Homeownership comes with a good deal of responsibility at many different levels. There is daily and weekly cleaning of your home, paying bills to keep your utilities on, lawn maintenance, and if you live under an HOA, there are stipulations for meeting neighborhood standards. Of course, plumbing is also something you need to be somewhat familiar with as you depend on water traveling through your home on a daily basis.

Homeowners have a great incentive to be knowledgeable about plumbing fundamentals because no one else will be responsible for taking care of plumbing problems that arise. Regular maintenance and good housekeeping can help prevent extensive – and expensive – issues that can result in serious damage to your home.

Here’s What You Need to Know

• Within your home is a complex network of pipes, drains, and appliances that all work together to provide comfortable conveniences. Just like everything else, plumbing is subject to wear and tear.
• You need to know the location of your water main. If a pipe bursts or water starts leaking and you don’t know where it’s coming from, you need to be able to shut off the water supply to your house immediately.
• It is important to clear and prevent clogged drains. Keep a plumbing snake on hand in your home to clear clogged drains. Avoid depending on liquid drain cleaners as they are abrasive to your pipes. If your home is on a septic tank, you definitely want to avoid putting strong chemicals down your drains because they will disrupt your septic tank’s functionality. Place a hair catcher over drains in showers and tubs and empty it frequently to prevent clogs. You can also pour plain boiling water down your drains weekly to help clear out any debris that may be gathering to clog your drain.
• Pay attention to your toilet. Make sure nothing is flushed down the toilet other than toilet paper! Some flushable wipes are available, but we do not recommend using them. It is also essential that you know how to use a plunger. In addition, pay attention to the sounds that your toilet makes. If it runs between flushes, you may need to replace components within your toilet’s tank.
• Don’t ignore dripping faucets. While a steady drip-drip-drip will drive up your water bill, it can also be an indication that you have a plumbing issue.
• Be on the lookout for leaks. Water leaks can occur anywhere in your home. Always be on the lookout for discolored spots on the ceilings, walls, or floors.

Being proactive pays off when it comes to homeownership. Your home is likely to be your largest investment, so take the time to care for it well.