renovations. That’s why you’ll find many toilets with integrated bidets. Heated seating is a popular option for greater comfort. Self-opening and -closing lids make for a more sanitary environment, and models with self-cleaning modes make cleanup easier.
Kitchen Faucets
There are many intriguing trends in the kitchen space, too, and perhaps none more notable than pot fillers. Pot fillers are extendable and adjustable faucets that open up how you use your available space. They can provide hot and cold water beyond your sinks, including over your ranges and countertops.
More brands are offering low-flow faucets. These products boast integrated aerators that minimize water usage while improving your perception of water pressure. Many popular products have aerators for the main faucet and additional equipment, including sprayers. Another hot trend is touchless faucets. These are fixtures that you can turn on, adjust, and turn off with gestures. Some models even have timers to turn off themselves automatically.
Bathroom Faucets
You’ll find similar enhancements among bathroom faucets, too. Touchless faucets let you clean your hands without touching the fixture, and many models come with automatic soap dispensers as well. Bathroom faucet aerators have a similar effect in bathrooms as in kitchens. They give water from the faucet with more body and force while reducing how much water you use. Another hot trend is multifunctional design. These models provide a main spigot but also various pull-down and pull-out faucets that you can use in different ways.
Showerheads
Multifunctional design is a notable trend in shower fixtures as well. Gone are the days when a modern shower had but a singular fixture. Many showers now have a fixed showerhead along with a dedicated handheld fixture. Rainfall showerheads are very popular, and it’s common to add one or more wall-mounted fixtures that deliver horizontal jets.
Consumers are emphasizing water consumption in this space as well. Consider that the standard showerhead can use as much as 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM). WaterSense showerheads, on the other hand, use no more than 2.0 GPM. Impressively, they do that without any noticeable change to how the water feels.
You’ll also find many showerheads with integrated water filtration. These filters can remove many impurities found in your water. They’re substances that can affect skin and hair health and make a shower less enjoyable.
Anti-Scald Devices
Plumbers have long used anti-scald devices in commercial applications, but they’re becoming more common for the home. This is especially true among households with young children who may inadvertently hurt themselves. You can opt for kitchen and bathroom faucets that have integrated anti-scald devices. An alternative is to install anti-scald valves. These components add protection to all faucets, pot fillers, showerheads, and so forth. It also allows you to replace fixtures in the future independent of the anti-scald feature.
Garbage Disposal Systems
If you don’t yet have a garbage disposal, you should add one. They allow for easier kitchen cleanup and slow the rate at which you accumulate trash. If you have an older model, it’s an excellent time to consider a modern replacement. The newest systems require less space, use less electricity, and create less noise. Consumers can choose from more powerful models than have been available traditionally, which opens up disposal options. Modern systems are also more effective grinders, which decreases the impact on municipal systems.
Tankless Water Heaters
There’s a direct connection between your water heater and the fixtures you use throughout your home. Modern water heaters in general are more efficient, which is better for the environment and your household costs. Tankless water heaters are among the most efficient and provide virtually endless hot water from your fixtures. A notable trend is point-of-use on-demand water heaters that are perfect for showers and tubs.
Water Softeners
Hard water can be devastating for your fixtures and also your pipes and water-using appliances. There are anti-scale devices through which you can directly protect water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines. A whole-house water softener will protect your entire home. It will also deliver a much better shower experience. While filtered showerheads can improve hard water, they can’t remove the calcium and magnesium.
Water Treatment
Many homeowners are reducing their reliance on bottled water with water purifiers. You can add point-of-use water purifiers to your faucets, coffeemakers, and refrigerators. You also have the option of a point-of-entry water purifier, which will provide clean water from every tap in your home. You can even have a whole-house water purifier and water softener that complement each other for comprehensive water treatment.
Kitchen & Bathroom Fixture Upgrades in Massachusetts
DeWolfe Plumbing, Heating & Cooling has been a family-owned and -operated plumbing contractor since 1931. We have locations in Falmouth, South Yarmouth, and West Boylston, MA, and our plumbers travel throughout the surrounding areas. You can count on our team for new fixture installations and replacements, including conversions. Our plumbers install all fixture brands and models. We offer a wide selection from the top brands and can install fixtures you’ve purchased elsewhere. Call today or contact us online to learn more about our products and services.
