If you live in Tukwila, WA, chances are that your bathroom may need a few electrical upgrades. Most homes in this Seattle suburb have been around since the ‘50s. To say they have bathrooms that have fallen behind code or are simply outdated is an understatement.
From necessary updates to practical luxuries, here are five bathroom electrical upgrades Tukwila residents should consider.
1. Update the Wiring
If you’re living in a mid-century Tukwila home, the electrical wiring may be dated and needs to be brought up to code. Keep an eye on the following signs:
- Buzzing. There may be buzzing and crackling sounds in the walls. Sometimes, this is accompanied by the smell of burning plastic—a sign that something is seriously wrong with your bathroom’s circuit. It’s a ticking time bomb of a fire hazard and requires immediate attention.
- Frequent breaker tripping. If using bathroom gadgets like a blow dryer or a high-power appliance causes your bathroom’s breaker to trip and cut the power off, the wiring is overloaded and outdated. It is rated below the 20-ampere minimum set by the National Electrical Code (NEC), as adopted by the Washington State.
- Flickering lights. Suppose your bathroom lights flicker or dim when you turn on the ventilation or use an appliance. In that case, your bathroom may be experiencing a notable voltage drop due to a poor connection or an undersized or overloaded circuit.
- Warm switches or outlets. Your switch or outlet cover may feel warm to the touch due to high resistance. This may be due to circuit overloading, debris buildup, or oxidation in the node, among other causes, and is a potential fire hazard.
If you have observed any of these signs, it’s about time you hire a licensed electrician or bathroom remodeling contractor. Don’t do the rewiring yourself. These professionals can conduct a thorough inspection of your bathroom, bring your bathroom’s wiring up to code, and improve the circuitry to accommodate your specific needs.
2. Install GFCI Outlets
The NEC requires ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) for 125-volt, single-phase, 15- to 20-ampere outlets. GFCI’s protect bathroom users from accidental electrocution. The constant presence of water and moisture makes the bathroom a high-risk area for electrical hazards. When water comes into contact with the outlet, a ground fault may occur, delivering potentially lethal electric shocks to any person present.
GFCI-equipped outlets constantly monitor the current flowing from the hot wire to the neutral for any difference. The imbalance indicates a potentially dangerous leaking current. The GFCI trips and shuts off the moment it detects this leak, cutting the flow of electricity that could possibly harm the bathroom user.
3. Add Recessed Lighting
Recessed lighting is not just a cost-effective way to add a touch of luxury to your bathroom. The sealed housing protects the light against moisture buildup in the internal components. It minimizes the risk of electrical hazards while improving the fixture’s durability. This is especially useful in the wet areas of your bathroom, such as the space above your shower or bathtub.
Furthermore, recessed lighting maximizes your bathroom’s vertical space and aesthetics. While minimalist by design, some models offer high-end features. This includes dimmable lighting, adjustable beam angles, and energy-efficient parts, like ultrathin canless LEDs.
4. Integrate High-end Electrical Features
Certain high-end electrical upgrades can add more comfort and convenience for users. Here are five add-ons that can practically turn your dingy old Tukwila bathroom into a cozy, modern spa:
Radiant Electric Heated Floors
This type of heating warms the room from the floor up. This allows more efficient heat delivery than with convection-reliant forced-air systems. It features cables running under the tiles, serving as a high-resistance loop that directly converts electricity into heat.
Smart Showers
A smart shower elevates your shower routine with a highly personalized experience. It features a digital controller with various options that you can adjust to your comfort. It may also include voice controls, water usage tracking, and Internet of Things (IoT) integration.
Ultra-Quiet Ventilation With Humidity Sensors
Proper ventilation keeps humid air out and protects your bathroom from moisture damage and mold infestation. However, they can be pretty noisy and detract from the relaxed bathroom atmosphere. Newer models are almost silent. Some also come with sensors that activate the fan in response to humidity changes. Talk about hands-free convenience and better energy management.
Electric Towel Warmer
Towel warmers instantly turn bathrooms into spa-like retreats by keeping linens warm after a refreshing shower. They are often built into a vanity and require a 120-volt dedicated circuit. These warmers may be timer-controlled or have smart switches that operate as needed.
UV-C Sanitizing Vanity Drawers
These drawers use ultraviolet light in the C spectrum (UV-C) to sanitize any item stored in them. It is especially useful in sanitizing personal items such as toothbrushes and feminine hygiene products.
5. Upgrade the Electrical Panel
Updating your electrical panel after installing bathroom upgrades is not only common sense—it is absolutely necessary. Specialized lighting, heating features, and smart equipment, for instance, may need dedicated circuits. Each of these will need a breaker to safeguard against overloading and potentially damaging electrical surges.
Additionally, you may need to increase your panel’s amperage to accommodate the additional load. Leaving your panel as is can be dangerous, as overloading can cause electric fires and may electrocute bathroom users.
Things to Consider Before Going for an Electrical Upgrade
Don’t treat bathroom electrical upgrades as DIY projects! Before you begin planning for the first improvement, be sure to consider the following:
- Scope and nature of the project. Define and understand your upgrade. Do your research to determine how best to implement your vision and what you need to get it done.
- Professional help. Hire a licensed electrician or professional bathroom remodeler to do the heavy lifting. They should be able to handle the electrical work safely, as well as the overhauls needed to install your planned upgrade.
- Permits and requirements. It pays to check with the City of Tukwila Permit Center to see if there is anything you need to comply with before proceeding with your project. This is highly likely for bathroom electrical upgrades, which involve potentially dangerous electrical work.
- Inspections. Inspections may be necessary for large-scale bathroom electrical upgrades. You’ll have to coordinate with the Permit Center to find the best inspection schedules and pay the required fees.
- Upgrade expenses. Your budget should account for the cost of materials, labor, professional fees, and permitting and inspections. Be sure to work within your means, but do not skimp on important upgrades such as rewiring and panel updates.
To Conclude
Keeping your home up-to-code should not only be the reason to implement bathroom electrical upgrades. Tukwila homeowners should view these projects as important investments in safety, comfort, and their property’s value. Besides, there’s nothing wrong with turning your bathroom into a smart, safe haven for relaxation.
