Save Time and Money: 10 Plumbing Tips for Homeowners

Taking care of your plumbing system is one of the most important responsibilities of owning a home. While it’s always best to call a professional plumber for complex plumbing issues, there are some preventative actions homeowners can take themselves. Incorporate these ten plumbing tips into your daily life to keep your plumbing system in good working order.

1. Regularly Check for Leaks

Regularly inspecting your home for leaks is essential for preventing water damage, mold, or mildew growth, and to catch a plumbing problem before it becomes out of hand. A small leak can also weaken pipes over time, leading to a more expensive burst pipe.

Additionally, water leaks can disrupt the normal water pressure balance, potentially leading to increased pressure in some areas of the plumbing system, which could also cause a burst.

2. Insulate Pipes

Despite living in a warmer climate, your pipes can still freeze in the winter if the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. As a precaution, it’s smart to insulate your pipes to prepare for colder weather. Frozen pipes can eventually lead to a burst, which is a much costlier repair.

Below are some easy and effective home plumbing tips for insulating your pipes:

• Pipe Insulation Foam
• Heat Tape
• Pipe Wrap
• Foil and Foam
• Insulating Pipe Covers

3. Prevent Clogs

Knowing the best practices on how to keep your drains clean in the home is essential in saving time and money on plumbing repairs. Here are some tips for maintaining a clog-free drain in your kitchen and bathroom:

Kitchen

• Use a Drain Strainer
• Avoid Pouring Grease Down the Drain
• Dispose of Food Waste Properly
• Run Hot Water Regularly

Bathroom

• Use Hair Catchers
• Avoid Flushing Sanitary Products
• Use Natural Cleaners Often (baking soda and vinegar)
• Regular Deep Cleaning (to remove hair and scum)

Additionally, routine drain maintenance can extend the lifespan of your plumbing by keeping it free of buildup and corrosion. Drain cleaning can include a variety of services, but most commonly involves a plumbing camera inspection and hydro jetting.

4. Monitor Water Pressure

Regulating the water pressure in your home is a crucial plumbing tip for many reasons. If the pressure is too high, it can cause significant strain on the pipes, leading to leaks and potential bursts. High water pressure can also cause backflow, where water can flow in the opposite direction, potentially contaminating the clean water supply.

5. Know Your Shut-Off Valves

Shut-off valves are your home’s safeguard against flooding and water damage, so knowing where they are is crucial in a plumbing emergency. These handy plumbing fixtures are also useful during maintenance and repair services.

The shut-off valve allows you to shut off the water supply when someone is performing plumbing repairs or replacements. This ensures a dry and safe working environment.

6. Avoid Chemicals

Harsh chemicals, like certain store-bought drain cleaners, can quickly corrode drain pipes, especially if those pipes are already older and contain outdated material. These chemicals can also be a health risk due to the toxic fumes they release.

Instead, try using these safer, alternative methods to clear your drains: plunger, drain snake, auger, or baking soda and vinegar, along with hot water.

7. Maintain Your Water Heater

Maintaining your water heater is a plumbing tip for homeowners that is essential for the efficiency and performance of your plumbing system, longevity of the heater itself, and safety purposes. Regular maintenance ensures that the heater is operating efficiently.

With these inspections, plumbers will also flush the system, removing sediment buildup that can lead to corrosion, and check the pressure relief valve to ensure that it’s functioning properly and preventing excessive pressure buildup.

8. Address Issues Promptly

Addressing plumbing issues promptly is crucial in preventing water damage, maintaining water efficiency, conserving water, and, most importantly, saving you from costly repairs. Quick repairs extend the lifespan of your pipes and fixtures, avoiding more severe problems and emergencies.

Whether it be a faucet or toilet that needs repairing, it’s better to handle a plumbing issue sooner rather than later.

9. Be Cautious with DIY

Though homeowners feel comfortable doing some minor plumbing tasks themselves, major plumbing issues should definitely be left to the professionals. Professional plumbers know all of the plumbing codes and regulations needed for your area and are familiar with advanced plumbing technology.

Also, DIY repairs on plumbing fixtures or appliances could potentially void warranties, leaving you fully responsible for any consequences.

10. Schedule Regular Plumbing Inspections

Regular inspections allow for the early detection of potential issues before they escalate into major problems, saving you from costly repairs and water damage. Preventative maintenance is an important homeowner plumbing tip that is a good investment for your home.

By following these ten common homeowner plumbing tips, you can maintain a smoothly running plumbing system and save money on potential repairs. Remember, a little prevention goes a long way toward keeping your home’s pipes and fixtures in top-notch condition. If you ever find yourself facing a plumbing problem beyond your expertise, contact Rooter Ranger Plumbing for fast, reliable service.