8 Plumbing Tips for New Homeowners 

Are you ready to be a new homeowner? Well done! It’s exhilarating to own a home and not answer to a landlord. Still, homeownership includes all sorts of new responsibilities. For example, you are now in charge of keeping any pipes and plumbing fixtures in good shape. 

The last thing you want is to be faced with a plumbing problem immediately after moving in, so it’s sensible to make sure everything is in good shape before closing day. Here are eight valuable plumbing tips every new homeowner should be familiar with. 

1. Consider a Plumbing Inspection

Once you find your dream home, it’s wise to get a professional plumbing inspection. This can uncover underlying issues with the supply lines, fixtures, appliances and drains you might not have noticed. Poor water pressure or a slow toilet leak won’t always be a deal-breaker, but it’s nice to clear up these problems before moving in. 

2. Check for Pipe Insulation

The pipes may freeze and burst if they’re exposed to cold temperatures. No new homeowner has time to deal with that, so check 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 have to deal with a major emergency such as a burst pipe. But you must first know where the valve is found. 

If the house has a basement or crawl space, the shutoff valve is probably placed on a wall near 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 near the street. Search for a round or rectangular metal cover by the grass or sidewalk. It might be labeled “water meter” to help you find 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 turn off the water while making repairs or to minimize damage during an emergency. Familiarize yourself with the location of these valves anytime you buy a new house. 

5. Recognize the Signs of a Plumbing Leak

Water damage is a common concern regarding plumbing leaks, but a leaky faucet can also empty your wallet. Consider that just one drip per second wastes more than 1,600 gallons per year. To prevent this, watch for any 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 the sinks 
• Wobbly toilet 

• Water stains on the ceilings and walls 
• Strong 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 potent cleaners can harm your pipes if used over and over. In addition, they only offer a temporary solution at best. 

An effective 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 mitigate the flow of a plumbing leak until a plumber is on the way 

7. Avoid Clogged Drains from Day One

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

• Install 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 
• Don’t pour cooking oil down the kitchen sink 
• Pour a large pot of near-boiling water in every drain once a month 

8. Put a Plumber on Speed Dial 

While our plumbing tips for new homeowners should keep many problems at bay, it’s still wise 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 Experts across North America to support our 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. Get in touch with your local Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing office to arrange plumbing services with us today.