Welcome to your new home in Woodstock, GA! You survived the home-buying process—congrats! Now comes the fun part: actually being a homeowner. And while decorating your dream space (or designing that man cave) is way more exciting, there’s one thing you really don’t want to ignore—your plumbing.
A little preventative care now can save you from costly disasters later (because nothing says “Welcome to homeownership!” like a surprise pipe burst). Taking the time to check a few key things will help you avoid emergencies. But of course, if you end up needing a licensed and insured professional plumber in Woodstock, GA—we’ve got you covered.
New Homeowners in Woodstock, GA Do These 7 Things Before Your Plumbing Tries to Ruin Your Life
Adulting is the sweetest con. One minute, you’re laughing at ultimate cat fails, and the next, you’re Googling “how to retrieve a wedding band from a sink drain.” And just like that, your parents’ infamous “you’ll understand when you’re older” speech starts making way too much sense.
We get it. Homeownership comes with a lot of responsibilities—some more fun than others. That’s why we’ve put together this straightforward (and hopefully disaster-avoiding) checklist for new homeowners in Woodstock, GA. Keep reading for our top plumbing tips for new homeowners in Woodstock, GA.
1. Inspect Your Home’s Plumbing System
Before you bought your house, you probably had a home inspector come through. While they did a decent job checking the big stuff—let’s face it: plumbing often takes a back seat. Some issues might have slipped through the cracks, and guess who’s going to deal with them?
Yep, you.
So before you get too comfy, take a few minutes to give your plumbing a once-over. Trust us—future-you (and your floors) will thank you for it.
Locate the Main Water Shut-Off Valve (Do It Now!)
Picture this: It’s 2 AM, a pipe bursts, and your kitchen’s starting to look like a scene from Titanic. Are you calmly turning off the water, or are you Googling, “Where is the main water shut-off valve in my house?”
If you’re answer is the latter, we’ve got a problem. The main water shut-off valve is your emergency stop button for water-related disasters. You’ll usually find it near the perimeter of your home—in the basement, crawl space, utility room, in the garage, near your water heater or maybe even outside near the foundation. Find it now so you’re not scrambling when the water starts flooding your kitchen. And while you’re at it, show your family where it is—they’ll be grateful when the disaster hits!
Check for Plumbing Leaks (Dripping Faucets = Draining Wallets)
A tiny drip might not seem like a big deal, but here’s the kicker: that drip can cost you a lot. Grab a flashlight and check for plumbing leaks under your sinks, around toilets, near water heaters, and along visible pipes. Even small leaks can lead to mold, rotting wood, and a whole lot of regret later.
Nothing says “homeowner nightmare” like spending your entire bonus on emergency plumbing repairs when you could’ve been sipping margaritas at the beach.
Pro Tip: If you find your water meter moving when not using water, you’ve probably got a hidden leak. And don’t count on your water company to tell you about it—they might not catch it for months (and thousands of dollars later).
Test Your Water Pressure (Because Trickle Showers Are a Crime)
Maybe you stepped into your shower and felt like you were standing under a sad, misting faucet? Cue sad trombone. That’s low water pressure. If you’re asking yourself, “Why is my water pressure low?” —it could mean clogged pipes, leaks, or a failing pressure regulator.
On the other hand, if your faucets are like a fire hose, you’ve got too high of pressure, which can mess with your pipes and appliances. High pressure can send you shopping for a new dishwasher a lot sooner than expected.
To find out if you’re in the safe zone (typically 40-60 psi), just grab a water pressure gauge from the hardware store and check it out. If you’re way off, it’s time to call in the pros. No shame in that!
Check for Pipe Corrosion & Outdated Plumbing (Because Some Pipes Have an Expiration Date)
If your home is a little older, you might have some relics hiding behind your walls (no, not your parents).
Galvanized steel pipes love to rust from the inside out, causing low water pressure, discolored water, and eventually—leaks. And if you see blue-green discoloration on your copper pipes, that’s a sign of corrosion. This could lead to pinhole leaks or worse.
If your pipes look like they belong in a museum exhibit, it’s time to get them checked out by a professional plumber in Woodstock, GA before they decide to give up the ghost at the worst possible time. (Hint: There’s never a good time for a pipe to fail).
2. Test Your Water Heater
A broken water heater is one of the most common calls to a plumber in Woodstock, GA. Ever tried to take a cold shower in the dead of winter? Yeah, that’ll make you question all your life choices. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how to ensure you’ll only experience cold showers when you’ve lost a bet to your neighbor about the Alabama vs. Georgia game.
Set the Thermostat to an Efficient 120°F
Do you know how to adjust water heater temp? Setting your water heater to 120°F is the sweet spot. Not too hot to make you feel like you’re being roasted alive, but also not so low that you waste energy. It keeps your heater running efficiently and safely. Too hot and it could be a scalding shower. Too low and your water heater’s working overtime for nothing.
