8 Plumbing Tips for New Homeowners 

Are you ready 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 one, you are now accountable for keeping the pipes and plumbing fixtures in good shape. 

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

1. Consider a Plumbing Inspection

Once you pick out your dream home, it’s wise to get a professional plumbing inspection. This can uncover previously hidden issues with the supply lines, fixtures, appliances and drains you may not have noticed. Low water pressure or a slow toilet leak may not be a deal-breaker, but it’s best 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 should have 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 against frozen and burst pipes. 

3. Find 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 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 most likely found 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. Try to find a round or rectangular metal cover by the grass or sidewalk. It may be labeled “water meter” to help you recognize 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 will have dedicated valves entering the wall behind them. This allows you to shut off the water while making repairs or to minimize damage during an emergency. Familiarize yourself with the location of these valves whenever you buy a new house. 

5. Know the Signs of a Plumbing Leak

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

• Water stains on the ceilings and walls 
• Lasting 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 corrosive cleaners can harm your pipes if used frequently. In addition, they only offer a temporary solution 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 clogged sinks, tubs and showers 
• Flange plunger for clogged toilets 
• Hand-crank drain snake for minor 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 can help 

7. Avoid Clogged Drains from Day One

Whatever flows down the drain aside from water can cause a clog. Keep your drains running smoothly with these preventive tips: 

• Install mesh drain covers in bathroom sinks and showers 

• Don’t flush anything down the toilet besides human waste and a small amount of toilet paper 
• Do not pour cooking oil down the drain 
• Pour a large pot of near-boiling water into every drain once a month 

8. Keep a Plumber on Speed Dial 

While these plumbing tips for new homeowners should keep many problems at bay, it’s always wise to know a reliable plumber in town. For quality, affordable work, there’s no better place to turn than Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. 

We have locations across North America to support our customers from coast to coast. When you contact 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 schedule plumbing services with us today.