When you own a home, caring for your plumbing system saves you time and money in the long run. It will help you avoid costly water damage to your property, prevent inconvenient leaks and clogs, and save on calling a plumber. For these reasons, there are a few basic do’s and don’ts every homeowner should follow to protect their pipes and fixtures.

Do:

Perform preventive maintenance.

To keep your pipes clear, you should plan for drain cleaning as soon as they start to slow, instead of waiting for them to clog entirely. This way, you can schedule it whenever is most convenient for you—instead of needing an emergency plumber—and prevent the drain from backing up and causing damage. You should also use drain covers to keep debris out, go over your pipes regularly to look for leaks and loose joints, and drain and inspect your water heater at least once a year.

Know where the main shutoff valve is.

When there's a serious leak in your home or you need to do some repairs, the main water line shutoff valve is what will keep the house from flooding. It can cut off water to the entire house from one location. You'll usually find it near the water meter in the basement or on an exterior wall.

Don't:

Skip an inspection.

If you're in the process of buying a home, you need a professional plumber to come out and examine the pipes in person. Problems like aging pipes may not be apparent at the time of the sale but can cost you significantly within a few years of purchase. You want to make sure all of these problems are handled by the seller or addressed when you negotiate the price.

Use liquid drain cleaner.

While this may seem like a convenient way to bust clogs, it also corrodes pipes and destroys the necessary bacteria in septic systems. Furthermore, drain cleaning chemicals are dangerously corrosive, making them a hazard to you and the environment. Instead, you can use hot water, vinegar, and baking soda to clean the drain.

If you need a licensed plumber to help with your inspections, maintenance, and repairs, choose Midwestern Plumbing Service. Based in Amelia, OH, and serving Clermont County and the Cincinnati area, they have over 35 years of experience and offer 24-hour emergency service. To schedule an appointment, call (513) 753-0050 or visit them online.