Congratulations on your new home. Whether it’s a brand new build or a character-filled period home, there are some essential plumbing things you should know from day one. A little knowledge now can prevent expensive surprises down the track.

First Week: Find These Things

Your Water Meter

Located at the front of your property near the street. Learn how to read it and how to turn it off. You’ll need to shut this off quickly if a pipe ever bursts.

Your Main Shut-Off Valve

This may be at the water meter or where the water line enters your home. Make sure it turns freely — old valves can seize up from lack of use.

Isolation Valves

These are the small taps or levers under sinks, behind toilets, and at your hot water system. They let you shut off water to individual fixtures without turning off the whole house.

Your Hot Water System

Find it, note the brand and model, and check its age (usually on a sticker). Knowing the age helps you plan for replacement before it fails unexpectedly.

Your Switchboard

Know which circuit controls your hot water system. If you ever have a water leak near electrics, you need to turn the power off quickly.

First Month: Check These Things

Test All Taps and Toilets

Turn on every tap in the house, including outdoor ones. Check for:

• Drips when turned off
• Unusual noises
• Low pressure at any fixture
• How long hot water takes to arrive

Flush every toilet and watch for:

• Slow filling
• Running water after the flush cycle
• Wobbling or instability

Inspect Under Sinks

Look under every sink in the house for:

• Signs of past leaks (water stains, warped wood)
• Active drips
• Flexible hose connections (note their age — they should be replaced every 5-10 years)
• Mould or musty smells

Check the Hot Water System

Look for:

• Water pooling around the base
• Rust or corrosion on the tank or connections
• Dripping from the pressure relief valve (occasional drips are normal; a constant flow is not)

Test Outdoor Drainage

Run water into outdoor drains and check they flow freely. Look for pooling water near the house after rain — this could indicate drainage problems.

Ongoing Maintenance

Every Few Months

• Clean drain covers and strainers
• Run water through unused drains (to keep P-traps full)
• Check under sinks for drips
• Clear leaves and debris from outdoor drains and gutters

Every Year

• Have your hot water system serviced
• Test your water pressure
• Check flexible hose connections for bulging, cracking, or age
• Inspect exposed pipes for signs of corrosion
• Clean gutters and downpipes

Every 5-10 Years

• Replace flexible hose connections (these are the most common cause of home flooding)
• Consider a CCTV drain inspection to check for tree root intrusion or pipe deterioration
• Have your backflow device tested (if you have irrigation)

Common Mistakes New Homeowners Make

Not Getting a Plumbing Inspection

A pre-purchase building inspection doesn’t always cover plumbing in detail. Consider getting a dedicated plumbing inspection, especially for older homes.

Ignoring Small Problems

That slow drain or dripping tap seems minor, but small problems always get worse. Fix them early while they’re cheap and easy.

Putting the Wrong Things Down Drains

Your drains are not a bin. Never put these down your drains:

• Cooking oil or grease
• Coffee grounds
• “Flushable” wipes (they’re not really flushable)
• Food scraps (even with a garbage disposal)
• Hair (use drain covers in showers)
• Paint or chemicals

Not Knowing What’s DIY and What’s Not

In Victoria, you can change tap washers, replace showerheads, and clear simple blockages. But anything involving water supply connections, drainage, gas, or hot water systems legally requires a licensed plumber.

Your Plumber’s Number

Save a trusted plumber’s number in your phone before you need one. When a pipe bursts at 2am, you don’t want to be scrolling through search results.

Hankook Plumbing services Melbourne’s eastern suburbs with 15 years of experience. We’re here for maintenance, repairs, and emergencies.

Call 0407 756 172 — save this number for when you need us.