8 Plumbing Tips for New Homeowners 

Are you happy to be a new homeowner? Congratulations! It’s thrilling to own a home and not answer to a landlord. Nonetheless, homeownership presents lots of new responsibilities. For example, you are now responsible for keeping any pipes and plumbing fixtures in good shape. 

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

1. Consider a Plumbing Inspection

Once you find your dream home, it’s a good idea to schedule a professional plumbing inspection. This reveals underlying issues with the supply lines, fixtures, appliances and drains you may not have known about. Weak water pressure or a slow toilet leak may not be a deal-breaker, but it’s better to resolve these problems before you move in. 

2. Try to find any Pipe Insulation

The 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 you move in. If the pipes aren’t insulated, this low-cost upgrade is an effective preventive measure against frozen and burst pipes. 

3. Locate the Main Water Shutoff Valve 

Turning 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 can be found. 

If your home has a basement or crawl space, the shutoff valve is most likely situated on a wall close to the front of the house. If the building is on a slab foundation, check 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. Search for a round or rectangular metal cover by the grass or sidewalk. It could 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

In addition to the main shutoff valve, most fixtures and appliances should have dedicated valves for the wall behind them. This allows you to shut off the water while working on repairs or to minimize damage in an emergency. Familiarize yourself with the location of all plumbing valves when you buy a new house. 

5. Know the Signs of a Plumbing Leak

Water damage is the biggest concern relating to 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 the telltale signs of plumbing leaks in your new home: 

• Dripping or bubbling sounds 
• High water bills 
• Changes in the 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 
• Lingering musty odors 

6. Get a Basic Plumbing Emergency Kit

Despite what you may have heard, chemical drain openers don’t belong in a plumbing emergency kit. These corrosive cleaners can harm your pipes if used over and over. Plus, they only offer a temporary remedy at best. 

A better alternative is to have non-chemical supplies available 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 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 stem the flow of a plumbing leak until a plumber is on the way 

7. Avoid Clogged Drains from Day One

Anything that flows down the drain apart 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 other than human waste and a small amount of toilet paper 
• Don’t pour cooking grease down the kitchen sink 
• Pour a large pot of near-boiling water into every drain monthly 

8. Have a Plumber on Speed Dial 

While these plumbing tips for new homeowners should keep many problems under control, it’s still wise to know a reliable plumber in town. For quality, affordable work, there’s no better place to turn than Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts. 

We have locations across North America to support our customers from coast to coast. When you choose our insured plumbers for the job, you can rest easy that every repair and installation job is backed by a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee. Get in touch with your local Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts office to schedule plumbing services with us today.