Homeownership can be fun, but it also comes with its share of headaches. These issues can easily push you out of your comfort zone. The silver lining? Many plumbing issues are not that complicated if addressed right away. Here are a few plumbing tips for you as you settle into your new home.

Learn How To Shut Off The Water

Being able to shut off the water in your home is important for any homeowner. You can do this in two places: at the appliance or fixture, and for the whole house. Check under your sink or behind the toilet – those knobs connecting to the pipes are the shut-off valves for those fixtures. Turn them to stop the water. For the entire house, find the main shut-off valve outside where the water comes in. Keep in mind that shutting off the main valve might need a special tool called a water shut-off key. 

Keep An Emergency Plumbing Kit

We all understand the value of having a plunger in the house, but other tools can also come to your rescue. An emergency plumbing kit is a key element of basic plumbing tips. Include these essentials in your toolkit:

• adjustable wrench
• tongue-and-groove pliers
• screwdrivers
• plumber’s tape
• pipe sealant
• duct tape
• a set of hex keys
• a clip light for working under cabinets
• an auger and hand snake. Having these items readily available can make tackling pipe problems a breeze.

Avoid Chemicals

If you’re facing a clog, it’s tempting to turn to liquid drain cleaners. However, these can do more harm than good, causing damage within the pipes. A better alternative is to use a combination of baking soda and vinegar to create a fizzing effect that helps break up clogs. Follow this up with boiling water to ensure a thorough cleaning of the pipes.

Winterize Pipes

Protecting your pipes from winter’s chill is a smart move. To avoid disasters, winterize your pipes by installing insulating pipe sleeves around accessible pipes. Remember to disconnect and drain garden hoses, use frost-free faucets with covers during winter, and keep your home warm. For extra security during the coldest nights, leave faucets on at a trickle to prevent freezing. 

Contact Our Office To Learn More

Building your plumbing knowledge is key to boosting your confidence when unexpected issues arise. If you are experiencing plumbing issues then please reach out to our office. We are only a phone call away!