Congratulations on your new home! As you settle into this exciting chapter, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with one of your property’s most vital systems: the plumbing. By following essential plumbing tips for new homeowners, you’ll understand how water flows through your home, helping you avoid potential headaches and unexpected expenses.
The Basics of Your Home’s Plumbing System
Your plumbing system is like the circulatory system of your house. It consists of two main components:
- The supply system brings clean water into your home under pressure.
- The drainage system removes wastewater using gravity.
Your plumbing system includes various elements working together:
- Pipes are typically made of copper, PVC, or PEX, are the highways for water in your home.
- Valves act as traffic controllers, regulating water flow.
- Fixtures are endpoints like sinks, toilets, and bathtubs where water is used.
- Appliances are water-using devices such as water heaters, washing machines, and dishwashers.
How Water Gets In
If you live in most cities or towns, your water comes from a municipal water treatment plant. This plant treats water from a nearby source (like a river or lake) to make it safe for drinking.
If you live in a rural area, your home may have a private well. This well pumps water up from an underground aquifer.
The Journey Through Your Home
Once the water reaches your home, it travels through a main pipe to your water meter (usually located outside). From there, it splits into two lines:
- The cold water line branches off and goes to all the fixtures in your home.
- The hot water line goes to your water heater where it is heated before being distributed throughout your home.
After being used, wastewater flows through a system of pipes that lead to the sewer or septic tank.
If you live in a city or town, your wastewater flows into a municipal sewer system. This system carries the wastewater to a treatment plant where it’s cleaned before being released back into the environment.
If you live in a rural area, your wastewater flows into a septic tank. This underground tank separates the wastewater into solid and liquid parts. The solid waste (or sludge) settles at the bottom, while the liquid part (or effluent) is filtered through a drain field and absorbed into the ground.
The Importance of Proper Venting
Often overlooked, venting is crucial for your drainage system’s health. Vent pipes allow air to enter the drainage system, which maintains neutral air pressure that enables wastewater to flow freely and prevents sewer gases from entering your home.
Proactive Plumbing Tips for New Homeowners
While your plumbing system often operates quietly in the background, regular care and maintenance can prevent major issues.
Regular Inspections
Make it a habit to inspect your plumbing system periodically:
- Check under sinks and around toilets for leaks
- Look for water stains on walls or ceilings
- Inspect visible pipes for corrosion or damage
- Test your water pressure (ideal range: 40-60 psi)
Watch What You Flush
Your toilet is not a trash can. Flushing anything other than human waste and toilet paper can cause clogs and damage to your plumbing system. Avoid flushing items like:
- Baby wipes
- Feminine hygiene products
- Paper towels or napkins
- Dental floss
- Grease or oil
Deal with Leaks Quickly
Even small leaks can lead to significant water damage if left untreated. If you notice a leak, address it immediately to prevent further damage and higher repair costs.
Know Where Your Shutoff Valves Are
In case of a plumbing emergency, such as a burst pipe or an overflowing fixture, it’s important to know the location of your main water shutoff valve. This valve controls the flow of water into your home, and turning it off can prevent further damage while you address the problem.
You’ll also want to familiarize yourself with the individual shutoff valves for your sinks, toilets, and appliances like your washing machine and dishwasher.
Keep an Eye on Your Water Heater
Your water heater is responsible for delivering hot water to your taps, showers, and appliances. To keep it running efficiently:
- Drain the tank annually to remove sediment buildup.
- Test the pressure relief valve to ensure it’s functioning.
- Keep the temperature set at around 120°F (49°C) to prevent scalding and save on energy costs.
Take Care of Your Septic System
If your home has a septic system, there are measures you should take to ensure it continues to function effectively.
- Have the septic tank pumped regularly. Septic tanks should be pumped every 3 to 5 years, depending on usage and tank size. Regular pumping helps prevent backups and overflows.
- Use septic-safe products. Avoid flushing or pouring harsh chemicals, oils, and grease down the drain, since these can disrupt the functioning of the bacteria in the septic tank. Use septic-safe toilet paper, cleaners, and detergents to maintain a healthy system.
- Monitor the drain field. Keep heavy objects and vehicles off the drain field, and avoid planting trees or shrubs nearby, as roots can damage the system.
Monitor Your Water Bill for Unexpected Increases
A sudden increase in your water bill could indicate an undetected leak in your home. Check faucets, toilets, and outdoor hoses regularly for any signs of leaks.
