Introduction
Every householder is always waiting somewhere, someday or the other to repair a new home; but there are lot many things which a householder needs to do once an individual is repairing a new home which initially includes checking the plumbing system. This is one among many factors that people rarely consider the moment they purchase their dream house only to find out later on that they are on the other side of the coin after a few months. However, if you do not wish to go through those costly plumbing mistakes and if you want to be doubly sure that your plumbing is functioning effectively then there are some simple things that you can do.
Inspect the Plumbing Before Moving In
During the home inspection process, a professional should determine if the pipes, drains, water heaters and faucets require any repair work. This inspection is useful in uncovering any concealed conditions on or about the pipe that may be detrimental to the pipe, for example, leakage, corrosion and or poor installation. These problems should be solved as soon as possible and this is because they may lead to some expensive fixes later.
Check for Leaks in Pipes and Faucets
A leakage in the pipe or a tap does not sound very severe but if not attended to for some time it becomes severe. Check for any sign of leaks in all the faucets, showers and other visible pipes. The person also stems unnecessary dripping of water because even a small drop of water will amount to a waste of water and huge bills. Any signs that you may observe include staining or wet stains around your bathtub, shower heads or other fixtures; this should prompt you to engage a plumber and have the areas repaired before they become costly issues. Also, one must inspect areas that can easily be masked, such as under counters, or behind large appliances including washing machines.
Ensure Proper Water Pressure
A lack of proper water pressure is always a sign that something is afoul with the plumbing, it could be blocked pipes or deposits of dirt or the water heater may not be working properly. High water pressure, on the other hand, is not preferred at all since it has the tendency to stress the pipes and burst thus causing leaks. Checking the water pressure in the new home can be done using simple procedures so that you can get to know the areas that may be problematic later. Though the pressure of the water may be high or low, a plumber can easily fix it to the right pressure and also facilitate the discovery of other underlying issues.
Shut off the Main Water Supply
Finding out where the principal water shut-off valve is must help one avoid a big problem with the pipe work. For instance; you may have a leakage problem such as a burst pipe, in such situations turning off the water supply is important to avoid flooding. Often homeowners do not even know in which part of the house this valve is situated, which results not only in time consumption but also in severe losses. Visit your new home and look for the main water shut-off valve and test it to be in proper working order. If you are still in doubt about how it is operated, consult a plumber.
Prevent Clogged Drains
A clogged drain is one of the most common plumbing complications that in the event it’s ignored begets drastic damages. Loose hair, soap deposits, oils and greasy substances, food particles etc tend to cling to the inner walls of the drains and thus when they accumulate they block the flow of water. When you are shifting into your new home it is advised that you fix drain screens to avoid blockage and always clear the things that have accumulated at the base of the drain. Grease and oil cannot be washed down the kitchen sink because they solidify and cause blockage of the pipes. If you have such problems as slow water flow in your sill or development of standstill water, then should contact a plumber who will diagnose whether the drain is blocked or not.
Have a Plumber on Call for Emergencies
You can never really predict instances such as burst pipes, several overflowing toilets or even water heater failures. Hiring a professional plumber is very advisable especially when you have some emergency cases. So, find the local plumbers and make sure to save their number, before you even shift into your new home.
Conclusion
As much as any person would wish to have that dream house, certain fundamental errors should not be made especially when relocating to a new house and the following are some of the mistakes that should not be done while fitting the plumbing system in a new home. To avoid such issues, ask for a plumbing inspection where the most common problems such as leaks, water pressure and water heater would have been checked before you moved in. Moreover, knowing the position of the master shut-off valve, avoiding blockage of the drain, and having a listed plumber will enable a person to be ready for any emergency. By following these steps; you can avoid some of these costs and have proper functioning of the plumbed systems in your home for a long time.