Congratulations on buying your home! It is an exciting time for every homeowner. However, there is still lots to do. If you have already owned a house or apartment, you know the lengthy maintenance to-do list ahead of you. You may already have a trusted plumber on speed dial, ready to save you from every plumbing emergency.
Perhaps buying your first home has inspired you to become a handyman finally. It’s great that you want to care for your house and learn new skills to do so correctly.
However, home maintenance can be complicated. Knowing your limits and recognizing when it’s time to call in the professionals is essential. Many tasks require professional training and experience to do correctly. Furthermore, some of these projects are dangerous without the necessary expertise.
Nonetheless, it’s a good idea to understand how your home’s plumbing system works. That way, you know what to look out for, what to fix yourself, and when to contact the plumber.
This article will review some essential plumbing tips for new homeowners.
As a new homeowner, your first order of business is to schedule a house inspection with a professional, licensed plumber. It would be best if you did this before you moved in. The last thing you want the day after unpacking all your belongings is to discover a catastrophic plumbing problem.
A plumbing inspection is crucial in getting to know your new home. After all, you should figure out what parts need work immediately. Chances are, some plumbing elements will require maintenance, repair, or replacement. If you neglect these issues promptly, you may encounter more expensive and extensive repairs.
Your plumbing inspection should also include a drain and sewer line inspection. Professional plumbers use high-tech equipment and cameras to survey sewer systems. They check on the condition of the pipes and recommend repairs or maintenance if needed.
Maintaining a home takes a lot of time, energy, and expertise. Inevitably, you will make many calls to plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians, and roof repairers over the years. Instead of calling someone new every time something goes wrong, finding your go-to person is essential.
You want someone experienced, knowledgeable, and reliable. Someone you can trust in all manner of emergencies!
Finding your go-to plumber is a significant undertaking. They should be fully licensed, insured, bonded, and have a long list of happy customers. Additionally, ensure they have a comprehensive list of services, including emergency services.
It’s always a good idea to ask your friends, family members, and new neighbours for their recommendations.
As a new homeowner, you must recognize the signs of a water leak. After all, water leaks can cause severe and costly damage to your home if not detected early.
Stay alert for dripping sounds, signs of water running down the walls, and soft wallboards. Check cabinets for signs of moisture, especially those under the sink. Mould and mildew growth are clear indicators of moisture.
You can also catch a water leak by monitoring your monthly water bills. If your water consumption jumps for no apparent reason, the pipes may leak.
Clogged drains are a pain that every homeowner encounters eventually. That being said, there are things you can do to minimize the risk. You are far less likely to get slow or blocked drains by simply not throwing certain items down the sink.
Do not throw the following things down the kitchen sink:
Clogs happen in bathrooms as well. Soap, debris, and hair can quickly clog pipes. Getting a drain screen helps prevent these things from disappearing down the drain.
If your home develops a slow drain, contact your plumber to have it fixed immediately. The blockage will only get worse with time.
Cold weather can wreak havoc on your home’s plumbing system. As a new homeowner, you must know how to prevent your pipes from freezing during subzero temperatures. Frozen pipes can burst, leading to serious floods and severe water damage.
Pipes should be properly weatherproofed before the big freeze hits. Insulating exposed pipes helps to keep them from freezing. Additionally, open under-sink cabinets so warm air can circulate around the pipes and keep your thermostat above 13 degrees.
One thing you do not want to waste time looking for during a plumbing emergency is the water valve. It would be best to learn where all the water valves are in your new home as soon as possible.
Closing the main water valve will stop a flood, potentially saving your home and precious belongings. Turning off the water at the main shut-off valve eliminates water flow into your house.
There are also smaller shut-off valves in specific areas of your home. For example, a shut-off valve behind the toilet stops water from flowing to the appliance.
The team at Advanced Plumbing is ready to help you take care of your new home. Our plumbers and drain technicians are fully licensed, insured, and highly skilled. We offer many professional plumbing and heating services, including 24/7 emergency repair.
Whether you have a minor issue like a leaking faucet or an emergency like a burst pipe, you can count on the experts at Advanced Plumbing.
To book an appointment, call Advanced Plumbing at 866-863-9539 or contact us here.