How to Flush a Water Heater to Remove Sediment Buildup
Do you know how to flush a water heater? First, let’s talk about why you might need to do this. Over time, sediment from hard water settles at the bottom of your water heater tank. This gunky buildup reduces its efficiency and can lead to clogs, overheating, or a full-on breakdown.
Here’s how to flush a water heater (step by step):
- Turn off the power (for electric, shut off the breaker; for gas, turn it off at the thermostat).
Shut off the cold water supply. - Attach a hose to the drain valve, leading to a drain or outside.
- Open the valve and let the water flow out. It’ll come out hot and possibly murky—that’s the stuff you want to get rid of.
- Flush the tank with cold water until it runs clear.
- Close the valve and let the tank fill back up. Turn the power back on when it’s full. Boom—your water heater’s good to go. Do this every 6-12 months to keep it running smoothly.
Check the Age of the Unit—Consider a Replacement if It’s Over 10 Years Old
How long does a hot water heater last? If your water heater’s more than 10 years old, it might be time to think about replacing it. Much like your favorite pair of jeans, a water heater has a lifespan. If it’s starting to show its age, it’s only a matter of time before it gives out. Don’t wait for a cold shower to be the wake-up call.
3. Prevent Drain Clogs & Sewer Backups
Clogs and sewer backups are every homeowner’s nightmare—especially when you’re wading through standing water or dealing with smells that shouldn’t be in your house. But don’t panic! A few simple habits can keep your drains clear and your plumbing in top shape.
Avoid Flushing Non-Flushable Items – Are flushable wipes really flushable?
It may seem obvious, but it’s easy to fall for the “flushable” traps. Flushable wipes may seem like a godsend, but they’re a nightmare for your pipes. Q-tips, cotton balls, and feminine products can also cause major clogs.
So take a second before you flush: If it’s not toilet paper, it doesn’t belong in the bowl.
Use Drain Screens to Catch Hair and Debris
These little mesh screens can save you a lot of hassle. They catch hair, soap scum, and other debris, preventing clogs and backups. They’re easy to install and just as easy to clean. Pull it out, rinse it off, and put it back. Done!
Regularly Clean Kitchen Drains to Prevent Grease Buildup
We all know the grease buildup that happens in kitchen sinks—grease, food particles, soap… it turns into a gunky mess. Here’s a simple trick: baking soda and vinegar.
Once a month, pour ½ cup of baking soda and ½ cup of vinegar down the drain, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, and flush with hot water. Easy, cheap, and effective.
Schedule a Sewer Line Inspection if Buying an Older Home
Older homes come with older pipes, and older pipes can come with problems. If you’re buying a house built before the 1980s, schedule a sewer line inspection. It could save you from expensive repairs down the road.
4. Check for Running Toilets & Leaky Faucets
Why does my toilet keep running?
Running toilets and leaky faucets are like the houseguests who never leave. They waste water, jack up your utility bills, and really know how to overstay their welcome. If you’re lucky, your water company might catch the issue, but if not, here’s how you can find where the leak’s coming from if you’re asking yourself, “Why is my toilet running?”
Locate the Water Meter
Shut off your main water valve, then take a look at your water meter. If it keeps spinning, the leak is probably outside your house. If it stops, it’s time to investigate inside.
Perform a Dye Test in the Toilet Tank
Got a leaky toilet? Try the dye test: Just drop a few drops of dye into the tank and wait about 20 minutes. If the water in the bowl changes color, then yeah, your toilet’s leaking.
Leaks Waste Water & Increase Utility Bills
Even the smallest drip can waste over 3,000 gallons of water per year. And a toilet that’s constantly running? That could add up to $200 extra on your water bill every month. So, if you’re hearing that never-ending drip or noticing your toilet running 24/7, it’s time to fix it before your wallet takes the hit.
DIY Tips, But Call a Plumber for Persistent Leaks
Fixing a leaky faucet might be as easy as swapping out the washer, and a running toilet could just need a new flapper valve or fill valve. But if the problem won’t go away or feels like more than you can handle, it’s time to call a plumber in Woodstock, GA. The pros will knock it out fast and prevent it from turning into a bigger headache later.
5. Understand Your Water Quality – How to Get Rid of Hard Water Stains
In a perfect world, we’d all be sipping water from the pristine Alliston aquifer in Canada, straight from the faucet like it’s a second grader’s recess dream. But most of us are drinking city water, and that’s okay—just make sure you know what’s in it. Understanding your water quality helps you see how it affects your plumbing (and maybe even your hair and skin).
Test for Hard Water and How It Affects Plumbing
Hard water might sound harmless, right? But it’s actually loaded with minerals like calcium and magnesium, which build up inside your pipes and appliances over time. This mineral buildup can reduce water flow, cause clogs, and lead to rusty stains in your sinks and tubs.
