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Buying a new home can be an exciting but overwhelming experience, especially for first-time homebuyers like you in Brisbane.
One important aspect of homeownership that often gets overlooked is the plumbing system.
Understanding the basics of plumbing helps you avoid costly repairs and ensure the smooth functioning of your new home.
Homeowners should have basic plumbing knowledge since not all plumbing problems require a professional plumber.
By learning some plumbing tips, you prevent common problems yourself and save a considerable amount of money.
In cases such as sewer lines, broken water heaters and gas leaks you should consider hiring a Howzat professional.
The Howzat team offers seven essential plumbing tips to assist first-time homebuyers in confidently navigating this crucial aspect of homeownership in Australia.
Inspect the Plumbing System
The plumbing system in your dream home is very important. It brings clean water for daily use and gets rid of dirty water to keep everything clean and hygienic.
It's essential to ensure that the plumbing system is in good condition to avoid future headaches and expenses.
Look for Signs of Leaks and Water Damage
Look for water stains on ceilings, walls, or floors.
Pay attention to any musty odours or mould growth, as these can be indications of hidden leaks.
Inspect the area around sinks, toilets, and showers for any signs of water pooling or dripping.
Ask yourself.
Are there any visible signs of corrosion or rust?
Damaged pipes can lead to leaks or bursts, causing significant damage to your home.
Take the time to visually inspect the pipes, including those in the basement, crawl spaces, or utility rooms.
Check the Water Pressure and Functionality
After thoroughly inspecting for any indications of leaks or water damage, the next step is to assess the water pressure of all faucets and showers.
Proper water pressure is crucial for your everyday activities like bathing, cooking, and cleaning.
Turn on each faucet fully and observe the flow of water.
Is the water pressure consistent and strong?
While you're at it, don't forget to test the functionality of each fixture.
Are there any faucets or shower heads that are loose or outdated?
Are there any signs of dripping or leaking when they're turned off?
Although these issues may appear insignificant, their cumulative effects can eventually escalate, resulting in excessive water waste and higher utility expenses.
Inspect the Water Heater and Sewer Lines
In addition to checking for water leaks and pressure, there are two other crucial elements in the plumbing system: the water heater and sewer lines.
Check the water heater for any signs of rust, mineral buildup, or leaks.
The water heater should be properly insulated and functioning efficiently to provide you with hot water when you need it.
When inspecting the sewer lines, look for any potential issues such as clogs or blockages. Inspect the area around the sewer line and check for any unusual smells or dampness.
Consider hiring a professional plumber from Howzat to inspect the sewer line with a camera to check its condition.
Familiarise yourself with the location of shut-off valves in your new home.
When you move into your dream home, it's important to familiarise yourself with the location of shut-off valves.
These valves are responsible for controlling the flow of water to various fixtures and appliances throughout your house.
Knowing the location of these valves helps you respond quickly during emergencies like burst pipes or major leaks.
Main Shut-Off Valve
The main shut-off valve is usually found where the main water line enters your home, like in the basement or crawl space.
It’s the most important valve component in your home, controlling the water supply of your entire house.
Find out the location of the main water valve in case of a plumbing emergency. This way you can shut off the water supply quickly and avoid more damage.
Individual Shut-Off Valves
Apart from the primary shut-off valve, individual shut-off valves may also be installed in your home for toilets, sinks, and appliances such as the dishwasher and washing machine.
These individual shut-off valves allow you to isolate the water supply to specific areas or fixtures in your home.
For toilets, the shut-off valve is located behind the toilet bowl near the floor or on the wall.
To stop the water flow to the toilet and prevent water damage, turn off the valve.
Similarly, to a toilet valve, sinks have shut-off valves located underneath the fixture or in the cabinet below.
Knowing the location of these valves will help you quickly address any leaks or repairs needed for your sinks.
Bonus Howzat tips: How to Fix Minor Plumbing Issues
Plumbing issues occur unexpectedly.
While it's best to leave major repairs to professionals, knowing how to fix small plumbing issues can save you time and money.
Before you start fixing any plumbing issues, familiarise yourself with the common plumbing tools.
Here are a few tools that you as a first-time home buyer should have in their toolbox:
Plunger: A plunger is a must-have tool to unclog toilets and sinks.
Wrench: A wrench is essential for tightening or loosening pipes and fittings.
Drain Snake: A drain snake can help you remove obstructions from clogged drains.
Unclogging Drains
1 - Start by removing any visible debris from the drain.
2 - Next, use a plunger to create a seal around the drain and plunge vigorously.
3 - If plunging doesn't work, try using a drain snake to remove the clog.
4 - Finally, run hot water through the pipes to flush away any remaining debris.
Fixing Leaky Faucets
1 - Start by turning off the water supply to the faucet.
2 - Remove the faucet handle using a wrench.
3 - Check the O-ring or washer inside the faucet for any damage.
4 - If the O-ring or washer is worn out or damaged, replace it with a new one.
5 - Reassemble the faucet handle and turn on the water supply to check for any leaks.
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