8 Plumbing Tips for New Homeowners 

Are you excited to be a new homeowner? Congrats! It’s exhilarating to own a home and not have to deal with a landlord. Nonetheless, homeownership comes with plenty of new responsibilities. For one, 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 smart to make sure everything is squared away before closing day. Here are eight valuable plumbing tips every new homeowner should be aware of. 

1. Consider a Plumbing Inspection

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

2. Look for Pipe Insulation

Your pipes may freeze and burst if they’re exposed to cold temperatures. No new homeowner should have to deal with that, so inspect all exposed pipes before moving in. If the pipes aren’t insulated, this inexpensive upgrade is an effective 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 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 found 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 close to the street. Look for a round or rectangular metal cover close to the grass or sidewalk. It might be labeled “water meter” to help you identify it. 

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

4. Find Individual Shutoff Valves

In addition to the main shutoff valve, most fixtures and appliances should have dedicated valves entering the wall behind them. This enables you to shut off the water while working on repairs or to reduce damage after an emergency. Familiarize yourself with the location of every valve anytime you buy a new house. 

5. Know the Signs of a Plumbing Leak

Water damage is a common concern regarding plumbing leaks, but a leaky faucet can also empty your wallet. As an example, one drip every second wastes more than 1,600 gallons each year. To prevent this, look 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 
• Loose toilet 

• Water stains on the ceilings and walls 
• Strong 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 caustic cleaners can damage your pipes if used continuously. In addition, 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 emergency. 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 arrives 

7. Prevent Clogged Drains from Day One

Anything that flows down the drain aside from water could lead to a clog. Run your drains running smoothly with these preventive tips: 

• Install mesh drain covers in bathroom sinks and showers 

• Do not 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 down every drain each 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 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 support our customers from coast to coast. When you call our insured 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.