8 Plumbing Tips for New Homeowners 

Are you happy to be a new homeowner? Well done! It’s a relief to own your home and not have to deal with a landlord. Still, homeownership includes plenty of new responsibilities. For example, you are now accountable for keeping any pipes and plumbing fixtures in good condition. 

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

1. Request a Plumbing Inspection

Once you settle on your dream home, it’s smart to get a professional plumbing inspection. This reveals previously hidden issues with the supply lines, fixtures, appliances and drains you may not have been aware of. Low water pressure or a slow toilet leak won’t always be a deal-breaker, but it’s nice to resolve these problems before you move in. 

2. Look for Pipe Insulation

Your home’s pipes could 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 you move in. If the pipes aren’t insulated, this inexpensive upgrade is a valuable preventive measure against frozen and burst pipes. 

3. Locate the Main Water Shutoff Valve 

Shutting off the water to your house can significantly 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 your home has a basement or crawl space, the shutoff valve is probably placed on a wall along the front of the house. If the building is on a slab foundation, check in the garage or near the water heater. 

Still no luck? The shutoff valve is occasionally located in a utility box buried close to the street. Search for a round or rectangular metal cover close to the grass or sidewalk. It might 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 entering the wall behind them. This allows you to turn off the water while working on repairs or to minimize 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 the greatest concern regarding plumbing leaks, but a leaky faucet can also empty your wallet. For example, just one drip per second wastes more than 1,600 gallons annually. To prevent this, look for the telltale signs of plumbing leaks in your new home: 

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

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

6. Get a Basic Plumbing Emergency Kit

Contrary to popular belief, chemical drain openers don’t belong in a plumbing emergency kit. These caustic cleaners can damage your pipes if used frequently. In addition, they only offer a temporary solution at best. 

An effective alternative is to have non-chemical supplies available 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 mitigate the flow of a plumbing leak until a plumber is on the way 

7. Prevent Clogged Drains from Day One

Anything that flows down the drain apart from water could lead to a clog. Run your drains flowing smoothly with these preventive tips: 

• Put in 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 
• Do not pour cooking oil 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 always sensible to know a reliable plumber in town. For dependable, 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 choose our insured plumbers for the job, you can rest assured 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 arrange plumbing services with us today.