5 Plumber Tips For A New Homeowner

November 1, 2021 Plumbing

5 plumber tips for a new homeowner

So you bought a new house and you have a ton of things to figure out as a result of it. Something that often slips people’s minds is figuring out your new home’s plumbing situation, but it is super important. Here are five important tips from an expert plumber, to keep in mind as you embark on this exciting new journey in homeownership. 

  1. Find your Water Shutoff Valve – This might seem like an obvious one, but you will be kicking yourself as water is gushing from a pipe and you have no idea how to turn it off. Sometimes this is covered during your home inspection, but in case it isn’t, make sure you locate the water valve and know how to shut it off. The location of such valves can vary between inside and outside, check utility boxes, basements, utility closets etc. For major appliances that have shut-off valves of their own, be sure to locate these as well. If you do find yourself in need of emergency services, be sure to call a plumber for help. 
  2. Know how to check for water damage – Much of the inner workings of your home’s plumbing are hidden behind the walls of your house. Because of this, leaks can go unnoticed for some time. If you know the signs to look for, they can be detected early on, saving you a lot of trouble down the line. Look for discoloration on your walls and ceilings, specifically around the edges of your rooms as water likes to follow the path of least resistance. Pay attention to any puddling around your appliances or wood that is soft to the touch. These are all signs that you could have a small leak somewhere. 
  3. Learn how to winterize your home – Every home has to undergo some sort of winterizing protocols to ensure the safety of your pipes. If you have outdoor faucets or appliances, this is particularly important because you need to clear the lines and turn off the valves prior to the start of the winter weather. If you have any pipes that are at risk of being exposed to colder then normal temperatures, you can insulate them with heat tape or a pipe sleeve for extra protection from the elements.
  4. Stock up on plumbing essentials – Especially if you are a first-time homeowner, make sure you visit your local hardware store and pick up (at a minimum) a plunger, duct tape, screwdriver, rags, a bucket, and a flashlight. As you learn more about your home and acquire the skills to tackle certain plumbing projects yourself, you will need more, but this is a good starting point.
  5. Hire yourself a good plumber – No matter how prepared you are, there are going to be times as a homeowner when you need to call in the professionals. Having a relationship with a plumber that knows your home setup and history is critical. Once you identify a trustworthy plumber, be sure to schedule an annual visit with them to check your house for any potential issues and to stay ahead of problems.

If you are a new homeowner, or just someone who is in need of a trusted plumber, please contact us today to schedule an appointment. We are highly experienced in working with homeowners of all types and can ensure that you are supported through any emergency that might pop up.