8 Plumbing Tips for New Homeowners
Are you ready to be a new homeowner? Well done! It’s a relief to own a home and not answer to a landlord. Nevertheless, homeownership includes all sorts of new responsibilities. For example, you are now accountable for keeping the pipes and plumbing fixtures in good working order.
The last thing you want is to deal with a plumbing issue just after moving in, so it’s sensible to confirm everything is ready to go before closing day. Here are eight valuable plumbing tips every new homeowner should be aware of.
1. Request a Plumbing Inspection
Once you find your dream home, it’s wise to schedule a professional plumbing inspection. This can reveal previously hidden issues with the supply lines, fixtures, appliances and drains you might not have noticed. Low water pressure or a slow toilet leak may not be a deal-breaker, but it’s nice to resolve these problems before you settle in.2. Check for Pipe Insulation
Your home’s pipes may freeze and burst if they’re exposed to cold temperatures. No new homeowner wants 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. Locate the Main Water Shutoff Valve
Shutting off the water to your house can greatly reduce property damage if you encounter a major emergency such as a burst pipe. But you must first know where the valve is found. If the house has a basement or crawl space, the shutoff valve is most likely situated 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 close to the street. Look for a round or rectangular metal cover close to the grass or sidewalk. It could be labeled “water meter” to help you identify 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 will have dedicated valves on the wall behind them. This allows you to shut off the water while working on repairs or to minimize damage during an emergency. Familiarize yourself with the location of every valve anytime you buy a new house.5. Recognize the Signs of a Plumbing Leak
Water damage is the biggest concern regarding plumbing leaks, but a leaky faucet can also empty your wallet. Consider that one drip each second wastes more than 1,600 gallons annually. To prevent this, watch for these signs of plumbing leaks in your new home:-
- Dripping or bubbling sounds
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- High water bills
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- Changes in the water meter readings despite not using any water
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- Standing water, wood rot or mold growth under the sinks
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- Loose toilet
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- Water stains on the ceilings and walls
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- Lasting musty odors
6. Purchase a Basic Plumbing Emergency Kit
Contrary to popular belief, chemical drain openers don’t belong in a plumbing emergency kit. These corrosive cleaners can harm your pipes if used repeatedly. What’s more, they only offer a temporary remedy at best. An effective alternative is to have non-chemical supplies on hand the next time you have a plumbing crisis. These include:-
- Cup plunger for backed up sinks, tubs and showers
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- Flange plunger for clogged toilets
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- Hand-crank drain snake for small blockages
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- Adjustable wrench to remove the P-trap from under clogged sinks
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- Utility bucket to catch water from a leaky pipe
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- Plumber’s tape to fix leaky showerheads
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- Duct tape to stem the flow of a plumbing leak until a plumber can help
7. Prevent Clogged Drains from Day One
Anything that flows down the drain apart from water can cause a clog. Run your drains flowing smoothly with these preventive tips:-
- Put in mesh drain covers in bathroom sinks and showers
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- Don’t flush anything down the toilet besides human waste and a small amount of toilet paper
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- Don’t pour cooking grease down the drain
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- Pour a large pot of near-boiling water in every drain each month
