8 Plumbing Tips for New Homeowners 

Are you ready to be a new homeowner? Congratulations! It’s thrilling to own your home and not have to deal with a landlord. Nevertheless, homeownership presents lots of new responsibilities. For one, you are now in charge of keeping the pipes and plumbing fixtures in good shape. 

The last thing you want is to resolve a plumbing concern right after moving in, so it’s smart to confirm everything is squared away before closing day. Here are eight valuable plumbing tips every new homeowner should be familiar with. 

1. Request a Plumbing Inspection

Once you settle on your dream home, it’s wise to get a professional plumbing inspection. This reveals underlying issues with the supply lines, fixtures, appliances and drains you may not have noticed. Weak water pressure or a slow toilet leak may not be a deal-breaker, but it’s nice to clear up these problems before moving in. 

2. Look 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 take a look at all exposed pipes before you move in. If the pipes aren’t insulated, this inexpensive upgrade is an effective preventive measure for frozen and burst pipes. 

3. Find the Main Water Shutoff Valve 

Turning 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 can be found. 

If the property has a basement or crawl space, the shutoff valve is most likely 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 around the street. Try to find a round or rectangular metal cover by the grass or sidewalk. It could 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

Along with the main shutoff valve, most fixtures and appliances will have dedicated valves for 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 every valve anytime you buy a new house. 

5. Understand 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 a single drip every second wastes more than 1,600 gallons each year. To prevent this, keep an eye out for any signs of plumbing leaks in your home: 

• Dripping or bubbling sounds 
• A spike in 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. Get a Basic Plumbing Emergency Kit

Despite what you may have heard, chemical drain openers don’t belong in a plumbing emergency kit. These corrosive cleaners can damage your pipes if used over and over. Plus, they only offer a temporary remedy at best. 

An effective alternative is to have non-chemical supplies available 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 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 besides water can cause a clog. Use your drains flowing smoothly with these preventive tips: 

• Place 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 
• Don’t pour cooking grease down the kitchen sink 
• 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 from happening, it’s still sensible to know a reliable plumber in the area. For dependable, 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 choose our certified 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 request plumbing services with us today.