8 Plumbing Tips for New Homeowners 

Are you ready to be a new homeowner? Congrats! It’s a relief to own a home and not have to deal with a landlord. Nevertheless, homeownership comes with plenty of new responsibilities. For instance, you are now responsible for keeping the pipes and plumbing fixtures in good condition.

The last thing you want is to be faced with a plumbing concern right after moving in, so it’s sensible to confirm everything is in good shape before closing day. Check out these eight valuable plumbing tips every new homeowner should be familiar with.

1. Request a Plumbing Inspection

Once you find your dream home, it’s wise to schedule a professional plumbing inspection. This can uncover previously hidden issues with the supply lines, fixtures, appliances and drains you may not have been aware of. Low water pressure or a slow toilet leak might not be a deal-breaker, but it’s nice to clear up these problems before moving in.

2. Look for Pipe Insulation

Your home’s pipes can freeze and burst if they’re exposed to cold temperatures. No new homeowner should have to deal with that, so inspect all exposed pipes before moving in. If the pipes aren’t insulated, this low-cost upgrade is an excellent preventive measure for frozen and burst pipes.

3. Locate the Main Water Shutoff Valve

Turning off the water to your house can greatly reduce property damage if you have to deal with a major emergency like a burst pipe. But you must first know where the valve is located.

If the property has a basement or crawl space, the shutoff valve is probably found on a wall close to the front of the house. If the building is on a slab foundation, check the garage or near the water heater.

Still no luck? The shutoff valve is occasionally located in a utility box buried around the street. Look for a round or rectangular metal cover flush with the grass or sidewalk. It might be labeled “water meter” to help you find it.

If you still can’t find the main water shutoff valve, call a plumber for help locating it before you have a crisis.

4. Find Individual Shutoff Valves

Along with the main shutoff valve, most fixtures and appliances should have dedicated valves entering the wall behind them. This allows you to shut off the water while making repairs or to minimize damage in an emergency. Familiarize yourself with the location of these valves whenever you buy a new house.

5. Recognize the Signs of a Plumbing Leak

Water damage is the biggest concern regarding plumbing leaks, but a leaky faucet can also empty your wallet. For example, one drip per second wastes more than 1,600 gallons each year. To prevent this, look for any signs of plumbing leaks in your home:

• • Dripping or bubbling sounds

• • A spike in water bills

• • Changes in the water meter readings despite not using any water

• • Standing water, wood rot or mold growth under your sinks

• • Wobbly toilet

• • Water stains on the ceilings and walls

• • Lingering musty odors

6. Stock a Basic Plumbing Emergency Kit

Contrary to popular belief, chemical drain openers don’t belong in a plumbing emergency kit. These caustic cleaners can damage your pipes if used over and over. Plus, they only offer a temporary solution at best.

A better alternative is to have non-chemical supplies close by the next time you have a plumbing crisis. These include:

• • Cup plunger for backed up sinks, tubs and showers

• • Flange plunger for clogged toilets

• • Hand-crank drain snake for small blockages

• • Adjustable wrench to remove the P-trap from under clogged sinks

• • Utility bucket to catch water from a leaky pipe

• • Plumber’s tape to fix leaky showerheads

• • Duct tape to stem the flow of a plumbing leak until a plumber arrives

7. Prevent Clogged Drains from Day One

Whatever flows down the drain aside from water could cause a clog. Use your drains running smoothly with these preventive tips:

• • Place mesh drain covers in bathroom sinks and showers

• • Do not flush anything down the toilet besides human waste and a small amount of toilet paper

• • Don’t pour cooking oil down the drain

• • Pour a large pot of near-boiling water down every drain once a month

8. Put a Plumber on Speed Dial

While our plumbing tips for new homeowners should keep many problems from happening, it’s still sensible to know a reliable plumber in town. For reliable, affordable work, there’s no better place to turn than Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.

We have locations across North America to serve customers from coast to coast. When you choose our insured plumbers for the job, you can rest easy that every repair and installation job is backed by a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee. Get in touch with your local Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing office to request plumbing services with us today.