Did you remember when you could just call the landlord if there was a problem with a faucet or a toilet that wasn’t working? Because you now own your home, all its systems are yours.

Although it is more fun to learn how flooring can be installed or how to set up kitchen backsplashes, knowing how to fix basic plumbing problems is vital to owning your home.

Small plumbing problems that aren’t addressed promptly can become major plumbing problems, which could lead to costly repairs and even thousands of dollars in future bills. Even if you don’t know much about plumbing, it will help you as a homeowner.

You just purchased a home, but you don’t know much about plumbing. These are five simple plumbing tips that homeowners can use to give them peace of mind.

Locate the Main Water Shutoff Valve and Learn How to Turn It Off

This is one of the most important plumbing tips that new homeowners should learn. The main water line shutoff valve is located in every home. It can be found either in the basement or in a crawlspace, near the water heater, or outside the home in a covered utility container.

Your inspector should have mentioned where the main shutoff valve was located. Refer to this report if you are unable to locate it.

To turn off the water at the main shutoff valve, move your hand clockwise (or, if it was impossible to reach the main valve from outside, use a key with a meter). This will prevent water from entering your home. No appliances or fixtures can then output any water.

Understanding the Garbage Disposal: What Can Go and What Can’t

It is quite delicate to dispose of garbage. You can avoid creating a huge mess by understanding what can and cannot go down the garbage disposal. Here is a list of items that you shouldn’t put down the disposal.

  • Eggshells
  • Coffee grounds
  • Nuts, seeds
  • Potato peels
  • Use cooking oil & fat
  • Pasta and Rice

You can navigate a Plunger with ease

You will use a plunger when you have a home. First, make sure you have the correct plunger for your job. This includes a flange to unclog a toilet or a cup plunger for tubs and sinks.

To plunge a sink or bathtub, first seal all overflow holes. Next, ensure the right amount of water is in the basin. Next, seal the tub, whether it’s a bathtub, sink or toilet. Then plunge in vertical motion for 20 seconds.

Protect pipes from freezing temperatures

If you live somewhere cold with subzero temperatures you need to know how to prevent your pipes freezing during winter.

If the outside temperature drops below 20 degrees Fahrenheit you will need to take preventative steps to stop your pipes freezing. This can lead to a major plumbing problem.

These are some ways to protect your pipes from freezing:

  • Keep the doors to the bathroom and kitchen cabinets open for warm air circulation.
  • Turn on the water supply to all faucets at a slow drip.
  • Insulate exposed pipes with heat tape or a pipe sleeves.

Learn How to Repair a Leaking Pipe

Finally, a homeowner must know how to fix a leaky pipe. Leaking pipes can be more than an inconvenience – they can also cause serious damage if they are not addressed.

Before the local Glendale Plumber arrives to determine the source of the leakage and to make the proper repairs, turn off the water valve.

  • Apply epoxy putty over the leak
  • Install a pipe clamp on the leak to seal it
  • Use tape and a pipe-repair kit