8 Plumbing Tips for New Homeowners 

Are you excited to be a new homeowner? Well done! It’s exhilarating to own a home and not have to deal with a landlord. Nonetheless, homeownership presents lots of new responsibilities. For one, you are now responsible for keeping your pipes and plumbing fixtures in good condition. 

The last thing you want is to deal with a plumbing concern just after moving in, so it’s smart to make sure everything is in good shape before closing day. Check out these eight valuable plumbing tips every new homeowner should be aware of. 

1. Consider a Plumbing Inspection

Once you settle on your dream home, it’s a good idea to get a professional plumbing inspection. This reveals underlying issues with the supply lines, fixtures, appliances and drains you may not have been aware of. Weak water pressure or a slow toilet leak may not be a deal-breaker, but it’s nice to take care of these problems before moving in. 

2. Try to find any Pipe Insulation

The pipes can freeze and burst if they’re exposed to cold temperatures. No new homeowner has time to deal with that, so take a look at all exposed pipes before you move in. If the pipes aren’t insulated, this low-cost upgrade is an excellent preventive measure for frozen and burst pipes. 

3. Find the Main Water Shutoff Valve 

Shutting off the water to your house can significantly reduce property damage if you have 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 most likely situated on a wall along the front of the house. If the building is on a slab foundation, check in the garage or near the water heater. 

Still no luck? The shutoff valve is sometimes located in a utility box buried close to the street. Try to find a round or rectangular metal cover flush with the grass or sidewalk. It could 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 critical plumbing problem on your hands. 

4. Find Individual Shutoff Valves

In addition to the main shutoff valve, most fixtures and appliances will have dedicated valves on the wall behind them. This allows you to turn off the water while completing repairs or to reduce damage in an emergency. Familiarize yourself with the location of all plumbing valves when you buy a new house. 

5. Understand the Signs of a Plumbing Leak

Water damage is a common concern associated with plumbing leaks, but a leaky faucet can also empty your wallet. For example, one drip per second wastes more than 1,600 gallons per year. To prevent this, keep an eye out for these signs of plumbing leaks in your new home: 

  • Dripping or bubbling sounds 
  • A spike in water bills 
  • Changing water meter readings despite not using any water 
  • Standing water, wood rot or mold growth under your sinks 
  • Loose toilet 
  • Water stains on the ceilings and walls 
  • Lingering musty odors 

6. Purchase a Basic Plumbing Emergency Kit

Despite what you may have heard, chemical drain openers shouldn’t go in a plumbing emergency kit. These corrosive cleaners can damage your pipes if used continuously. What’s more, they only offer a temporary solution at best. 

A safer alternative is to have non-chemical supplies on hand 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 minor 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 reduce the flow of a plumbing leak until a plumber can help 

7. Avoid Clogged Drains from Day One

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

  • Place mesh drain covers in bathroom sinks and showers 
  • Don’t flush anything down the toilet besides human waste and a small amount of toilet paper 
  • Never pour cooking grease down the kitchen sink 
  • Pour a large pot of near-boiling water down every drain once a month 

8. Keep a Plumber on Speed Dial 

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

We have locations across North America to support our 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 schedule plumbing services with us today. 

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