8 Plumbing Tips for New Homeowners 

Are you ready to be a new homeowner? Congrats! It’s thrilling to own your home and not have to deal with a landlord. Still, homeownership includes plenty of new responsibilities. For instance, you are now responsible for keeping any pipes and plumbing fixtures in good working order. 

The last thing you want is to resolve a plumbing issue right after moving in, so it’s wise to confirm everything is squared away before closing day. Check out these eight valuable plumbing tips every new homeowner should know. 

1. Schedule a Plumbing Inspection

Once you find your dream home, it’s a good idea to get a professional plumbing inspection. This can uncover underlying issues with the supply lines, fixtures, appliances and drains you might not have known about. Weak water pressure or a slow toilet leak may not be a deal-breaker, but it’s best to take care of these problems before moving in. 

2. Check for Pipe Insulation

Your 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 a valuable preventive measure against frozen and burst pipes. 

3. Locate the Main Water Shutoff Valve 

Shutting off the water to your house can greatly reduce property damage if you encounter 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 probably placed on a wall close to 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 flush with the grass or sidewalk. It may be labeled “water meter” to help you recognize it. 

If you still can’t track down the primary water shutoff valve, call a plumber for help locating it before you have an emergency. 

4. Find Individual Shutoff Valves

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

5. Recognize the Signs of a Plumbing Leak

Water damage is the biggest concern associated with plumbing leaks, but a leaky faucet can also drain your wallet. Consider that just one drip each second wastes more than 1,600 gallons per year. To prevent this, look for the telltale signs of plumbing leaks in your 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 
• Wobbly toilet 

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

6. Get a Basic Plumbing Emergency Kit

Despite what you may think, chemical drain openers shouldn’t go in a plumbing emergency kit. These potent cleaners can harm your pipes if used frequently. What’s more, 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 emergency. These include: 

• Cup plunger for clogged 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 reduce the flow of a plumbing leak until a plumber arrives 

7. Prevent Clogged Drains from Day One

Anything that flows down the drain besides water could lead to a clog. Keep 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 
• Do not pour cooking oil down the kitchen sink 
• Pour a large pot of near-boiling water in every drain once a month 

8. Have a Plumber on Speed Dial 

While these plumbing tips for new homeowners should keep many problems under control, it’s still smart 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 Experts across North America to support our customers from coast to coast. When you choose 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. Get in touch with your local Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing office to schedule plumbing services with us today.