New Homeowner Plumbing Tips
New Homeowner Plumbing Tips
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Helpful plumbing tips for settling into your new home
Helpful plumbing tips for settling into your new home
Congratulations on your new home! Moving into a house is exciting, but it can also come with a lot of unknowns — especially when it comes to plumbing.
At Shanks Onsite Services, we help homeowners throughout West Georgia understand their plumbing systems, spot small issues early, and know when it’s time to call a licensed plumber.
Whether your home is brand new to you or has been loved for many years, here are a few simple things every homeowner should know.
1. Know where your main water shutoff is
1. Know where your main water shutoff is
One of the most important things you can do as a homeowner is locate your main water shutoff valve.
If a pipe bursts, a fixture starts leaking badly, or a water heater issue causes water to run, knowing how to shut off the water quickly can help limit damage.
Common places to check include:
Near the water heater
In a basement or crawlspace
Outside near the foundation
Near the water meter
In a garage or utility room
If you’re not sure where yours is, we can help you locate it during a service visit.
2. Check your water pressure
2. Check your water pressure
High water pressure may feel nice at the faucet, but over time it can be hard on your plumbing system, fixtures, water heater, toilet parts, supply lines, and appliances.
Some signs of possible pressure issues include:
Toilets that frequently need repairs
Faucet drips or supply line leaks
Banging pipes
Water heater problems
Fixtures wearing out sooner than expected
Many homes have a pressure reducing valve, also called a PRV. If it fails, your home’s water pressure may become too high or too low.
This unit exceeded its life and was producing inconsistant to no hot water.
3. Learn the age of your water heater
3. Learn the age of your water heater
Your water heater is one of the most important plumbing appliances in your home. Knowing its age can help you plan ahead instead of being surprised by a leak or no hot water.
Things to look for:
Age of the unit
Rust or corrosion
Water around the base
Popping or rumbling sounds
Hot water running out faster than normal
Signs of previous leaks
If your water heater has recently been replaced, it should also have the proper safety components, which may include an expansion tank, shutoff valve, and code-compliant installation.
4. Watch for slow leaks
4. Watch for slow leaks
Not every plumbing leak is obvious. Small leaks can hide under sinks, behind toilets, in crawlspaces, or around water heaters.
A few easy checks:
Look under sinks for moisture or stains
Check around toilets for soft flooring or movement
Watch for water stains on ceilings or walls
Listen for toilets that run when not in use
Pay attention to musty smells
Small leaks are often less expensive to handle early than after they cause damage.
5. Do not ignore toilet movement
5. Do not ignore toilet movement
If a toilet rocks, shifts, or feels loose, it may be more than just annoying. A loose toilet can damage the wax seal underneath and lead to leaking around the flange or floor.
Call a plumber if you notice:
A toilet that rocks
Water around the base
Sewer smell near the toilet
Soft flooring
Repeated clogs or flushing issues
A broken or damaged toilet flange is easier to address before it causes flooring damage.
6. Know what should not go down the drain
6. Know what should not go down the drain
Even if something says “flushable,” that does not always mean it is safe for your plumbing.
Avoid putting these down toilets or drains:
Wipes
Paper towels
Feminine products
Grease or cooking oil
Food scraps
Coffee grounds
Hair
Harsh drain chemicals
For kitchen sinks, grease is one of the biggest problems. It may go down as a liquid, but it can cool, harden, and build up inside the drain line.
7. Pay attention to your water quality
7. Pay attention to your water quality
Many homeowners in our area notice concerns like chlorine smell, hard water buildup, cloudy water, or taste issues.
Water quality can affect:
Drinking water
Ice makers
Coffee and cooking
Fixtures
Appliances
Pipes over time
A whole-home filtration system may be a good option for homeowners who want cleaner, better-tasting water throughout the house.
8. Be careful with DIY plumbing fixes
8. Be careful with DIY plumbing fixes
Some small plumbing tasks are manageable for homeowners, but certain issues can become expensive quickly if something goes wrong.
Be cautious with:
Water heater work
Pressure reducing valves
Main water lines
Sewer or drain issues
Toilet flange repairs
Hidden leaks
Shutoff valve replacements
When in doubt, it is better to ask before a small problem turns into a bigger one.
When should you call a plumber?
When should you call a plumber?
You may want to call a licensed plumber if you notice:
No hot water
Leaks under sinks or around fixtures
Low or high water pressure
Running toilets
Water stains
Sewer smells
Slow drains that keep coming back
Water heater concerns
A toilet that rocks or leaks
Plumbing issues found during or after moving in
At Shanks Onsite Services, we are happy to answer questions and help you understand what is going on before any work is done.
Free estimates and diagnostic visits
Free estimates and diagnostic visits
For planned plumbing projects, we offer free estimates.
For troubleshooting, leaks, pressure issues, and plumbing problems that require diagnosis, we charge a $69 diagnostic fee.
This helps us take the time to properly look at the issue, explain what we find, and give you options before moving forward.
Need plumbing help at your new home?
Need plumbing help at your new home?
Shanks Onsite Services is a local plumbing company serving homeowners in West Georgia and nearby areas.
We can help with:
Water heaters
Toilet repairs and replacements
Pressure reducing valves
Expansion tanks
Fixture installs
Leak troubleshooting
Water quality and filtration
General plumbing repairs
Have a question or need help? Reach out anytime.
Shanks Onsite Services
Local • Licensed & Insured • Free Estimates on Planned Work
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