The Hottest Plumbing Trends for New Builds & Remodels

From digital showers to instant hot water taps, see which smart upgrades homeowners are choosing.

If you are planning a new build or a major remodel, you already know the to-do list is long: cabinets, flooring, paint colors, fixtures. It’s easy for plumbing to feel like a background decision and something to think about once the “fun” choices are made. But choosing your plumbing fixtures is actually one of the areas you should consider giving more thought to during construction, because this is the one window where upgrades are simple, walls are already open, and the cost difference between “standard” and “smart” is often smaller than people expect.

Whether you are framing a brand new house or remodeling a kitchen and bathroom, here’s a look at some of the newest and most talked-about plumbing technology on the market today, plus a few practical upgrades that are far easier and cheaper to install now than to retrofit later.

New and Trendy Smart Plumbing Technology That is Worth a Look

Plumbing manufacturers have leaned hard into “smart home” technology over the last few years and some of these products have moved well past novelty status. Here are three smart plumbing fixtures worth considering during construction.

A Digital Shower System That Remembers Your Preferences

Digital shower systems, like Moen’s Smart Shower line, replaces the standard single or two-handle shower valve with a wall-mounted digital controller and a companion app. Instead of standing in a cold shower waiting for the water to warm up, you can set a precise temperature, save personalized presets for each household member, and start the shower remotely from your phone or by asking a smart speaker. This technology ensures that the shower is exactly the right temperature by the time you step in.

The controllers connect to two or four outlets, meaning a single system can run a showerhead, hand shower, body sprays, and a rain shower head either together or one at a time, all managed through a simple in-shower touchpad. There’s also a “warm up and pause” feature that holds water at your target temperature without letting it run down the drain while you wait, which is a small but useful water-saving touch.

The catch is that digital shower valves require their own rough-in during construction. Retrofitting one into an existing shower usually means opening the wall anyway, so if you’re already remodeling a bathroom, this is exactly the moment to decide whether it’s worth the upgrade.

Touchless Kitchen Faucets for Added Convenience

Touchless kitchen faucets have been around for a while, but Moen’s MotionSense Wave technology has made them simpler and more affordable than the motion-activated faucets that came out a decade ago. A single sensor built into the base of the faucet lets you turn the water on and off with a wave of your hand. Meaning, there is no need to touch the handle when you’ve got raw chicken, bread dough, or paint-covered fingers. It’s a small convenience that cuts down on the amount of grime and bacteria that gets transferred to the faucet handle itself.

Because these faucets are designed as drop-in replacements for standard kitchen faucets, they are one of the easier “smart” upgrades to add to a remodel without any special plumbing changes. However, the sink layout will need to include power access nearby, since the sensor runs on batteries or an optional AC adapter.

Instant Hot Water at the Sink

For anyone who makes a lot of food items that require hot water like tea, instant oatmeal, or french-press coffee, an instant hot water faucet is one of those upgrades that quietly becomes indispensable. Moen’s Sip faucets have a small under-sink tank that keeps water heated between 140–190°F, so near-boiling water is available at the tap the moment you turn the handle. The faucets use an insulated spout to stay cool to the touch, and a two-step handle activation (push and turn) prevents the tap from turning on by accident.

Like the touchless faucet, this is a relatively simple install, but it does require an extra hole in the countertop or sink deck for the dedicated spout, along with under-sink space and an outlet for the hot water tank. Deciding on this during a remodel rather than after your new countertop is already cut, saves a lot of hassle.

Practical Upgrades: What’s Smart to Add During Construction

Beyond the trendy fixtures, there’s a second category of plumbing upgrades that don’t get nearly as much attention but arguably deliver more long-term value. These are the systems that live behind the walls or in a mechanical room, which is exactly why building or remodeling is the ideal time to add them because the access and labor costs are dramatically lower when the project is already underway.

Tankless Water Heaters: Traditional tank water heaters store and continuously reheat 40–80 gallons of water, whether you need it or not. Tankless water heaters, by contrast, heat water on demand as it flows through the unit, which means an endless supply of hot water and typically lower operating costs over time. They also take up a fraction of the space of a traditional tank which is a real advantage in a smaller mechanical closet or laundry room.

