Buying your first home is exciting—but it also comes with responsibilities you’ve likely never had to think about before. And one of the most important (and expensive) systems in your house is the plumbing.
The good news? With a little knowledge and regular maintenance, you can avoid most plumbing disasters before they happen. In this post, we’ll walk you through what to inspect, what to change, and the warning signs you should never ignore. If you’re new to homeownership in Northern Kentucky or Greater Cincinnati, this guide is for you.
Table of Contents
Start Here: Your Plumbing System Checklist
As soon as you move in—or even before closing—take a walk through your plumbing system and check the following:
Know Where Your Main Shut-Off Valve Is
This valve controls water flow to your entire home. You’ll need to turn it off fast if a pipe bursts or a major leak occurs.
Inspect Exposed Pipes for Leaks or Corrosion
Look under sinks, in the basement, and near the water heater for drips, rust, or water stains.
Flush All Toilets & Run Faucets
Check for slow drains, unusual noises, low pressure, or cloudy water.
Test Outdoor Spigots
Leaky hose bibs can waste water and cause foundation damage over time.
Check the Water Heater
Look for rust, sediment buildup, or signs of age. (If it’s over 10 years old, it might need replacing soon.)
Inspect the Sump Pump (If You Have One)
Pour water into the pit to make sure it activates and drains properly.
Smart Changes to Make Early On
Even if everything “looks fine,” here are a few upgrades worth making now:
Install Water-Saving Fixtures
Low-flow showerheads, aerated faucets, and dual-flush toilets reduce usage and keep utility bills low.
Upgrade Old Shut-Off Valves & Hoses
Especially on washing machines and toilets—old braided hoses are a common cause of water damage.
Schedule a Water Heater Flush
This removes sediment that reduces efficiency and extends the life of your unit.
Consider a Water Softener
Northern Kentucky is known for hard water, which can damage pipes and appliances over time. A softener protects your system and saves money in the long run.
What to Watch Out For: Plumbing Red Flags
Here are signs that something’s wrong—and could become an expensive issue if ignored:
Slow Drains or Recurring Clogs
This could be a sign of sewer line problems or buildup that needs professional cleaning.
Musty Smells or Mold
Often caused by hidden leaks behind walls or under floors.
Toilets That Keep Running
Wastes water and could indicate a broken flapper or faulty fill valve.
Water Pressure Drops
Could point to leaks, clogged pipes, or issues with the main water supply.
Unusual Sounds
Gurgling drains, banging pipes, or humming noises from appliances shouldn’t be ignored.
Bonus Tip: Build a Relationship With a Trusted Plumber Early
You don’t want to be Googling “emergency plumber” at 2 a.m. during your first pipe burst. Partnering with a trusted local company like Maximum Plumbing ensures fast help, honest answers, and long-term peace of mind.
We proudly serve Florence, Burlington, Covington, Fort Thomas, Crescent Springs, Mason, and Greater Cincinnati—and we offer:
- 24/7 live answer
- Background-checked, drug-tested technicians
- Flat-rate pricing with no surprises
- A Maximum Service Plan with yearly evaluations, 10% discounts, and no diagnostic fees during business hours
Call Maximum Plumbing to Keep Your First Home Flowing Smoothly
Call 859-371-1111 to schedule your first plumbing inspection or service
Visit us at maximumplumbingky.com
Find us on Google Maps
Homeownership is a journey—make sure your plumbing is ready to go the distance with Maximum Quality Guaranteed.