As a new homeowner, you are no longer in a position where you may simply contact a landlord if an issue develops on or around the property. It is your responsibility. Of course, the home consists of many different components and systems. One of the most important of all is your plumbing system. While it may be true that you are familiar with some aspects of your home’s plumbing, it is also true that there may come a time when something needs to be done or an issue arises that you need assistance. In these cases, you will need to refer to a plumber for that assistance. In this guide, you will learn how – as a new homeowner – a plumber can help you.

1. Installation

If your new home is a newly constructed home, a plumber will be required to run the various components of the plumbing system through that home and on the property. This includes the water supply system, the lines, the hot water heater, the fixtures throughout the home, the vent pipes, the drain system, and the septic tank. In most instances, the plumbing on a newly constructed home will need to pass inspection prior to you moving in. Yes, there are some aspects that you could likely complete yourself; however, it is best to leave it to a professional to ensure that there are no hold-ups on your inspection.

2. Placement of Plumbing Fixtures

Once the plumbing system has been placed on a home, there are many plumbing fixtures that must be placed within the structure. A plumber can assist with all of these. Examples include the faucets, the toilets throughout the home, the sinks, the tubs, the heads of the showers, dishwashers, water lines that go to the refrigerator, hot water heaters or tankless systems, sump pumps, and even garbage disposals. Yes, it is possible for you to install these fixtures, but it is best to have a professional plumber so that no issues develop once you try to utilize those fixtures.

3. Plumbing Inspections

As a homeowner, there are some instances in which a plumbing inspection is required. These include when you are purchasing a home, when you decide to sell the home, or you want to have your plumbing system inspected to protect the home and avoid costly emergency repairs in the future. A plumber can assist with these inspections. They are licensed, and insured, and have the expertise, and the tools to do thorough inspections.

4. Standard Maintenance

As a new homeowner, it is important that you have standard maintenance performed on your plumbing system at regular intervals. By being proactive, you will preserve your plumbing system. Ideally, maintenance should be performed at least once a year. If you live in an older home, you may choose to have this maintenance performed twice a year. If you live in an area that is surrounded by a lot of trees, this is especially important. This is because tree roots commonly cause cracks and damage to sewer lines. Your local plumber will be able to assist you with this maintenance.

5. Repairs

As a new homeowner, you should know and understand – eventually – you will need repairs done on various components of your plumbing system. This may include a toilet that is not flushing right, a drain that is clogged, or a cracked pipe due to freezing conditions. The good news is, a plumber can assist with these repairs. In addition to the issues previously mentioned, plumbers can help with hot water heaters, garbage disposals, faucets, drips, leaks, and more.

6. New Appliances

As a new homeowner, it is quite likely that you will need new appliances for the home. There are many that connect to the plumbing system. These include water heaters, washers, garbage disposals, refrigerators that are connected to water lines, water machines, water softeners, and dishwashers. While you may know how to use these appliances, installation may prove to be a bit challenging. In these cases, you may call a plumber in to install the appliances.

7. The Main Water Shut Off Valve

If you are moving into a new home, you should make an effort to learn all that you are able to about that structure. One of the most basic – yet most important – of all components of your home is the main water shut-off valve. It is imperative that you know where this is located. That way, if you experience any leaks, flooding, or malfunctions associated with your plumbing system, you can turn the water off so that the problem does not result in further complications. A plumber can come to your home, and show you where the shut-off valve is, how to control it, and under what conditions it should be turned off.

8. Clearing Drains

It is inevitable; at some point, while living at your home, you will experience a clogged drain. This often stems from an accumulation of hair, residue from soaps, grease, and other items accidentally going down the drain. When this happens, a plumber can help you quickly resolve the clog. Additionally, they will often instruct you on techniques that may be used to do it on your own. One such technique involves pouring warm water down the drain, then placing baking soda over the drain and pouring vinegar over it. Once the solution fizzles out, pour warm water down the drain once more.

9. The Water Heater

The water heater in your home is another part of the plumbing system that you should become familiar with. You should learn all that you are able to about it. For example, its make and model, whether it is standard or tankless, its location, how to access it, its warranty, and how to drain it at least once each year. By calling a plumber, you can learn all of this and more. Additionally, if you so desire, you may have the yearly drainage scheduled with the maintenance that the plumber performs either once or twice a year.

10. Plumbing Tools

Finally, a plumber is very beneficial in helping homeowners learn how to properly use plumbing tools. These include a plunger, a hand snake, a standard snake, a pipe cutter, a pipe wrench, a basin wrench, an adjustable spanner, a hacksaw, thread seal tape, tongue and groove pliers, standard pliers, wrenches, wood auger, caulking gun, strap wrench, torque wrench, tubing cutter, toilet auger, and others. There are many DIY steps that may be taken – for example – to clear a clog or to resolve a slow drain. By knowing how to do it and how to use the proper tools to do it, you will save money on professional plumbing services.

Contact Us Today

We here at Reynolds Plumbing know our field inside and out. We have a high level of expertise and work with homeowners daily to ensure the proper functioning of their plumbing systems. It does not matter if you live in a historic home, a newly built home, or your home is in the process of being constructed, we can assist you with all of your plumbing needs. In addition to this, we also specialize in heating and air. If you have a problem, we have a solution! If you want to learn more about your plumbing system, want to schedule maintenance, have a repair that needs to be done, or need components or fixtures installed, we can assist you! Simply give us a call today by dialing the following phone number: 765-966-0994