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 have to deal with a landlord. Still, homeownership presents all sorts of new responsibilities. For example, you are now responsible for keeping any pipes and plumbing fixtures in good condition. 

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

1. Consider a Plumbing Inspection

Once you settle on your dream home, it’s wise to schedule a professional plumbing inspection. This can reveal underlying issues with the supply lines, fixtures, appliances and drains you might not have known about. Low water pressure or a slow toilet leak won’t always be a deal-breaker, but it’s best to take care of these problems before you settle in. 

2. Look for Pipe Insulation

The pipes may freeze and burst if they’re exposed to cold temperatures. No new homeowner should have to deal with that, so check 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 

Turning off the water to your house can significantly 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 located. 

If your home has a basement or crawl space, the shutoff valve is most likely placed on a wall along 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 sometimes located in a utility box buried close to the street. Try to find a round or rectangular metal cover by 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 a critical plumbing problem on your hands. 

4. Find Individual Shutoff Valves

In addition to the main shutoff valve, most fixtures and appliances will have dedicated valves for the wall behind them. This enables you to shut off the water while working on repairs or to minimize damage during an emergency. Familiarize yourself with the location of these valves when you buy a new house. 

5. Recognize the Signs of a Plumbing Leak

Water damage is the biggest concern relating to plumbing leaks, but a leaky faucet can also drain your wallet. As an example, one drip each second wastes more than 1,600 gallons each year. To prevent this, look for any signs of plumbing leaks in your new 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 your sinks 
• Wobbly toilet 

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

6. Purchase a Basic Plumbing Emergency Kit

Despite what you may have heard, chemical drain openers shouldn’t go in a plumbing emergency kit. These caustic cleaners can damage your pipes if used continuously. What’s more, 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 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 mitigate 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 apart from water could cause a clog. Run your drains running smoothly with these preventive tips: 

• Put in mesh drain covers in bathroom sinks and showers 

• Do not flush anything down the toilet aside from human waste and a small amount of toilet paper 
• Don’t pour cooking grease down the drain 
• Pour a large pot of near-boiling water down every drain each month 

8. Put a Plumber on Speed Dial 

While our plumbing tips for new homeowners should keep many problems at bay, it’s always 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 locations across North America to serve customers from coast to coast. When you call 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.