Moving into a new home in Clearwater, Florida? Congrats! Before you start unpacking boxes, let’s make sure your plumbing is ready for action. Florida’s mix of humidity, hard water, and aging infrastructure can take a toll on plumbing systems. A quick check now can save you from costly surprises later, and help you settle in with confidence.
- Know Where Your Breaker Panel Is
Plumbing and electricity go hand in hand (think water heaters and pumps). Locate your breaker panel and make sure it’s labeled correctly. That way, if a leak triggers a trip, you’ll know which switch to flip.
- Test Every Appliance
Take a few minutes to run a quick check on the following:
- Toilets
- Sinks
- Showers
- Bathtubs
- Dishwasher
- Washer/Dryer
- Refrigerator (if it has a water line)
Look and listen for leaks, gurgling drains, weak water pressure, or strange odors. If there are multiple problem spots, that could point to deeper plumbing issues. Schedule a professional inspection with Apex before move-in day.
- Check Water Flow
Pick up a water pressure gauge at any hardware store. Attach it to an outdoor spigot and look for a reading between 40-60 PSI. Too low or too high can lead to pipe wear, fixture damage, or even bursts.
- Confirm Hot Water Is Working
Run hot water from a few taps and showers and see how quickly it heats up. No hot water? Check the unit’s label for its age. If it’s over 10 years old, you’re likely due for an upgrade. A tankless water heater provides efficient, endless hot water on demand.
- Locate Your Shut-Off Valves
In case of emergency, you’ll want to shut the water off fast. Locate your home’s main shut-off valve, and smaller ones under sinks and behind toilets. Test each one to ensure they open and close with ease.
- Hunt for Leaks
Check around toilets, under sinks, and behind appliances. Look for drips, moisture stains, bubbling paint, or musty smells. These are often the first clues. For peace of mind, call in Apex’s expert leak detection team for a full scan.
- Let Apex Handle the Rest
Whether it’s a small repair or a major repipe, Apex Plumbing is here to help with 24/7 emergency plumbing services. Contact us today for honest, neighborly service that gets your new home move-in ready.
Pro tip: Download this checklist and have it handy so you can check things off as you go! For more tips, visit our blog dashboard.
