As a third-generation plumber and the owner of The Neighborhood Plumber, I get this question all the time: "I'm buying a home—what should I look for?"
Family, friends, and team members ask me this regularly. It is a loaded question with plenty of moving parts, but when it comes to protecting your investment, it really boils down to two critical plumbing priorities.
1. Inspect Your Main Sewer & Drainage System
Without question, my number one recommendation is to have the home's sewer and drainage system thoroughly inspected by a licensed plumber using high-resolution sewer cameras and locating equipment.
The last thing you want is to unpack your boxes, settle into your new home, and suddenly discover that the main sewer line is cracked, bellied, offset, or clogged with tree roots. Because these pipes are buried deep underground, serious issues stay completely hidden during a standard home walk-through.
When underground sewer problems reveal themselves after closing day, they are rarely cheap or easy to repair. Don't let an unwelcome underground surprise drain your savings and ruin the excitement of moving into your dream home. Get the line scoped before you finalize the purchase.
2. Locate, Test, and Understand Your Water Shut-Off Valves
The second most critical piece of advice I give any new homeowner: know where all your water shut-off valves are, confirm they actually work, and learn how to use them.
You would not believe how many calls we receive from frantic homeowners during an active leak who have no idea how to turn off the water to their house. While our dispatchers and technicians will do everything possible to guide you over the phone, every minute water continues gushing into your home adds thousands of dollars in restoration costs.
Knowing the location of your valves—especially the main whole-home water shut-off—is the difference between catching a leak early with minimal cleanup and facing a catastrophic whole-house flood. Take time on day one to locate:
The main water shut-off valve (inside the basement, crawlspace, garage, or at the street meter box).
Individual fixture shut-offs under every sink, behind each toilet, and at the water heater.
The outdoor spigot isolation valves.
When in Doubt, Ask Your Plumber!
There are many smaller details to keep an eye on, but getting a sewer scope and mapping your shut-offs are the two non-negotiables every homebuyer should tackle first.
Next time one of our technicians is at your home, just ask! Our team will gladly walk your property with you, point out every shut-off valve, explain how they operate, and make sure they turn smoothly without sticking. And if you are currently shopping for a home and need a pre-purchase sewer camera inspection, our certified technicians have the specialized tools and training to identify hidden issues before they become your headache.
Stay tuned for more practical plumbing tips and tricks from our team. And remember:
Don't Call a Stranger, Call Your Neighbor!
Matt Morrison
Owner, The Neighborhood Plumber