8 Plumbing Tips for New Homeowners 

Are you excited to be a new homeowner? Well done! It’s a relief to own your home and not answer to a landlord. Nevertheless, homeownership includes plenty of new responsibilities. For example, you are now in charge of keeping the pipes and plumbing fixtures in good working order. 

The last thing you want is to deal with a plumbing issue immediately after moving in, so it’s smart to confirm everything is ready to go before closing day. Check out these eight valuable plumbing tips every new homeowner should be aware of. 

1. Consider a Plumbing Inspection

Once you find your dream home, it’s smart to get a professional plumbing inspection. This can uncover previously hidden issues with the supply lines, fixtures, appliances and drains you may 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. Check for 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 take a look at all exposed pipes before you move in. If the pipes aren’t insulated, this inexpensive upgrade is an excellent preventive measure for 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 encounter a major emergency such as a burst pipe. But you must first know where the valve can be found. 

If your home 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, 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. Look for a round or rectangular metal cover close to the grass or sidewalk. It may be labeled “water meter” to help you identify 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

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

5. Understand 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. As an example, just one drip every second wastes more than 1,600 gallons annually. To prevent this, look for any signs of plumbing leaks in your 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 the sinks 
• Loose toilet 

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

6. Stock a Basic Plumbing Emergency Kit

Despite what you may think, chemical drain openers shouldn’t go in a plumbing emergency kit. These corrosive cleaners can harm your pipes if used continuously. Plus, they only offer a temporary remedy at best. 

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

7. Prevent Clogged Drains from Day One

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

• Put in mesh drain covers in bathroom sinks and showers 

• Never flush anything down the toilet other than human waste and a small amount of toilet paper 
• Don’t pour cooking grease down the drain 
• Pour a large pot of near-boiling water into every drain once a month 

8. Keep a Plumber on Speed Dial 

While these plumbing tips for new homeowners should keep many problems under control, it’s still smart to know a reliable plumber in the area. For reliable, affordable work, there’s no better place to turn than Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. 

We have Experts across North America to assist customers from coast to coast. When you call our certified 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. Contact your local Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing office to arrange plumbing services with us today.