8 Plumbing Tips for New Homeowners 

Are you excited to be a new homeowner? Congrats! It’s exhilarating to own your home and not answer to a landlord. Nonetheless, homeownership comes with plenty of new responsibilities. For instance, you are now responsible for keeping any pipes and plumbing fixtures in good condition. 

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

1. Schedule a Plumbing Inspection

Once you find your dream home, it’s wise to schedule a professional plumbing inspection. This can uncover previously hidden issues with the supply lines, fixtures, appliances and drains you might not have known about. Weak water pressure or a slow toilet leak may not be a deal-breaker, but it’s nice to take care of these problems before you move in. 

2. Try to find any Pipe Insulation

Your pipes can freeze and burst if they’re exposed to cold temperatures. No new homeowner has time to deal with that, so check all exposed pipes before you move in. If the pipes aren’t insulated, this inexpensive upgrade is a valuable 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 have a major emergency such as a burst pipe. But you must first know where the valve is located. 

If the property has a basement or crawl space, the shutoff valve is most likely situated 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 sometimes located in a utility box buried near the street. Look for 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 a critical plumbing problem on your hands. 

4. Find Individual Shutoff Valves

Along with the main shutoff valve, most fixtures and appliances will have dedicated valves entering the wall behind them. This allows you to turn off the water while working on repairs or to mitigate damage after 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 a common concern associated with 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, look for the telltale signs of plumbing leaks in your new home: 

• Dripping or bubbling sounds 
• High 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 
• Lasting musty odors 

6. Purchase a Basic Plumbing Emergency Kit

Despite what you may think, chemical drain openers shouldn’t go in a plumbing emergency kit. These corrosive cleaners can damage your pipes if used continuously. What’s more, they only offer a temporary solution at best. 

A safer alternative is to have non-chemical supplies available the next time you have a plumbing crisis. 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 can help 

7. Avoid Clogged Drains from Day One

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

• Install mesh drain covers in bathroom sinks and showers 

• Do not flush anything down the toilet other than human waste and a small amount of toilet paper 
• Never pour cooking oil down the drain 
• Pour a large pot of near-boiling water into every drain monthly 

8. Keep a Plumber on Speed Dial 

While these plumbing tips for new homeowners should keep many problems at bay, it’s still wise 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 call 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 arrange plumbing services with us today.