8 Plumbing Tips for New Homeowners 

Are you excited to be a new homeowner? Congrats! It’s thrilling to own a home and not have to deal with a landlord. Nonetheless, homeownership comes with all sorts of new responsibilities. For one, you are now responsible for keeping the pipes and plumbing fixtures in good working order. 

The last thing you want is to deal with a plumbing concern immediately after moving in, so it’s sensible to make sure everything is in good shape before closing day. Check out these eight valuable plumbing tips every new homeowner should know. 

1. Schedule a Plumbing Inspection

Once you settle on 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 may not have known about. Low water pressure or a slow toilet leak may not be a deal-breaker, but it’s best to clear up these problems before you move in. 

2. Look for Pipe Insulation

Your pipes could freeze and burst if they’re exposed to cold temperatures. No new homeowner wants to deal with that, so take a look at all exposed pipes before moving in. If the pipes aren’t insulated, this low-cost upgrade is an excellent 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 encounter a major emergency such as a burst pipe. But you must first know where the valve is located. 

If the house has a basement or crawl space, the shutoff valve is probably placed on a wall near 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 sometimes located in a utility box buried near the street. Look for a round or rectangular metal cover flush with the grass or sidewalk. It could be labeled “water meter” to help you identify it. 

If you still can’t find 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 should have dedicated valves on the wall behind them. This enables you to shut off the water while completing repairs or to reduce damage after an emergency. Familiarize yourself with the location of every valve whenever you buy a new house. 

5. Know the Signs of a Plumbing Leak

Water damage is a common concern regarding plumbing leaks, but a leaky faucet can also drain your wallet. For example, one drip per second wastes more than 1,600 gallons per year. To prevent this, watch for these signs of plumbing leaks in your home: 

• Dripping or bubbling sounds 
• High 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. Stock a Basic Plumbing Emergency Kit

Contrary to popular belief, chemical drain openers shouldn’t go in a plumbing emergency kit. These potent cleaners can damage your pipes if used repeatedly. Plus, they only offer a temporary remedy at best. 

An effective alternative is to have non-chemical supplies on hand 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 arrives 

7. Avoid Clogged Drains from Day One

Whatever flows down the drain apart from water could lead to a clog. Use your drains running smoothly with these preventive tips: 

• Put in mesh drain covers in bathroom sinks and showers 

• Never flush anything down the toilet besides 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 monthly 

8. Have a Plumber on Speed Dial 

While our plumbing tips for new homeowners should keep many problems at bay, it’s still wise to know a reliable plumber in the area. For reliable, 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 enjoy the peace of mind 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.