Did you recently or are you looking to buy a home for the first time in Louisiana? Becoming a homeowner is an exciting time, but it also means that you’ll have a lot of new responsibilities, including keeping an eye on your house’s plumbing system. Understanding the basics of home plumbing can help you minimize potential future problems and expenses while keeping your new house in tip top shape.
In this article, we’ll explore 11 plumbing basics for first-time homebuyers in Louisiana to ensure that you’re ready to tackle these issues as they arise and keep your home in excellent condition for years to come.
11 Plumbing Basics for First-Time Homebuyers in Louisiana
Here’s a list of 11 plumbing basics for first-time homebuyers in Louisiana so you can keep your new home well-maintained and avoid unexpected cost down the road:
1. Know the Signs of a Leak
Keep an eye out for common signs that could indicate one of your pipes is leaking. Here’s a list of indications that you might have a leak:
- Water stains or damp spots on your walls, ceilings, basements, or the insides of cabinets
- The cost of your water bill increasing
- Musty odors
- Mold growth
- The sound of running water even when your faucets are turned off
- Low water pressure
If you notice one or more of these things happening, turn off all of your home appliances that use water and take a look at your water meter. If your water meter is still acting as if your home is using water, you probably have a leak and should contact plumbing professionals to reduce the chance of damaging your home’s structures or value.
2. Learn to Manage Clogs
When it comes to plumbing basics for first-time homebuyers in Louisiana, It’s important to know how to deal with clogs. Have a plunger or drain snake on hand to deal with smaller clogs in your sinks, tubs, and toilets. We recommend that you don’t use chemical drain cleaners, as these can actually damage your pipes over time.
3. Inspect Your Water Heater
Learn how to perform basic tasks with your water heater, such as changing the temperature. It’s also important to check for rust, corrosion, or puddles of water nearby.
4. Keep an Eye on Water Pressure
Monitor the water pressure on all household appliances that use water. Signs that there is an issue with your water pressure can include:
- Your showers start emitting more or less water
- The flushing power of your toilets decreases
- The toilets run for too long when flushing
- Your tubs, showers, or toilets start leaking
Make sure that the main valve shut off is fully open and examine your pipes for signs of leaks. Partially closed valves, mineral buildup, and other issues can all contribute to water pressure problems, so if you notice an increase or decrease in your water pressure, it’s likely time to call a professional.
5. Prepare Your Pipes for Winter
One of the other vital plumbing basics for first-time homebuyers in Louisiana to know is how to winterize their pipes. We’re lucky to live in a state that’s warm most of the year, but during those chilly months, you’ll want to take measures to ensure that your pipes don’t freeze. Insulate any exposed pipes and try to maintain a consistent temperature inside your home.
6. Be Able to Turn Off the Water Main
If you detect a huge leak issue with your pipes, you should turn off your water main as soon as possible. Make sure you’re aware of the location of your water main shut off valve. Test that it properly works before you find yourself in an emergency situation.
7. Get To Know Your Garbage Disposal
Familiarize yourself with how to both properly use and maintain your garbage disposal. It’s best to only use your garbage disposal for small scraps rather than large chunks of food waste. Avoid putting any bones, food grease, or fibrous foods like vegetables down your disposal.
On occasion, put a few ice cubes in your garbage disposal and run it. Not only can this simple action help keep your garbage disposal clean, but it’s also a good quick test that makes sure it’s functioning properly.
8. Look at Your Gutters
Inspect your downspouts and gutters for any debris that might be caught in them. Having debris stuck in your gutters or downspouts during a storm can create water blockages, so it’s a good idea to check on these when the weather outside is calm.
9. Assess Your Appliances That Use Water
Take a look at the connections to your home appliances that use water, including your washing machine and dishwasher. See if the connections are leaking, bulging, or have other signs of damage or overuse.
10. Get a Water Softener
If your home doesn’t already have a water softener, consider investing in one. Hard water refers to water that contains a lot of minerals that can build up in your pipes, which means your plumbing will work less effectively and may not last as long. Common indicators that your home has a hard water problem include dry skin and dirty spots on your dishes. A water softener can help both dish detergent and human soap give you a better clean.
11. Know When to Call Professionals
Knowing the plumbing basics for first-time homebuyers in Louisiana may help you resolve small issues before they become bigger challenges that damage your home and result in costly bills. Performing these simple maintenance tasks can not only improve the functioning of your home plumbing system, but also extend your house’s life span and increase its value. As you settle into your first home, however, there might be some plumbing situations where you need professional expertise.
That’s when you can turn to Goodbee Plumbing. For more than 25 years, we have proudly served both first time and experienced homeowners in Louisiana just like you.
If you have a plumbing issue or concern that’s making you worry, give us a buzz at 985-893-1883 or stop by one of our local hardware stores. We’ll bee more than happy to help.