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Buying a home is part of the American dream, but it also means taking responsibility for a lot of things renters never have to worry about, especially the plumbing system. Many first-time homeowners have never had to deal with their own plumbing, so they aren’t always sure how to maintain or repair it. Fortunately, keeping your system in peak condition is relatively easy if you follow the tips below.

4 Tips for First-Time Homeowners

1. Take Care of the Drains

plumbingFlushing things that don’t belong in your pipes is one of the major causes of clogs and other damage, so be careful what you put down the drain. Don’t flush anything other than toilet paper, and keep stringy vegetables and animal bones out of garbage disposals. Cooking fat and grease can also cause major problems, so pour it into a receptacle and dispose of it later.

2. Have Leaks Fixed

Call a plumber to have any leaks repaired right away. Not only could you save thousands of gallons of water every year, but prompt leak repairs will also prevent water damage and mold growth.

3. Check the Trap for Lost Items

The curving pipe under your sink, called the trap, fills with water to block gases from flowing back through the system. It’s also great at catching wedding rings and other valuables that fall into the drain. Your system might have a clean-out valve, which makes it easy to check. Otherwise, just unscrew it and pour out the standing water.

4. Find a Good Plumber

Knowing who to call in an emergency can save valuable time and, potentially, a lot of money on repairs. Investigate plumbing companies in your area to find the best one, and keep their number somewhere handy, like on the fridge.


For more than 80 years, the team at Joseph G Michel & Sons have provided West Haven, CT, homeowners with a comprehensive list of high-quality plumbing services, from fixing leaky faucets to designing and installing new systems. For a sample of their services, visit their website now, or call (203) 933-7931 day or night for help with your plumbing problems.

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