Buying your first home is one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences of your life. However, for many former-renters, dealing with household responsibilities, such as plumbing repairs, without the help of a landlord can be challenging. While routine maintenance might be new to you, it doesn't have to be hard. Use the guide below for some helpful tips on managing the pipes in your new home.

Helpful Plumbing Advice for New Homeowners

1. Locate Your Main Water Shut Off Valve

Whether a pipe bursts, your toilet floods, or your kitchen sink has sprung a leak, knowing where and how to turn your water off can save you money and worry in the event of a flooding emergency. While every home has a shut-off valve, its location varies. They can typically be found in a basement, crawlspace, near the water heater, under the kitchen sink, or outside of the home in a covered utility box. If you're unable to find it, reference your home inspection report, or contact your local utility department.

2. Learn Responsible Drain-Disposal

Many believe their garbage disposal is designed to dispose of kitchen scraps. While it's true that it can help break down smaller bits of food waste, your garbage disposal should only be used to break up minor clogs and debris accumulations from rinsing dishes and regular use. Never run bones, pasta, rice, or meat down your drain.

You should also avoid starchy vegetables like celery, asparagus, or leafy greens that can wrap around the gears and clog the drain. Fat, oil, and grease are the leading causes of drain clogs that can not only result in foul odors in your kitchen, but also potentially dangerous sewer overflows. To protect your plumbing, dispose of these items with your household garbage.

3. Learn How to Spot & Fix a Leaky Pipe

Age, wear, and heavy use can all cause pipes to deteriorate and potentially develop slow leaks. While a leaking pipe can be frustrating, if left unrepaired, it can also result in serious damages.

The most common sign of a small leak is typically standing water beneath your kitchen or bathroom sink. While you should contact a professional to address pipe leaks, you can reduce water damage while waiting for the plumber to arrive by shutting off the water valve and applying a temporary fix, such as epoxy putty or pipe repair tape. 

 

For a plumber you can trust, contact The Plumbing Source in Cleveland, OH. Since 1985, their skilled team has provided a variety of plumbing services, including routine maintenance and repairs, sewer and drain cleaning, water heater maintenance, and installations. Contact them today at (877) 768-7239 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online to learn more about their services.