8 Plumbing Tips for New Homeowners 

Are you happy to be a new homeowner? Well done! It’s thrilling to own your home and not answer to a landlord. Nonetheless, homeownership presents lots of new responsibilities. For example, you are now responsible for keeping any pipes and plumbing fixtures in good condition. 

The last thing you want is to resolve a plumbing concern just after moving in, so it’s smart to confirm everything is squared away before closing day. Here are eight valuable plumbing tips every new homeowner should be aware of. 

1. Request a Plumbing Inspection

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

2. Try to find any Pipe Insulation

Your pipes can freeze and burst if they’re exposed to cold temperatures. No new homeowner has time to deal with that, so inspect all exposed pipes before you move in. If the pipes aren’t insulated, this low-cost upgrade is an effective 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 such as a burst pipe. But you must first know where the valve can be found. 

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

Still no luck? The shutoff valve is occasionally located in a utility box buried near the street. Search 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 track down the main water shutoff valve, call a plumber for help locating it before you have a crisis. 

4. Find Individual Shutoff Valves

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

5. Recognize the Signs of a Plumbing Leak

Water damage is a common concern relating to plumbing leaks, but a leaky faucet can also empty your wallet. As an example, a single drip each second wastes more than 1,600 gallons annually. To prevent this, watch for these signs of plumbing leaks in your new home: 

• Dripping or bubbling sounds 
• Steeper water bills 
• Changes in the water meter readings despite not using any water 
• Standing water, wood rot or mold growth under the sinks 
• Wobbly toilet 

• Water stains on the ceilings and walls 
• Lingering musty odors 

6. Get a Basic Plumbing Emergency Kit

Despite what you may think, chemical drain openers shouldn’t go in a plumbing emergency kit. These caustic cleaners can harm your pipes if used repeatedly. In addition, they only offer a temporary solution at best. 

An effective alternative is to have non-chemical supplies available the next time you have a plumbing crisis. These include: 

• Cup plunger for clogged 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 mitigate the flow of a plumbing leak until a plumber arrives 

7. Avoid Clogged Drains from Day One

Anything that flows down the drain aside from water can cause a clog. Keep your drains running smoothly with these preventive tips: 

• Put in mesh drain covers in bathroom sinks and showers 

• Never flush anything down the toilet aside from human waste and a small amount of toilet paper 
• Do not pour cooking oil down the drain 
• Pour a large pot of near-boiling water down every drain monthly 

8. Have a Plumber on Speed Dial 

While these plumbing tips for new homeowners should keep many problems from happening, it’s always sensible to know a reliable plumber in the area. For quality, 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 call our licensed plumbers for the job, you can enjoy the peace of mind 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 arrange plumbing services with us today.