To identify hidden leaks, turn off all water sources in your home and monitor the water meter. If the meter continues to run, you may have a leak.
If You’re Going Away for an Extended Period
- Turn off the main water supply. Shutting off the main water valve can prevent leaks or water damage while you’re away.
- Drain water lines. After turning off the main supply, drain water from your faucets and flush toilets to prevent water from sitting in the pipes.
- Set water heater to ‘vacation’ mode. Many water heaters have a ‘vacation’ setting that reduces energy usage while keeping the unit ready to produce hot water when you return.
- Consider a leak detector. Installing a smart leak detection system can alert you to any potential leaks, even when you’re away from home.
Maintain Your Garbage Disposal
Your garbage disposal is connected to the drain pipe in your home, allowing waste to be flushed away. To keep your disposal running efficiently, avoid putting fibrous or starchy foods (like potato peels and celery) down it.
Run cold water before and after each use to flush the system properly.
Additional Plumbing Tips for New Homeowners:
- One of the most important plumbing tips for new homeowners is that if your home has hard water, installing a water softener can reduce the mineral buildup that can damage pipes, faucets, and appliances over time.
- Keep your drains clear by periodically pouring a mixture of vinegar and baking soda down them, followed by hot water. This can help prevent clogs and remove buildup.
- Regularly check outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems for leaks or damage.
- Use drain screens in sinks and showers to catch hair, food particles, and debris, which helps prevent clogs.
- Get a water pressure gauge. Low water pressure can indicate a problem with your plumbing system, while excessively high water pressure can cause damage. A pressure gauge can help you monitor and adjust it to a safe level (around 40-60 psi).
Common Plumbing Problems and Solutions
Even with diligent maintenance, plumbing issues can arise. Knowing how to identify and address common problems can save you time and money.
Leaky Faucets
- Cause: Usually due to worn-out washers or O-rings
- Solution: Replace the faulty parts or, if extensive, the entire faucet
- Why it matters: Even small drips can waste gallons of water over time
Running Toilets
- Cause: Often due to a faulty flapper or fill valve
- Solution: Adjust or replace the internal components
- Why it matters: Can waste up to 200 gallons of water daily
Clogged Drains
- Cause: Build-up of hair, soap scum, or debris
- Solution: Use a plunger or drain snake for minor clogs; chemical drain cleaners as a last resort
- Why it matters: Can lead to water damage and unsanitary conditions if left untreated
Low Water Pressure
- Cause: Could be due to mineral build-up, leaks, or municipal supply issues
- Solution: Clean aerators, check for leaks, or consult with your water provider
- Why it matters: Affects daily tasks and can indicate larger plumbing issues
When to Call a Professional
While many minor issues can be DIY projects, some situations require expert intervention:
- Persistent low water pressure
- Sewage odors or backups
- Multiple clogged drains
- Water heater issues
- Frozen pipes
- Major renovations or remodeling projects
Remember, attempting complex plumbing repairs without proper expertise can lead to more extensive (and expensive) damage.
Your Lakeland Plumber
As a new homeowner, it’s helpful to know who you would call in the event of a plumbing problem or emergency. Stronghold Plumbing & Septic is proud to be the central Florida plumbing company homeowners choose for all their plumbing needs.
Our complete range of plumbing services includes installation, maintenance, plumbing inspections, and repairs. We even offer free plumbing estimates, so remember us when you need plumbing assistance!
FAQ’s – Plumbing Tips for New Homeowners
Where do I find shutoff valves?
The main shutoff valve for your home is typically located near the water meter, which is usually outside or in a basement or crawlspace. Individual shutoff valves for toilets and sinks are usually located directly beneath them.
How do I know if my home has a septic system?
If you’re not sure, ask your realtor or contact your local health department. They can provide information on the type of sewage system your property uses.
Can I use chemical drain cleaners?
While they can be effective in some cases, it’s generally best to avoid using harsh chemicals as they can damage pipes and harm the environment. Try natural alternatives first or consult with a professional plumber.
What are the signs that I may have a plumbing leak?
Common signs of a plumbing leak include unexpectedly high water bills, damp spots on walls or ceilings, mold growth, musty odors, or the sound of running water when no taps are in use. Additionally, if you notice water pooling under sinks or around your water heater, it’s crucial to investigate further.