If you’ve noticed dull clothes or dry skin after showering, you’re probably dealing with hard water. Over time, it can also mess with your water heater and appliances by forming scale inside your pipes. A simple test from the hardware store will tell you if you’ve got hard water. If you do, it’s definitely worth considering a water softener to protect your plumbing—and your skin.
If you’re wondering how to get rid of hard water stains, a spray bottle of vinegar can be used on showers, bathtubs, and glass. But remember, if you can see it there, it’s building up where you can’t see it.
Discuss Water Filtration Systems and Their Benefits
Water filtration systems are game-changers—they can make your water taste way better, smell fresher, and feel softer on your skin. Whether you’re installing a whole-house filtration system or just using a faucet filter, you’ll notice a huge difference.
Good filters can remove chlorine, lead, and bacteria, making your water safer to drink. Plus, they help protect your plumbing by preventing mineral buildup.
Check for Contaminants in Well Water (If Applicable)
If you have well water, you absolutely need to check for contaminants regularly. Well water can be unpredictable, containing things like bacteria, nitrates, or heavy metals that can cause health problems and plumbing headaches.
At the very least, get your well water tested once a year to make sure it’s safe. If anything seems off, it might be time to install a specialized filtration system to keep your plumbing—and your family—safe.
6. Get Familiar with Outdoor Plumbing
And no, we’re not talking about hooking up the garden hose to the sprinkler and seeing who can jump through it the highest. What we mean is—know your outdoor plumbing. It helps you spot leaks, fix small issues, and prevent major disasters like frozen pipes in the winter.
Locate and Inspect Outdoor Spigots for Leaks
Outdoor spigots (also known as hose bibs) are the unsung heroes of your home—they let you water your lawn, wash your car, and rinse off the dirt from your outdoor adventures. But if they’re leaking, they can waste a ton of water and even damage your foundation.
Take a minute to check your spigots for any drips or signs of wear. A good test is to turn on the spigot and then check the hose connection. If water’s spraying out where it shouldn’t, it’s time to fix it. A small leak now can turn into a big headache (and bigger bills) if you let it slide.
Check Irrigation Systems for Broken Sprinkler Heads
If you’ve got a sprinkler system, broken sprinkler heads are the sneaky little culprits that can slip by unnoticed. When they break or get clogged, they waste water and mess with your lawn’s watering system.
Here’s how to check: Walk around while the system is running and look for heads that are spraying unevenly or not at all. If a sprinkler is barely spraying or just spraying the wrong way, it’s probably broken or clogged. Fix it by replacing the head, and your system will be good as new—keeping your lawn green and happy.
Prevent Frozen Pipes in Winter by Winterizing Outdoor Plumbing
Winter can be brutal on your outdoor plumbing. When the water inside your pipes freezes, it expands and can crack or burst your pipes, causing serious flooding when they thaw.
To prevent frozen pipes, follow these easy steps to winterize your outdoor plumbing:
- Shut off the water supply to outdoor spigots. This is usually done inside, near the main valve (check under sinks or near the main water valve).
- Drain the water from hoses and sprinkler systems. Store the hoses in a garage or shed for the winter.
- Insulate exposed pipes with foam pipe covers or heat tape, especially in places like basements, crawlspaces, or garages.
- Doing these simple things can prevent a huge headache and save you from expensive repairs when the temperature drops.
7. Know When to Call a Professional Plumber
Some plumbing issues are easy enough to fix yourself, but others are best left to the pros. Here are a few situations where it’s time to call in a master plumber in Woodstock, GA:
- Burst pipes: If a pipe bursts, especially in a wall or underground, you need an expert to fix it and clean up the mess.
- Sewer backups: If your toilet won’t flush or your drain is backing up with nasty stuff, it’s time to call a plumber to check the main sewer line.
- Gas leaks: Gas leaks are dangerous—don’t try fixing them yourself. Call a professional immediately. A master plumber in Woodstock, GA can hep you with this.
- Water heater issues: If your water heater’s making strange noises, giving cold showers, or having inconsistent temperatures, a plumber can get it fixed.
- Water pressure problems: Too high or too low water pressure? A plumber will find the cause and fix it.
- For plumbing emergencies, don’t wait—call an expert plumber in Woodstock, GA. Plumb Medic is your local Woodstock plumber, for fast and reliable service. We’re here to fix what can’t wait!
Why Hire a Licensed and Insured Plumber?
Hiring a licensed and insured plumber is crucial—it ensures the job is done right and protects you from unexpected costs or liability. Sure, it might be tempting to DIY or hire someone unqualified, but hiring a pro is worth it in the long run.
Routine plumbing checks save you the stress of costly emergency repairs. Get ahead of problems and schedule your inspection with your expert plumber in Woodstock, GA today. For a deeper dive into plumbing standards and codes, check out the International Code Council’s Plumbing Codes for authoritative guidelines.
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