The Essential Plumbing Checklist for New Homeowners

Congratulations on your new home! As a new homeowner, you probably have a lot on your plate and you're just getting settled into your new space. However, it's important not to overlook the plumbing system in your new home. Plumbing issues can cause severe and expensive damage to your property and affect your daily life. Here, we've compiled a checklist of essential plumbing tasks that every new homeowner should know. The sooner you have your plumbing fixtures taken care of, the better off your home will be.

Inspection of Plumbing Fixtures

Inspecting your home's plumbing ensures there are no leaks in sinks, showers, or toilets. Check the water pressure and make sure it's at an acceptable level in all fixtures, especially in the hot fixtures. It's also important to ensure that all faucets are functioning correctly and not leaking water when turned off. Even small leaks can waste a lot of water and be expensive in the long run to repair. Check the outside faucets as well as the interior ones. 

Plumbing Inspection

Many people assume that since their home passed its original home inspection, the plumbing system is functioning correctly. However, this inspection is not always comprehensive, and it may not include every aspect of the plumbing system. Therefore, it's essential to have a professional plumber inspect your home's plumbing system. A qualified plumber can perform a thorough check of pipes, drains, water heaters, and other essential parts of the plumbing system to make sure everything is up to code and working as it should. 

Look Out for Signs of Potential Plumbing Issues

As a homeowner, it's crucial to be aware of potential plumbing issues because the issues are yours to repair, not a landlord's. Some of the signs of possible plumbing issues include slow drainage, foul odors, low water pressure, red or rusty water, and damp walls or floors. Ignoring these signs can lead to more significant issues in the future. If you notice any of these signs, it's always better to call a plumber to diagnose the problem before it gets worse.

Get Familiar With Your Shutoff Valves

It's essential to know the location of your shutoff valves in case of an emergency such as a burst pipe. Every new homeowner should know the location of the main water valve and individual shutoff valves for each plumbing fixture in the home. Turning off the water supply as soon as possible can reduce damage to your property in case of a plumbing emergency. Your plumber can show you where these shutoff valves are. 

Plan for Regular Maintenance

You have no idea how well the previous owners took care of their home's plumbing issues. Regular maintenance of your plumbing system is essential to keep it in proper working order. Over time, pipes can corrode, and fixtures can wear out, leading to leaks or other problems. A qualified plumber can prevent these issues by ensuring a longer lifespan for your plumbing system and getting your new home ownership off to a great start. Schedule periodic maintenance for items such as your water heater, sump pump, and septic system.

As a new homeowner, it's essential to be proactive about your home's plumbing system. Inspecting your fixtures and getting a comprehensive plumbing inspection can help prevent costly repairs down the road. Stay aware of any signs of potential plumbing issues and keep your emergency shut-off valves easily accessible. Regular maintenance by a qualified plumber will ensure a longer lifespan and proper functioning of your plumbing system. Following this plumbing checklist will help you enjoy your new home without having to worry about unexpected plumbing issues. If your home's plumbing system does not have the calling card of a plumber on it (check the water heater or other major water appliance), choose a plumber on your own. Call Calhoun Plumbing for your plumbing needs.