Homeownership is exciting. But you’ll quickly learn that there is a lot you don’t know.
Plumbing is one of those topics.
The pipes behind your walls and beneath your floors can make or break a renovation project. Mess up your plumbing and your entire home is a headache. Do it right and your home runs smoothly.
Here’s the kicker…
Unless you were a plumbing guru before closing on your first home, you didn’t think about pipes until they started leaking. A dripping faucet. A backed-up shower drain. Your water heater kicking the bucket in the middle of winter.
That doesn’t have to be your story.
Want a heads up on what to expect with your plumbing when you buy your first home? We’ve got you covered.
Contents
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Why Plumbing Should Be Your Biggest Concern
- Don’t Make These First-Time Homeowner Plumbing Mistakes
- How to Find Reliable HVAC and Plumbing Services
- Budget Tips That Will Blow Your Mind
Let’s go!
Why Plumbing Should Be Priority Number One
Did you know that 27% of homeowners made plumbing upgrades in 2024? Plumbing was the most popular home improvement project of the year.
Here’s why:
If there is one system in your home that you can’t put off maintaining, it’s the plumbing. Water issues tend to compound. What starts as a little leak quickly turns into major water damage, mold, and thousands spent on repairs.
Let that sink in…
Each room of your home is connected to the plumbing. Kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room…the list goes on. And if those pipes stop running correctly, your life comes to a halt.
No ifs, ands, or buts about it. When buying or renovating your first home, put plumbing at the top of your to-do list. Before skimming ahead to the fun renovations, worry about the not-so-fun pipes.
When it comes to finding a reliable HVAC and plumbing services provider homeowners can trust. Having a professional plumber Woodbridge VA residents can call when they need them makes all the difference. The right plumbers know how to spot problems before they become catastrophes.
Don’t Make These First-Time Homeowner Plumbing Mistakes
We see it all the time. First-time homeowners make the same mistakes again and again.
However, by knowing these DIY don’ts ahead of time, you can avoid the mishaps.
Ignoring Your Water Heater
First things first: your water heater isn’t going to live forever. The average water heater lasts 8-12 years. But many first-time homeowners don’t know (or care about) the age of their water heater before they buy.
Then they freak out when it dies halfway through winter.
Skipping the Plumbing Inspection
You know you’re supposed to get a home inspection. But do you know that certain inspections should be done based on what you’re buying?
Many new homeowners skip the plumbing inspection to save time and money. Bad idea. Plumbing problems grow like algae in the summer. Don’t take our word for it. Ask the family who had to remodel their entire kitchen because the pipes under the cabinets were corroded.
Doing DIY Projects Yourself
Want to learn how to become a master plumber? Spend three hours watching DIY videos on YouTube.
But real life doesn’t work like TV.
One wrong move and you can easily flood your house, create a leaky nightmare, or burst pipes. Sure, you can change your showerhead. But leave the rest to the pros.
Not Knowing Your Shut Off Valve
This should be common sense. Yet, we cannot stress this enough. Know where your water shut off valve is located!
You never know when you’ll have a burst pipe or major leak. And when that happens at 2 AM, you’ll wish you did know.
How To Find Reliable HVAC and Plumbing Services
Just because you don’t want to DIY your plumbing repairs doesn’t mean you should call the first person you see coming down your street.
Take your time finding a trustworthy HVAC and plumbing services provider.
Here are a few tips:
Get referrals. Do your research. Not every contractor is the same quality. Read reviews and ask around. Ask your neighbor who they would recommend.
Ask about credentials. Any contractor that comes to your home should be licensed and insured. If they say otherwise, run in the other direction.
Compare estimates. Get at least three quotes before hiring someone. You may find that a less expensive contractor offers more services.
Emergency service is key. Emergencies happen at the worst times. And plumbing repairs are no different. Make sure you hire someone that offers emergency service. That way, you aren’t left high and dry in an already stressful situation.
Budget Tips That Actually Work
The average homeowner will tell you that renovations are pricey. In fact, research shows that 78% of homeowners went over budget on their last renovation project.
But plumbing doesn’t have to empty your bank account.
Here are a few tips to keep costs low.
Focus on what needs done. You don’t have to finish your entire house at once. Renovations can wait. If the plumbing needs it, you should take care of it now.
Get multiple quotes. We mentioned this above, but it’s worth saying again. Don’t be lazy and settle for the first price you’re given. Call at least three different contractors and see what they say.
Plan for emergencies. Expect the unexpected. Kitchens and bathrooms are one of the most expensive spaces to renovate. Because you never know what you’ll find once you open that wall.
Maintenance your system. Just like your car, your plumbing needs routine maintenance to run smoothly. Save yourself money in the long run by having your pipes cleaned and your water heater flushed yearly.
Ask about financing. Speaking of finances. Many HVAC and plumbing services offer financing options. Ask your contractor if they offer payment plans.
When To Call a Professional vs. Do It Yourself
Should you DIY all of your plumbing repairs? Absolutely not.
But you also shouldn’t call a plumber if it’s a simple fix.
Call the Professionals
If you experience any of the following issues, it’s time to call in the pros.
- Low water pressure throughout your home.
- Dishes aren’t draining properly.
- Your water heater is making funky noises or causes colored water to appear.
- Smell something foul when you flush your toilet.
Typically, these types of issues are costly to repair. And if you try to DIY, you’ll likely make the problem worse. Which ends up costing you more money down the road.
DIY Simple Repairs
- Showerheads can be replaced without any problem.
- Running toilets can be fixed with a new flapper. We’ll show you how.
- Stop those simple sink clogs with nothing more than a plunge.
- Replace your own aerators on faucets.
Keep these tips in mind when you’re unsure what you can or cannot DIY.
Time To Wrap Up
Congratulations on taking the steps to becoming a homeowner.
But there is always more to learn.
Plumbing should be one of the first things you think about when renovating. By knowing a few DIY dos and don’ts, you can save yourself time, money, and stress.
Remember…
- Plumbing inspections are the most important thing to consider before closing on your new home.
- Don’t skip the inspection!
- Try to DIY as little as possible.
- Know when to call the professionals.
Plumbing probably isn’t the most fun thing about your new home. But ignoring the pipes will cause you nothing but headaches down the road.
You’ve got this.
