Any home that's not brand new is sure to have its fair share of issues, no matter how well the previous owners kept up with maintenance. If you've just purchased a new (to you) house, there's a good chance you have a list of some outstanding tasks that need doing. Whether you discovered them through an inspection or after you moved in, it's usually better to deal with them sooner rather than later.

Of course, money can be tight, especially after a big move. If you're trying to prioritize plumbing repairs in your new house, these three issues should make the top of your list to-do list.

1. Frequent Drain Clogs

If you have one or more drains that seem to run slowly or clog often, you'll want to address this issue as soon as you can. While drain clogs don't always mean that there's a severe problem with your plumbing, you should try to avoid taking that chance. Ongoing clogs can potentially indicate anything from mineral build-up to root intrusion in your sewer lines.

A plumber won't just come to your house and clear the clog. Instead, they'll use sophisticated tools such as drain cameras to investigate the underlying cause of the issue. If they discover a chronic problem causing your drains to back up, you can deal with it now before it becomes even more expensive. Although they might seem minor, repairing drain clogs should always be a top priority.

2. Discoloration on Drain Joints

If you performed a plumbing inspection before buying your house, the inspector might have found some discoloration around joints on your drain lines. This discoloration may be especially noticeable on PVC piping. You can also perform a quick inspection yourself by walking through your basement, utility closets, or other areas with exposed drain lines.

Discoloration on wastewater drain lines often indicates leaks. Since leaks typically form near joints, these are the areas where you're most likely to spot this problem. Even if you don't see water on the floor, you may have a slow leak that's drying before you can notice it. Since joint leaks can worsen over time, you should have a plumber inspect and address the problem as soon as possible.

3. Water Heater Leaks

Any leaks near your water heater are a worrying sign, and are worth addressing quickly. Typical leak locations include the pressure relief valve and drain valve. Although these are relatively minor problems that shouldn't cost much to fix, you should allow a plumber to investigate further to confirm that the leak isn't originating with the tank itself.

If you discover a leak from your water heater tank, you'll need to replace the tank quickly. Once a water heater begins to leak internally, it's only a matter of time until it fails. Replacing the water heater now can save you from a much bigger mess and more expensive repair in the future.

For more information about plumbing services, contact a plumber in your area today.

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