Moving into a new house can be exciting and enjoyable or stressful and aggravating. How you approach the move-in will, of course, impact your stress levels. Here at Righty Roo Plumbing & Air, we believe following a simple maintenance guide for your plumbing can make the move-in much easier. Let’s review some smart steps to ensure your new home’s plumbing is safe, efficient and reliable.
Locate the Main Shut-Off Valve
Everyone in the home should know the location of the main water shut-off valve. You’ll need to quickly access this valve anytime a pipe bursts, a major leak occurs, or a fixture malfunctions. If you don’t immediately turn off the water in these situations, you’ll risk water damage and potential safety hazards. Most shut-off valves are near the water meter or in the garage, basement or crawl space. To switch off the valve, you will turn it clockwise until the water stops flowing.
Inspect All Faucets and Fixtures for Leaks
Go around the house and turn on all faucets and fixtures to check them for leaks. Even small drips can translate into extreme water waste and higher utility costs. They can also damage walls, flooring, and ceilings, which can be expensive to repair. If you hear hissing noises or notice any leaks, call a plumber right away.
Check Toilets for Running Water
Toilets that run constantly can waste gallons of water each day. Fortunately, it’s easy to tell whether a toilet has a leak that causes weak flushing. Place a bit of food coloring into the tank and don’t flush. Instead, wait about 30 minutes and check to see whether any of the coloring leaked into the bowl. If it did, the toilet is leaking. A plumber may need to replace the flapper or adjust the fill valve to fix the problem.
Look Under Sinks for Signs of Water Damage
Go around the house with a flashlight to inspect under all sinks for water damage. Signs to look for include water stains, warped cabinets and musty odors. You might be able to tighten loose fittings to fix the leak, but in some scenarios, you’ll need to call a plumber. Clean up any water, which can lead to mold growth if left untreated. Then, dry the area completely and check it often during the first few weeks after moving in.
Test Water Pressure at Multiple Fixtures
Do another walkthrough to test the water pressure at all the different fixtures. Low water pressure is a clear warning sign of sediment buildup in the pipes or a problem with the pressure regulator. It could also be the result of hidden leaks or corroded pipes. All these problems require expert help from a plumber. High pressure is just as bad as low pressure because it can damage appliances and fixtures. A plumber may need to install a pressure-reducing valve in some homes.
Inspect the Water Heater for Age and Efficiency
Your water heater affects everything from doing dishes to washing clothes to taking showers. If the unit has exceeded its expected lifespan (8 to 12 years), it’s best to consider a replacement. Other clues that it may need an upgrade include visible rust, leaks or strange noises. When you are ready to install a new unit, we can help you decide whether to choose a tank or a tankless system.
Clean or Replace Faucet Aerators and Showerheads
Faucet aerators and showerheads can easily clog with mineral deposits. When this happens, it affects water flow. The water flow slows down drastically, which will affect the water pressure of the faucets and showerheads. To clean these fixtures, unscrew them and soak them in vinegar for 30 minutes. If cleaning doesn’t help, you might need to replace the fixtures with new, energy-efficient models.
Schedule a Professional Plumbing Inspection
To ensure your new home’s plumbing is working correctly, schedule regular inspections. A plumber will carefully inspect all pipes and fixtures to ensure they work properly. If any leaks are present, our plumber will know exactly what to do to fix them.
Righty Roo Plumbing & Air is here to simplify your move-in process. We offer a variety of plumbing services, including installation support, inspections, and repairs.
Call Righty Roo Plumbing & Air today to book reliable, expert-level plumbing services in Palm Desert, CA.
