8 Plumbing Tips for New Homeowners 

Are you happy to be a new homeowner? Congratulations! It’s a relief to own your home and not answer to a landlord. Still, homeownership comes with all sorts of new responsibilities. For one, you are now accountable for keeping the pipes and plumbing fixtures in good condition. 

The last thing you want is to deal with a plumbing problem immediately after moving in, so it’s wise to confirm everything is ready to go 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 wise to get a professional plumbing inspection. This can reveal underlying issues with the supply lines, fixtures, appliances and drains you may not have noticed. Low water pressure or a slow toilet leak might not be a deal-breaker, but it’s best to resolve 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 should have to deal with that, so inspect all exposed pipes before you move in. If the pipes aren’t insulated, this inexpensive upgrade is an excellent 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 a major emergency such as a burst pipe. But you must first know where the valve is found. 

If your home has a basement or crawl space, the shutoff valve is probably found on a wall along 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 around the street. Look for a round or rectangular metal cover close to 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 crisis. 

4. Find Individual Shutoff Valves

In addition to the main shutoff valve, most fixtures and appliances should have dedicated valves on the wall behind them. This allows you to turn off the water while making repairs or to minimize damage during an emergency. Familiarize yourself with the location of all plumbing valves whenever you buy a new house. 

5. Know the Signs of a Plumbing Leak

Water damage is the biggest concern regarding plumbing leaks, but a leaky faucet can also drain your wallet. Consider that a single drip per second wastes more than 1,600 gallons each year. To prevent this, keep an eye out for these signs of plumbing leaks in your 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 your sinks 
• Wobbly toilet 

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

6. Get a Basic Plumbing Emergency Kit

Despite what you may have heard, chemical drain openers don’t belong in a plumbing emergency kit. These potent cleaners can damage your pipes if used frequently. In addition, they only offer a temporary solution at best. 

A safer alternative is to have non-chemical supplies close by 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 apart from water could cause a clog. Use your drains flowing smoothly with these preventive tips: 

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

8. Put a Plumber on Speed Dial 

While these plumbing tips for new homeowners should keep many problems at bay, 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 serve customers from coast to coast. When you call our licensed 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. Contact your local Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing office to request plumbing services with us today.