Are you ready to be a new homeowner? Congratulations! It’s thrilling to own a home and not have to deal with a landlord. Nonetheless, homeownership comes with plenty of new responsibilities. For one, you are now accountable for keeping the pipes and plumbing fixtures in good condition.
The last thing you want is to deal with a plumbing problem just after moving in, so it’s smart 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. Schedule a Plumbing Inspection
Once you settle on your dream home, it’s a good idea to get a professional plumbing inspection. This can uncover previously hidden issues with the supply lines, fixtures, appliances and drains you might not have noticed. Poor water pressure or a slow toilet leak may not be a deal-breaker, but it’s nice to take care of these problems before you move in.
2. Try to find any Pipe Insulation
Your home's pipes can 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 low-cost upgrade is a valuable 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 encounter a major emergency such as a burst pipe. But you must first know where the valve can be found.
If the house 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, 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. Look for a round or rectangular metal cover close to 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 a crisis.
4. Find Individual Shutoff Valves
Along with the main shutoff valve, most fixtures and appliances should have dedicated valves entering the wall behind them. This allows you to turn off the water while making repairs or to minimize damage in an emergency. Familiarize yourself with the location of these valves anytime you buy a new house.
5. Know the Signs of a Plumbing Leak
Water damage is a common concern regarding plumbing leaks, but a leaky faucet can also empty your wallet. Consider that a single drip per second wastes more than 1,600 gallons each year. To prevent this, keep an eye out for any signs of plumbing leaks in your new home:
- Dripping or bubbling sounds
- A spike in 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
- 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 repeatedly. In addition, they only offer a temporary solution at best.
A better alternative is to have non-chemical supplies on hand 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 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:
- Put in mesh drain covers in bathroom sinks and showers
- Do not flush anything down the toilet other than human waste and a small amount of toilet paper
- Don't pour cooking grease down the drain
- Pour a large pot of near-boiling water down every drain once a month
8. Put 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 reliable, affordable work, there’s no better place to turn than Matz-Rightway.
We have Experts across North America to serve customers from coast to coast. When you choose our certified 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 Matz-Rightway office to schedule plumbing services with us today.