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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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:
Anything that flows down the drain besides water could lead to a clog. Keep your drains flowing smoothly with these preventive tips:
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.
Student loan debt in the USA has been a growing issue for a very long time. Today’s total student debt is more than $1.7 trillion, with the average college graduate owing $20,000 to $25,000. If you’re thinking about your higher education journey or counseling someone who is, it’s crucial to... Continue reading
If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance it’s because you just had a shockingly cold shower or turned on the faucet to discover that your house doesn’t have hot water. It’s an irritating state of affairs, but don’t panic. Learning the most likely things that leave you with no... Continue reading
You need clean water for everyday routines like cooking, cleaning and personal hygiene. Many the U.S. homeowners wonder which is best—a water filter or a water softener? Explore the important differences between inline water filters and whole-house water softeners, the advantages they provide... Continue reading
© 2023 Service Experts, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, and the Service Experts logo and design are registered trademarks of Service Experts LLC and used under license by SE Canada Inc. All Rights Reserved. *Not applicable to the Advantage Program. See your signed Advantage Program Agreement for full details and exclusions. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is subject to certain restrictions and limitations as set forth in the applicable Terms and Conditions.