8 Plumbing Tips for New Homeowners 

Are you happy to be a new homeowner? Well done! It’s thrilling to own a home and not have to deal with a landlord. Still, homeownership comes with plenty of new responsibilities. For instance, you are now responsible for keeping any pipes and plumbing fixtures in good shape. 

The last thing you want is to resolve a plumbing problem immediately after moving in, so it’s wise 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 a good idea to schedule a professional plumbing inspection. This can reveal underlying issues with the supply lines, fixtures, appliances and drains you might not have noticed. 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. Check for Pipe Insulation

The pipes can freeze and burst if they’re exposed to cold temperatures. No new homeowner wants to deal with that, so check all exposed pipes before you move in. If the pipes aren’t insulated, this inexpensive upgrade is an effective preventive measure against frozen and burst pipes. 

3. Locate 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 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, take a look in the garage or near the water heater. 

Still no luck? The shutoff valve is sometimes 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 recognize it. 

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

4. Find Individual Shutoff Valves

Along with the main shutoff valve, most fixtures and appliances will have dedicated valves for the wall behind them. This enables you to shut off the water while making repairs or to mitigate 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 relating to plumbing leaks, but a leaky faucet can also empty your wallet. As an example, just one drip per second wastes more than 1,600 gallons annually. To prevent this, watch for these signs of plumbing leaks in your home: 

• Dripping or bubbling sounds 
• High 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 
• Lasting musty odors 

6. Get a Basic Plumbing Emergency Kit

Despite what you may think, chemical drain openers don’t belong in a plumbing emergency kit. These corrosive cleaners can damage your pipes if used over and over. Plus, they only offer a temporary remedy at best. 

A safer alternative is to have non-chemical supplies on hand the next time you have a plumbing disaster. 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 is on the way 

7. Avoid Clogged Drains from Day One

Whatever flows down the drain besides water can cause a clog. Keep your drains running smoothly with these preventive tips: 

• Install 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 
• Never pour cooking grease down the drain 
• Pour a large pot of near-boiling water in every drain each month 

8. Put a Plumber on Speed Dial 

While our plumbing tips for new homeowners should keep many problems at bay, it’s still sensible to know a reliable plumber in town. 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 assist customers from coast to coast. When you choose our licensed plumbers for the job, you can rest easy that every repair and installation job is backed by a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee. Contact your local Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing office to arrange plumbing services with us today.