Congratulations on buying a new home. You likely already know that your new home will require regular maintenance and occasional repair but it can be helpful to begin this new adventure with the right knowledge and attitude to ensure future success. Plumbing is of course one key area that every new homeowner will want to stay on top of. For best results, here are some plumbing tips to keep in mind as you move into your new home. Continue reading more below.
Find Every Shut Off Valve
When first moving in, locate your main shut-off valve and label it properly. You will want to know what to turn off first in the event of a bad leak or something worse. Turning the main valve off can limit the damage from a leak or flood. You should also keep in mind that every faucet and toilet in your home has its own individual valve as well that allows water to come in from the main line. Identify the location of every one of these valves as well so you know exactly where to go in case of an emergency. While you are at it, make sure your family is educated on all of these valves and the correct way to turn them off when needed.
Check the Pressure Level
If you have not yet already done so, get a water pressure gauge and figure out the water pressure inside your home. High water pressure can feel good inside of the shower but too much water pressure can put additional wear and tear on your plumbing and lead to problems over time. A local plumber may be able to help you find a good mix of comfort with doing what's right for the longevity of your plumbing.
Check for Leaks
You should periodically check your house for any signs of leaks. Look for drips coming from the faucet after it is turned all the way off. You can put food coloring into your toilet tank to see if it drips down into the toilet. Inspect your pipes as best you can and don't forget to pay attention to any outdoor faucets or other outdoor plumbing while you're at it.
Be Mindful of What Goes Down the Drain
If your home has a septic system, you'll want to be very strict about what does and does not go down the drain, but even a standard plumbing system will benefit from a family that uses common sense in this area. Don't put anything besides toilet paper down the toilet and don't dump leftovers or grease down the kitchen sink.
Bathroom renovations are fun yet complicated projects. This is especially true if you're replacing your shower, moving your sink, or doing any other serious plumbing changes. If you're getting ready to renovate your bathroom, you're definitely in the right place. We have been there before, and we learned a lot about the extra work involved with these major changes. That's why we created this blog. We wanted to share our experience and some tips we learned to help people just like you to avoid some of the major mistakes and complications. Hopefully, the information here will help you to create a successful remodeling plan with your plumber.