As a new homeowner, few things are more exciting than buying new furniture and designing your home exactly how you want it. There’s the honeymoon period where life’s pretty sweet inside your new abode.
Unfortunately, it’s not all fun and games. Homeowner maintenance is essential as a new buyer. You can’t pass off faults or issues to a landlord or parent. That’s why we’ve partnered with Jim’s Plumbing to put together 7 essential tips for new homeowners. You can stay ahead of the game.
Organise a Full Property Inspection
A property inspection should take place before you commit to buying. However, if the step is skipped – or perhaps done by the seller and you still have questions – have your own inspection completed before moving forward.
Home inspections are a thorough way to uncover any issues. From the roof through to the footings, and all the plumbing and electrical in between, everything will be addressed. You will then have the opportunity to take care of those concerns sooner than later.
Still, it’s best to have the report completed before any purchase. A negative property inspection could be the deciding factor in saying yes or no to your dream home.
Sign Up for Full Home Insurance
Even if everything is perfect right now, something could go wrong when you least expect it. That’s why homeowners insurance must be your new best friend. Don’t waste time in signing up, either.
A burst pipe, leaking roof, mould infestation or electrical fault could all lead to costly repairs. And if you’re uninsured it will have to come directly from your hip pocket. Besides, with inclusions like accidental damage, home emergency or possessions cover, top-level home insurance is worth it.
Take Care of Blocked Drains Straight Away
How well are your drains flowing? Because if you have any issues with a slow running drain, don’t delay the repairs. Blocked drains could be a nightmare if you have backed up sewage flowing into the house.
Nasty drains are highly likely in a house that has been sitting unoccupied for a long time. Tree roots require a small opening as an invitation to take hold. They’ll continue to grow while chasing a water supply.
Blocked drains will continue to hamper your daily routine as a new homeowner. Clogs will lead to repeated plunging efforts or regular drain cleaning expenses. Instead of paying for routine repairs, bite the bullet and take on upfront drain cleaning. Pipe relining or a full sewage pipe replacement may be also necessary, but beneficial in the short and long term.
Repair Pesky Leaking Taps
Few things are more annoying than a leaking tap that drips… drips… drips all night long. Often the solution is as simple as a new washer, although mixer taps are a little different to traditional three-piece settings.
Still, this is another job you want to tick off any to-do list quickly. Dripping taps are a surprising water waster and such an easy fix. So whether you opt to do it yourself or want to call a local handyman plumber, new homeowners should always take care of small plumbing issues promptly.
Even a fresh change of tapware could be a perfect choice. You can better tailor the home to your taste. It’s a surprisingly affordable step for additional peace of mind in the long run.
Flush and Service the Water Heater
Among the most important plumbing tips for new homeowners is to always look after your water heater. And if you’ve inherited a property where the system likely hasn’t been in regular use, you probably want to flush it out. A service also wouldn’t go amiss.
Sediment from mineral deposits can settle at the bottom of a water heater’s boiler. Over time this hardens into a crusty layer. In order to heat water, the element has to work harder to heat through this unexpected secondary layer. You’ll pay more for energy usage as a result.
It’s best to start fresh. Call in a licensed plumber to service your hot water heater. They can also fully flush and clean the system for a freshwater supply. Additionally, if the unit needs to be upgraded for efficiency, that can also happen early on.
Look After the Roof and Gutters
Too often we hear of new homeowners who fail to look after their gutters. Blocked gutters are a real handful, especially when the rain lurks for days and days. That leaves fresh homeowners with mini waterfalls on the roof and overflowing gutters and stormwater drains.
Ultimately this leads to flooding and severe water damage. Mould and mildew can develop, while roof leaks quickly turn into ceiling tsunamis. Avoid the hassle and clean the gutters at least once a year after leaves fall in autumn.
Tackle Mould and Ventilation Issues
Perhaps the most important plumbing tip for any new homeowner is to keep on top of mould and bathroom ventilation. Mould thrives in moist, warm conditions. A bathroom that is poorly ventilated and consistently damp is basically like a petri dish for microscopic organisms.
It can also be quite dangerous if left unattended. Minor amounts of mould can trigger allergy symptoms, while a serious infestation can really impact people with weak immune systems or lung diseases.
Often mould is found in tile grout or the corner nooks and crannies of bathrooms. It spreads around via microscopic airborne particles, which can be breathed in. Mould bacteria happily feast on organic matter in the dust to stay alive, too.
Therefore, you want to keep your bathroom clean and dry to prevent mould growth. Mop up any water after a shower or bath, while allowing the exhaust fan to run until the air no longer feels damp. You can also open a window for additional airflow.
Like the other tips mentioned, mould is something that starts small. It can catch anyone off guard. That’s why the most essential tip for new homeowners is to always act early.
POSTED BY 
