8 Plumbing Tips for New Homeowners 

Are you happy to be a new homeowner? Well done! It’s thrilling to own your home and not answer to a landlord. Still, homeownership includes lots of new responsibilities. For instance, you are now accountable for keeping the pipes and plumbing fixtures in good working order. 

The last thing you want is to deal with a plumbing issue immediately after moving in, so it’s wise to confirm everything is squared away before closing day. Consider these eight valuable plumbing tips every new homeowner should know. 

1. Consider a Plumbing Inspection

Once you pick out your dream home, it’s a good idea to get a professional plumbing inspection. This can uncover underlying issues with the supply lines, fixtures, appliances and drains you might not have been aware of. Poor water pressure or a slow toilet leak may not be a deal-breaker, but it’s best to resolve these problems before moving in. 

2. Try to find any Pipe Insulation

Your pipes may freeze and burst if they’re exposed to cold temperatures. No new homeowner wants 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 against frozen and burst pipes. 

3. Find the Main Water Shutoff Valve 

Shutting 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 can be found. 

If the property has a basement or crawl space, the shutoff valve is most likely placed on a wall near 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 occasionally located in a utility box buried near the street. Search for a round or rectangular metal cover close to the grass or sidewalk. It may be labeled “water meter” to help you find 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

Along with the main shutoff valve, most fixtures and appliances should have dedicated valves on the wall behind them. This allows you to turn off the water while completing repairs or to mitigate damage in an emergency. Familiarize yourself with the location of every valve when 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. For example, 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 
• Steeper water bills 
• Changing 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. 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 harm your pipes if used continuously. In addition, they only offer a temporary remedy at best. 

A better alternative is to have non-chemical supplies on hand the next time you have a plumbing emergency. 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 stem the flow of a plumbing leak until a plumber arrives 

7. Avoid Clogged Drains from Day One

Anything that flows down the drain besides water could cause a clog. Keep your drains running smoothly with these preventive tips: 

• Put in mesh drain covers in bathroom sinks and showers 

• Don’t flush anything down the toilet aside from human waste and a small amount of toilet paper 
• Never pour cooking grease down the kitchen sink 
• Pour a large pot of near-boiling water in every drain each month 

8. Keep a Plumber on Speed Dial 

While these 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 serve customers from coast to coast. When you choose 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. Get in touch with your local Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing office to schedule plumbing services with us today.