While there are plenty of exciting things to look forward to as a new homeowner, it’s important not to neglect the less glamorous parts of homeownership – like plumbing.

A little bit of maintenance and foresight can go a long way in preventing costly repairs down the line. Here, we’ll be sharing five essential plumbing tips that every new homeowner should know.

From avoiding clogs to detecting leaks early, these tips will help you take control of your home’s plumbing and keep everything running smoothly. Read on, and let’s get you started!

1. Locate Your Shut-off Valves

If a pipe bursts or you have a plumbing emergency, it’s important to know where your shut-off valves are located. Shut-off valves are usually located near major appliances like the water heater, washing machine, and dishwasher. They may also be located in the basement or crawl space.

To find your shut-off valves, start by looking for the main water supply line coming into your home. This is usually a large pipe that enters through the foundation.

Once you’ve located the main water supply line, trace it back to where it splits off into smaller lines. These smaller lines will lead to your appliances and fixtures. The shut-off valves are typically located before these smaller lines branch off.

If you can’t find your shut-off valves or if they’re not labeled, ask your plumber or homeowner’s association for help. It’s important to know where these valves are located in case of an emergency so that you can quickly turn off the water supply and prevent further damage.

2. Don’t Use Chemical Drain Cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners are often used to attempt to clear plumbing clogs, but they should be avoided at all costs. Chemical drain cleaners can corrode your pipes and may even damage other systems in your home, including your septic system.

The chemicals in the cleaners often stay in the pipes for long periods and can erode the interior of the pipes, eventually leading to costly repairs. Instead of using chemical cleaners which are not also healthy to use, the best option is to use a plunger or a plumbing snake.

Plungers and plumbing snakes are less harsh on your pipes and can be used multiple times to break apart clogs. Finally, it’s always best to contact a professional plumber if you experience a plumbing clog. They can help determine the cause of the clog and advise on the best way to solve it.

3. Inspect Your Water Heater

If your home has a water heater, it’s important to know how to maintain it. One of the most important things you can do is to regularly inspect your water heater. You should do this at least once a year and more often if you have hard water.

To inspect your water heater, first shut off the power and the water supply. Then, drain the tank completely and remove the access panel. Inspect the inside of the tank for any rust or corrosion. If you see any, it’s time to replace your water heater.

Check the anode rod. The anode rod is a metal rod that helps protect the inside of the tank from corrosion. If it’s corroded, it needs to be replaced.

Finally, check the temperature and pressure relief valve. This valve releases pressure if the tank gets too hot or too much pressure builds up inside. Make sure the valve is working properly and that there are no leaks.

If everything looks good, put everything back together and turn on the power and water supply. Take note that a well-functioning water heater also helps you save energy use.

4. Keep Your Sump Pump Functional

Maintaining a functional sump pump is essential for any home. Sump pumps are used to direct groundwater away from your home’s foundation. To keep your sump pump functioning well, you should inspect it at least twice a year.

Make sure the sump basin is clear of debris, and check the intake and outflow valves for clogs. Replace the waterlogged sump pump float switch. It’s also important to perform a test run to be sure the pump is functioning properly.

If your sump pump is not working, you have the option to go for a sump pump repair or get it replaced completely. Be sure to perform regular maintenance or invest in a reliable backup pump. This is important to focus on prevention rather than reactivation.

5. Address Leaks Promptly

It is vital to make sure that plumbing leaks are addressed promptly. Ignoring a leak or waiting to fix it could lead to disastrous consequences. Unaddressed plumbing leaks can cause significant water damage, leading to rot, mold, and a variety of other water issues.

With proper maintenance and repair, it is possible to prevent further damage that would qualitatively and quantitatively reduce the money and time that would be needed to restore the integrity of the structure. It’s important to identify the source of a leak, repair it immediately, and inspect the work to make sure that it is done correctly.

Failing to do so could result in having to make costly repairs later on. The other option is to call a professional plumbing expert who is aware of all the following:

• techniques
• tools
• supplies

They can quickly identify the exact source of the problem and address it most efficiently and effectively as possible.

Consider These Plumbing Tips for New Homeowners

Overall, these plumbing tips are invaluable for any new homeowner. Being aware of common plumbing issues and the preventive tips to keep them from occurring can save a lot of time and money.

To keep your dream home safe from costly plumbing problems, make sure to remind yourself of these tips and follow them accordingly. Get in touch with a trusted plumbing expert for help with any questions or concerns you may have.

For more reads aside from this basic plumbing guide, feel free to explore our blog.