Are you excited to be a new homeowner? Congrats! It’s thrilling to own a home and not answer to a landlord. Nevertheless, homeownership presents plenty of new responsibilities. For one, you are now responsible for keeping your pipes and plumbing fixtures in good shape.
The last thing you want is to deal with a plumbing issue right after moving in, so it’s sensible to make sure everything is ready to go before closing day. Consider these eight valuable plumbing tips every new homeowner should be familiar with.
1. Consider a Plumbing Inspection
Once you pick out 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 may not have been aware of. Poor water pressure or a slow toilet leak won't always be a deal-breaker, but it’s nice to resolve these problems before you settle in.
2. Try to find any Pipe Insulation
The pipes may freeze and burst if they’re exposed to cold temperatures. No new homeowner should have to deal with that, so check all exposed pipes before you move in. If the pipes aren’t insulated, this inexpensive upgrade is a valuable 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 to deal with a major emergency such as a burst pipe. But you must first know where the valve is located.
If your home has a basement or crawl space, the shutoff valve is probably placed 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 occasionally located in a utility box buried near the street. Search for a round or rectangular metal cover by the grass or sidewalk. It may be labeled “water meter” to help you recognize it.
If you still can’t track down the primary 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 entering the wall behind them. This allows you to shut off the water while completing repairs or to minimize damage after an emergency. Familiarize yourself with the location of every valve when you buy a new house.
5. Recognize the Signs of a Plumbing Leak
Water damage is the biggest concern associated with plumbing leaks, but a leaky faucet can also drain your wallet. Consider that a single drip each 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
- 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
Contrary to popular belief, chemical drain openers shouldn't go in a plumbing emergency kit. These caustic cleaners can damage your pipes if used repeatedly. What's more, 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 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 mitigate the flow of a plumbing leak until a plumber can help
7. Avoid Clogged Drains from Day One
Whatever flows down the drain besides water can cause a clog. Use your drains flowing smoothly with these preventive tips:
- Place mesh drain covers in bathroom sinks and showers
- Don’t flush anything down the toilet other than human waste and a small amount of toilet paper
- Do not pour cooking grease down the drain
- Pour a large pot of near-boiling water into every drain once a month
8. Put a Plumber on Speed Dial
While these plumbing tips for new homeowners should keep many problems under control, it’s always wise to know a reliable plumber in your area. For dependable, affordable work, there’s no better place to turn than Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
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 assured that every repair and installation job is backed by a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee. Contact your local Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning office to request plumbing services with us today.