8 Plumbing Tips for New Homeowners 

Are you ready to be a new homeowner? Congrats! It’s a relief to own your home and not have to deal with a landlord. Still, homeownership presents all sorts of new responsibilities. For one, you are now accountable for keeping your pipes and plumbing fixtures in good shape. 

The last thing you want is to deal with a plumbing problem right after moving in, so it’s sensible to confirm everything is squared away before closing day. Here are eight valuable plumbing tips every new homeowner should know. 

1. Consider a Plumbing Inspection

Once you find your dream home, it’s a good idea to get a professional plumbing inspection. This can reveal previously hidden issues with the supply lines, fixtures, appliances and drains you might not have been aware of. Poor water pressure or a slow toilet leak may not be a deal-breaker, but it’s nice to clear up these problems before you settle in. 

2. Look for Pipe Insulation

Your home’s pipes may freeze and burst if they’re exposed to cold temperatures. No new homeowner has time to deal with that, so check all exposed pipes before moving in. If the pipes aren’t insulated, this low-cost upgrade is an effective preventive measure for 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 can be found. 

If the property has a basement or crawl space, the shutoff valve is most likely 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. Search for a round or rectangular metal cover flush with the grass or sidewalk. It could 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

Along with the main shutoff valve, most fixtures and appliances will have dedicated valves for the wall behind them. This enables you to turn off the water while making repairs or to reduce damage after an emergency. Familiarize yourself with the location of these valves whenever you buy a new house. 

5. Recognize the Signs of a Plumbing Leak

Water damage is a common concern associated with plumbing leaks, but a leaky faucet can also empty your wallet. Consider that a single drip each second wastes more than 1,600 gallons per year. To prevent this, keep an eye out for any signs of plumbing leaks in your home: 

• Dripping or bubbling sounds 
• Steeper water bills 
• Changing water meter readings despite not using any water 
• Standing water, wood rot or mold growth under the sinks 
• Loose toilet 

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

6. Purchase a Basic Plumbing Emergency Kit

Despite what you may think, chemical drain openers don’t belong in a plumbing emergency kit. These corrosive cleaners can harm your pipes if used frequently. In addition, they only offer a temporary remedy 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 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 mitigate the flow of a plumbing leak until a plumber arrives 

7. Prevent Clogged Drains from Day One

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

• Place mesh drain covers in bathroom sinks and showers 

• Don’t flush anything down the toilet aside from 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 down every drain once a month 

8. Keep a Plumber on Speed Dial 

While these plumbing tips for new homeowners should keep many problems from happening, it’s always wise to know a reliable plumber in your 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 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 schedule plumbing services with us today.