There are two main paths: electric tankless units, which are generally smaller, easier to install, and well-suited for point-of-use or moderate whole-home demand; and gas tankless units, which deliver higher flow rates for larger households with multiple bathrooms running simultaneously. The right choice depends on your home’s size, your existing gas or electric service, and how many fixtures need hot water at once. This is something worth discussing with your contractor before the water heater location and venting are finalized.

Automatic Shut-Off Valves: A leak detection and automatic shut-off valve is one of the most overlooked additions in new construction, and one of the cheapest forms of insurance you can build into a house. These systems monitor your main water line for unusual flow patterns like a running toilet that never stops or a supply line that bursts while you’re on vacation. When detected, it will automatically shut off the water supply before a small leak turns into a five-figure insurance claim. Many models pair with a smartphone app so you get an alert the moment something looks off, whether you’re upstairs or across the country.

Installing one during construction means it can be wired and plumbed directly into the main line with minimal extra cost. Adding it after the fact is possible, but it typically means cutting into finished walls or crawl spaces to access the main shutoff. For more information on automatic shut-off valves, click here to read our recent blog on this topic.

Whole-House Water Softeners: If your home is on a well or in an area with hard water, which can be found in parts of the Cincinnati region, a whole-house water softener is worth strong consideration during a remodel or new build. Hard water leaves mineral deposits that shorten the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines, and the plumbing fixtures themselves, while also leaving spots on dishes, dulling laundry, and drying out skin and hair. A whole-house system, like the residential softeners from Sterling Water Treatment, treats water at the point it enters the home so every fixture benefits, rather than trying to soften it room by room.

Because a water softener needs its own space, a drain connection, and a spot in the water line’s path, it’s far simpler to plan for during construction so your contractor can reserve space in the mechanical room and rough in the necessary connections.

Timing Is Everything

The common thread through all of these upgrades, whether smart or practical, is that the best time to consider them is before the walls close up. Once tile is set, countertops are templated, and drywall is finished, even a modest plumbing change becomes a much bigger (and pricier) project.

If you are in the middle of planning a new build or remodel in the Cincinnati area, it’s worth having a conversation with your plumber early, while the layout is still flexible. A local plumbing contractor who’s familiar with area water conditions, building codes, and permitting can help you sort out which of these upgrades make sense for your home, your budget, and how you actually live in the space so, you’re not stuck wishing you’d asked sooner.

If you are interested in upgrading your plumbing fixtures with any new or trendy fixtures like the ones discussed in this article, we can help. Contact Blue Chip Plumbing here or give us a call today at (513) 999-6820 to get a quote or speak to a specialist.

Questions & Answers

What are the best plumbing upgrades to add during a home remodel?
If you’re remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, some of the best plumbing upgrades to consider are digital shower systems, touchless kitchen faucets, instant hot water faucets, tankless water heaters, automatic water shut-off valves, and whole-house water softeners. Many of these upgrades are easier and more affordable to install while walls are open and plumbing systems are already being modified. Planning ahead during construction can help you avoid costly retrofits later.

Are digital shower systems worth it for a new construction home?
Digital shower systems can be a worthwhile investment for homeowners who want convenience, comfort, and customization. These systems allow you to set precise water temperatures, save user presets, and even start your shower remotely from a smartphone or smart home device. Because digital shower valves require specialized rough-in work, new construction and major bathroom remodels are typically the best time to install them.

What is the easiest smart plumbing upgrade for a kitchen remodel?
A touchless kitchen faucet is one of the easiest smart plumbing upgrades to add during a kitchen remodel. Motion-sensing faucets allow you to turn water on and off with a simple wave of your hand, reducing mess and improving hygiene when cooking or cleaning. Since they can often replace a standard faucet without major plumbing modifications, installation is usually straightforward.

Should I install a tankless water heater when building a new home?
For many homeowners, a tankless water heater is an excellent choice during new construction. Unlike traditional water heaters that store and continuously heat water, tankless systems provide hot water on demand. Benefits include endless hot water, improved energy efficiency, and a smaller footprint. Choosing between electric and gas models depends on your home’s size, utility setup, and hot water usage needs.

What plumbing upgrades can help prevent water damage in my home?
One of the most effective ways to protect your home from water damage is installing a leak detection and automatic shut-off valve. These systems monitor water usage and can automatically shut off the main water supply if they detect unusual activity, such as a burst pipe or continuous leak.