8 Plumbing Tips for New Homeowners 

Are you happy to be a new homeowner? Congratulations! It’s exhilarating to own a home and not answer to a landlord. Still, homeownership presents all sorts of new responsibilities. For example, you are now accountable for keeping your pipes and plumbing fixtures in good working order. 

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

1. Consider a Plumbing Inspection

Once you settle on your dream home, it’s smart to schedule a professional plumbing inspection. This can uncover previously hidden issues with the supply lines, fixtures, appliances and drains you may not have noticed. Low water pressure or a slow toilet leak might not be a deal-breaker, but it’s nice to resolve these problems before moving in. 

2. Look for Pipe Insulation

Your 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 moving in. If the pipes aren’t insulated, this low-cost upgrade is an excellent preventive measure for frozen and burst pipes. 

3. Locate the Main Water Shutoff Valve 

Turning off the water to your house can greatly reduce property damage if you have to deal with a major emergency like a burst pipe. But you must first know where the valve is found. 

If the property has a basement or crawl space, the shutoff valve is probably found 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 close to the street. Look 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 primary water shutoff valve, call a plumber for help locating it before you have a crisis. 

4. Find Individual Shutoff Valves

Alongside the main shutoff valve, most fixtures and appliances will have dedicated valves on the wall behind them. This allows you to shut off the water while working on repairs or to minimize damage during 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 greatest concern relating to plumbing leaks, but a leaky faucet can also empty your wallet. Consider that just one drip each second wastes more than 1,600 gallons each year. To prevent this, look for these signs of plumbing leaks in your new home: 

• Dripping or bubbling sounds 
• Steeper 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

Contrary to popular belief, chemical drain openers don’t belong in a plumbing emergency kit. These caustic cleaners can damage your pipes if used over and over. Plus, 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 disaster. These include: 

• Cup plunger for backed up sinks, tubs and showers 
• Flange plunger for clogged toilets 
• Hand-crank drain snake for small 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. Prevent Clogged Drains from Day One

Whatever flows down the drain aside from water could cause a clog. Run your drains running smoothly with these preventive tips: 

• Place 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 
• Do not pour cooking oil down the drain 
• Pour a large pot of near-boiling water into every drain each month 

8. Keep a Plumber on Speed Dial 

While our plumbing tips for new homeowners should keep many problems from happening, it’s always smart 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 Experts across North America to assist customers from coast to coast. When you contact 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. Contact your local Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing office to schedule plumbing services with us today.