8 Plumbing Tips for New Homeowners 

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

The last thing you want is to resolve a plumbing concern right after moving in, so it’s smart to make sure everything is in good shape before closing day. Consider these eight valuable plumbing tips every new homeowner should know. 

1. Schedule a Plumbing Inspection

Once you settle on your dream home, it’s smart to get a professional plumbing inspection. This can uncover underlying issues with the supply lines, fixtures, appliances and drains you may not have been aware of. Low water pressure or a slow toilet leak won’t always be a deal-breaker, but it’s better to resolve these problems before you move in. 

2. Check 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 inspect 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. Locate 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 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, take a look in the garage or near the water heater. 

Still no luck? The shutoff valve is occasionally located in a utility box buried close to the street. Try to find a round or rectangular metal cover flush with the grass or sidewalk. It may be labeled “water meter” to help you find it. 

If you still can’t track down the main water shutoff valve, call a plumber for help locating it before you have a crisis. 

4. Find Individual Shutoff Valves

Alongside 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 making repairs or to mitigate damage after an emergency. Familiarize yourself with the location of all plumbing valves when you buy a new house. 

5. Know the Signs of a Plumbing Leak

Water damage is the greatest concern associated with plumbing leaks, but a leaky faucet can also drain your wallet. Consider that one drip per 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 
• Steeper water bills 
• Changes in the water meter readings despite not using any water 
• Standing water, wood rot or mold growth under the sinks 
• Wobbly toilet 

• Water stains on the ceilings and walls 
• Strong musty odors 

6. Purchase 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 frequently. Plus, they only offer a temporary solution at best. 

An effective alternative is to have non-chemical supplies available 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 is on the way 

7. Avoid Clogged Drains from Day One

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

• Place 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 kitchen sink 
• Pour a large pot of near-boiling water down every drain once a month 

8. Keep a Plumber on Speed Dial 

While these plumbing tips for new homeowners should keep many problems under control, it’s always smart 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 Experts across North America to assist customers from coast to coast. When you choose our certified plumbers for the job, you can rest easy that every repair and installation job is backed by a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee. Contact your local Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing office to request plumbing services with us today.