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 presents all sorts of new responsibilities. For one, you are now responsible for keeping your pipes and plumbing fixtures in good shape. 

The last thing you want is to be faced with a plumbing problem right after moving in, so it’s wise to make sure everything is squared away before closing day. Consider these eight valuable plumbing tips every new homeowner should be familiar with. 

1. Consider a Plumbing Inspection

Once you find your dream home, it’s a good idea to get a professional plumbing inspection. This reveals underlying issues with the supply lines, fixtures, appliances and drains you may not have known about. Low water pressure or a slow toilet leak may not be a deal-breaker, but it’s best to clear up these problems before you move in. 

2. Check for Pipe Insulation

Your home’s pipes could freeze and burst if they’re exposed to cold temperatures. No new homeowner has time to deal with that, so inspect all exposed pipes before moving in. If the pipes aren’t insulated, this inexpensive upgrade is a valuable 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 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 most likely found on a wall close to the front of the house. If the building is on a slab foundation, check the garage or near the water heater. 

Still no luck? The shutoff valve is sometimes located in a utility box buried around the street. Try to find a round or rectangular metal cover close to the grass or sidewalk. It could 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

Alongside the main shutoff valve, most fixtures and appliances should have dedicated valves for the wall behind them. This allows you to turn off the water while making repairs or to mitigate damage in an emergency. Familiarize yourself with the location of all plumbing valves whenever you buy a new house. 

5. Understand the Signs of a Plumbing Leak

Water damage is the greatest concern associated with plumbing leaks, but a leaky faucet can also empty your wallet. Consider that a single drip every 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 
• Steeper 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 
• Strong musty odors 

6. Purchase a Basic Plumbing Emergency Kit

Despite what you may think, chemical drain openers don’t belong in a plumbing emergency kit. These potent cleaners can harm your pipes if used frequently. 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 disaster. These include: 

• Cup plunger for clogged 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 stem the flow of a plumbing leak until a plumber is on the way 

7. Prevent Clogged Drains from Day One

Whatever flows down the drain apart 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 into every drain monthly 

8. Have a Plumber on Speed Dial 

While these plumbing tips for new homeowners should keep many problems at bay, it’s always smart to know a reliable plumber in your area. 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 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. Get in touch with your local Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing office to arrange plumbing services with us today.