As a homeowner, it’s important to know some basic household plumbing tips to ensure your home is protected from leaks and clogs. We’re not saying you need to be an expert, (that’s what we’re here for!) but it doesn’t hurt to have some plumbing tips and tricks up your sleeve — they can end up saving you thousands of dollars!
Here are a few easy and helpful tips every homeowner should know.
Plumbing Tip #1: Know where your shut-off valve is and how to turn it off
One of the most important plumbing tips for homeowners is to know how to use the shut-off valve. Whether you just moved in or have been living in your home for years, it’s important to know where your home's main shut-off valve is in case of an emergency or a plumbing issue, so you can easily shut off your water supply. Typically, the shut-off valve is usually located near the main water line that enters your home, and it is often found near the water meter or in a utility closet.
Keep in mind that not everyone’s shut-off valve is located inside the home. It may be located outside of your home, near the foundation or near the water meter.
Plumbing Tip #2: Don’t put unnecessary garbage down your garbage disposal
We can’t argue that garbage disposals are one of the greatest household devices. Although, we can argue that many of us are guilty of putting stuff down it that can severely damage the blades or break the garbage disposal altogether. Some everyday items that should NOT be put down the garbage disposal include grease, oil, bones, fruit pits, hard shells (such as crab or lobster shells), and fibrous foods (such as celery or corn husks). It’s also a good idea to avoid putting too much food down the disposal all at once to avoid major clogs and breaks.
Plumbing Tip #3: Avoid using harmful chemical drain cleaners
While it’s tempting to try and solve all your plumbing problems with some chemical drain cleaners, we highly recommend that you avoid doing so. These products contain harsh chemicals that can corrode pipes, damage your plumbing system and can be dangerous to handle and can be harmful if ingested or inhaled.
We recommend opting for a more natural solution like a mix of baking soda and vinegar or trying to snake your drain instead.
Plumbing Tip #4: Get leaks repaired as soon as you can
An unrepaired leak, no matter the size, can lead to detrimental water damage to your home, resulting in costly repairs. Besides water damage, unchecked leaks can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can be harmful to your health and can cause extensive damage to your home.
Plumbing Tip #5: Check for hidden pipes before making home renovations
Before starting any home renovations, it’s essential to check for pipes that may be hidden behind walls, the ceiling or floor. By taking a short time to check for pipes before renovating your home, you can help prevent costly catastrophic plumbing problems and ensure that your renovation project goes smoothly.
Plumbing Tip #6: Only flush “flushable” items
Toilet clogs and leaks can almost be entirely avoided by just flushing what is meant to be flushed. In case you need a reminder, the only thing that should be flushed down your toilet is toilet paper and human waste. Even items that claim to be “flushable” should be used with caution to prevent clogs.
Plumbing Tip #7: Don’t be afraid to use a plunger
Your bathroom isn’t the only room in your home that needs a plunger. It’s a great idea to have a plunger specifically used for sinks. Using a plunger for both your toilet and sink can help push water out and restore its function either permanently or temporarily before a professional can come take a look.
Plumbing Tip #8: When in doubt, call a professional
When all else fails, it’s best to call a professional plumber. Luckily, we know a few. Our team at That Plumber offers a variety of residential plumbing services to homes in Stark and Summit County.
Get in touch to get to see how we can help you with your plumbing issues today.