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Plumbing Tips for New Homeowners in Virginia Beach
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Becoming a new homeowner in Virginia Beach is exciting, but it also comes with a long list of responsibilities, especially when it comes to your plumbing system. Whether you’ve settled in Shadowlawn, Great Neck, Alanton, or Bay Colony, knowing a few essential plumbing tips Virginia Beach homeowners rely on can help you avoid costly repairs down the road. At Blessings Plumbing, we’re here to make your transition smoother with practical guidance and a reliable team you can always count on.
Plumbing Tips For New Homeowners
1. Learn Where Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve Is Located
One of the most important new homeowner plumbing steps is knowing how to turn off your home’s water during an emergency. Burst pipes, overflowing toilets, or major leaks can cause thousands of dollars in damage, fast.
Find your shut-off valve (usually near the water meter or where the main line enters your home) and make sure every adult in the house knows exactly how to use it.
2. Schedule a Professional Plumbing Inspection
Even if your home passed a general home inspection, plumbing issues can still hide behind walls or underground. A professional plumber can catch early signs of corrosion, small leaks, root intrusion, water heater issues, and outdated materials.
3. Get Familiar With Your Water Heater
Water heaters work hard in Virginia Beach homes, especially with seasonal humidity and mineral-rich water. Check the manufacturing date, temperature setting (120°F is ideal), and whether your system needs flushing to remove sediment. If you’re unsure, Blessings Plumbing can help you determine whether maintenance or replacement is the right move.
4. Know the Warning Signs of Drain Trouble
Slow drains, gurgling sounds, and frequent clogs aren’t “normal”. They often signal buildup, pipe blockages, or sewer line issues. Avoid chemical drain cleaners, which can damage pipes. Instead, call a professional to clear the line safely and prevent long-term damage.
5. Protect Your Pipes During Cold Snaps
Virginia Beach may not be the coldest city in Hampton Roads, but winter freezes still happen. Add insulation to exposed pipes, especially in crawl spaces and garages. If temps drop dramatically, allow faucets to drip slowly and keep cabinet doors open to let warm air circulate around plumbing fixtures.
6. Be Mindful of What Goes Down the Garbage Disposal
Your garbage disposal can handle a lot, but not everything. Coffee grounds, grease, eggshells, pasta, bones, and fibrous veggies can quickly clog your pipes. When in doubt, throw it out.
7. Establish a Routine Maintenance Plan
Your plumbing system lasts longer and performs better with simple, regular upkeep. Add these tasks to your annual checklist:
- Flush your water heater
- Check for leaks around sinks, toilets, and appliances
- Clean faucet aerators and showerheads
- Replace worn supply lines
- Test your sump pump (if you have one)
A predictable maintenance routine is one of the smartest long-term investments you can make in your home. Additionally, schedule a yearly maintenance checkup with Blessings Plumbing for extra security.
8. Understand Your Water Quality
Virginia Beach has varying water hardness levels depending on where you live. Hard water can cause scale buildup inside pipes, shorten the lifespan of water heaters, and leave fixtures covered with mineral deposits.
A quick water test can help you determine whether you need a filtration or softening system to protect your plumbing. Blessings Plumbing offers tailored recommendations for homes across the North End, Chic’s Beach, Sandbridge and surrounding areas.
9. Map Out Your Home’s Plumbing System
Most new homeowners don’t know where key plumbing components are located beyond the obvious sinks and toilets. Creating a simple “plumbing map” of your home saves time during repairs and emergencies.
Make note of:
- Your main water shut-off
- Drain clean-outs
- Water heater location
- Hose bibs
- Sump pump or crawl space access
Understanding your home’s layout helps you feel more confident and prepared as a homeowner.
10. Know When to DIY and When to Call a Professional
While some plumbing tasks are simple enough for new homeowners, others require a licensed professional.
Safe DIY tasks include:
- Replacing faucet aerators or showerheads
- Using a plunger on minor clogs
- Tightening loose fixtures
Call a plumber for:
- Sewer line problems
- Water heater repairs
- Recurring drain backups
- Gas line concerns
- Leaks inside walls or ceilings
Handling the right tasks yourself can save money, while knowing when to call Blessings Plumbing protects your home from costly mistakes.
Need Help? Blessings Plumbing Is Here for You.
Whether you're settling into your first home or upgrading to your next one, Blessings Plumbing is proud to support homeowners throughout Virginia Beach with honest, dependable service. From inspections to repairs to emergency calls, we’re here to keep your plumbing running smoothly year-round.
If you’re a new homeowner and want expert plumbing support you can trust, call Blessings Plumbing today at 757-425-7790 or fill out our online form.