13 Plumbing Tips for Homeowners

August 22, 2023

6 Plumbing Tips for First Time Homeowners

Moving into your first home is an exciting milestone, but it comes with a host of new responsibilities, including maintaining your plumbing system. While most new homeowners are eager to learn skills like painting or installing flooring, many overlook plumbing basics—only later realizing that poorly maintained plumbing can cause sleepless nights and costly repairs.

At Hamilton Plumbing, Heating, A/C & Rooter, we understand the importance of maintaining a healthy plumbing system. To help you navigate your new role, we’ve compiled a list of essential plumbing tips for homeowners. These tips will help you maintain your plumbing system and prevent potential issues.

Remember, while you can manage some tasks independently, knowing when to call a professional plumber is crucial. If you need expert assistance in the Kansas City area, call us at (913) 227-4943 or schedule service online. Let’s ensure your home’s plumbing system runs smoothly from day one.

What Is the Life Expectancy of Plumbing in a House?

As a new homeowner, you might be wondering how long you can expect your plumbing system to last—especially if it’s already a few decades old.

The life expectancy of household plumbing varies depending on the materials used and maintenance practices. For example, copper water pipes can last over 100 years, while underground PVC waste pipes can last between 50 and 80. However, some vital plumbing system components, such as sump pumps, have an average life expectancy of just seven years.

Regular maintenance and professional inspections can significantly extend the life of your plumbing system and catch potential plumbing problems early.

Our 13 Plumbing Tips for Homeowners in Kansas City

Even if you know nothing about plumbing apart from turning on the shower, learning how to maintain your plumbing system is essential. Here are our top 13 plumbing tips for new homeowners to help you avoid common plumbing problems and ensure your home’s plumbing system remains in good shape.

1. Schedule an Inspection

Start your new life in your new home by scheduling a plumbing inspection. Since most plumbing essentials are hidden from plain sight, professionals can show you where every essential item is located and provide you with a list of things that need maintenance or repair. They will also educate you on the things to look out for that will let you know if there is a potential plumbing issue.

Additionally, regular inspections can catch problems early, saving you costly repairs down the line. To schedule an inspection for your Kansas City home, contact Hamilton Plumbing, Heating, A/C & Rooter.

2. Locate Your Home’s Shutoff Valves for Both Water and Gas

One of the first things every homeowner should learn is where the shutoff valves for their home’s water and gas lines are located and how to turn them off. Knowing how to quickly shut the water or gas off in an emergency can prevent a minor issue from becoming a catastrophe.

Ensure every household member knows the location of these valves and how to operate them. This knowledge is crucial for minimizing damage in case of leaks or other emergencies.

3. Invest in a High-Quality Plunger

As a new homeowner, your first plumbing issue will likely be a clogged sink, toilet, or bathtub drain. However, this will be a non-issue if you have a high-quality plunger at your disposal. You can use this simple tool to suck up water and debris from any blocked drain, enabling wastewater to flow freely again.

A good-quality plunger will save you time and money by allowing you to handle minor clogs on your own. However, it’s best to call in a professional for stubborn clogs that don’t respond to plunging to avoid damaging your pipes. Call your local plumber to schedule a drain cleaning service in Kansas City.

4. Learn What Goes Down the Garbage Disposal

Be mindful of what you put inside your garbage disposal. When the wrong substances find their way into the drainage system, they can cause a massive clog that can cost a pretty penny to clear. Some of the things you should not put into the garbage disposal include:

Rough bones
Starchy vegetables
Pasta and rice
Oil, grease, and fats
Non-food items

You should also regularly run cold water while using the disposal to help flush debris through the system. Proper usage and maintenance of your garbage disposal help prevent plumbing problems and keep your kitchen running smoothly.

5. Know What Not to Flush

Similarly, you should be careful about what you flush down the toilet. Toilets are designed to handle human waste and toilet paper only. Flushing items like the following can cause severe blockages in your plumbing system:

Wipes (even those labeled as flushable)
Feminine hygiene products
Cotton balls
Paper towels

These items do not break down like toilet paper, and flushing them can lead to costly repairs. Educate your household on what should and shouldn’t be flushed to maintain a healthy plumbing system.

6. Prevent Frozen Pipes

When cold temperatures arrive, you need to know how to protect your pipes from freezing. Frozen pipes can crack and burst open at any time, leading to severe water damage in your home.

To prevent this, ensure all outdoor pipes are winterized before the cold weather hits. Cover outdoor pipes and detach garden hoses to avoid freezing.

For indoor pipes, consider insulating any exposed pipes in unheated areas, such as a basement or attic. If a pipe does freeze in your Kansas City home, contact us immediately so we can help you avoid a burst pipe or perform any necessary plumbing repair.

7. Have a Plumber’s Number on Speed Dial

Emergencies can happen at any time, so it’s crucial to have a reliable plumber’s number on hand. Ensure the plumber you choose is licensed, insured and highly qualified, and offers 24/7 emergency services.

Having a trusted professional you can call in an emergency can provide peace of mind and prevent minor issues from becoming major plumbing problems.

8. Regularly Clean Your Drains and Pipes

To maintain smooth plumbing operation, it’s essential to regularly clean your drains. Avoid using chemical drain cleaners, which can damage your pipes over time. Instead, pour a mixture of vinegar and baking soda down your drain and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes before running hot water. You can also use a drain snake to clear out hair or minor clogs.

Regularly cleaning your drains can prevent buildup that leads to severe clogs and common plumbing problems.

9. Install a Water Softener

Hard water can cause scale buildup in pipes, reducing their lifespan and efficiency. Installing a water softener can help prevent this by removing the minerals that cause hardness. A water softener can also improve plumbing operation, extend the longevity of fixtures and appliances, and improve water quality.

10. Avoid Common Plumbing Mistakes

The most common plumbing mistakes include:

Overtightening connections, which can cause fittings to crack
Using too much drain cleaner, which can damage pipes
Ignoring small leaks, which should be fixed immediately to prevent water damage

Being aware of and avoiding these common mistakes can save you time and money in the long run.

11. Replace Commonly Failing Plumbing Items

The water heater is one of the most common household plumbing items that fail. Regularly inspect your water heater for signs of wear, such as rust or leaks. Check your water heater’s manufacturing recommendation or contact Hamilton Plumbing, Heating, A/C & Rooter to learn about your water heater’s life expectancy and replace it before an avoidable breakdown.

Other items to monitor that commonly fail include faucets, toilet components, and shower heads, which need to be replaced occasionally due to regular wear and tear.

12. Schedule Regular Maintenance Services

Regular maintenance is vital to keeping your plumbing system in good condition. This includes:

Checking for leaks
Inspecting pipes
Flushing your water heater
Ensuring all fixtures function correctly

It’s also essential to monitor the age and condition of your plumbing components and replace them as needed to avoid unexpected failures.

Regular maintenance helps extend the life of your plumbing system and can catch potential problems early. Schedule service with Hamilton Plumbing, Heating, A/C & Rooter for professional maintenance in Kansas City.

13. Know the Signs of a Plumbing Leak

One of the most important plumbing tips for homeowners is to know the signs of a plumbing leak. Early detection of plumbing leaks can save you extensive damage and costly repairs. Common signs of a plumbing leak include:

Unexplained increases in your water bill
Damp spots on walls or ceilings
The sound of running water when no taps are on
Mold and mildew growth

If you notice any of these signs, act quickly. Ignoring leaks can lead to significant water damage and structural issues in your home. Whenever in doubt, call your local plumber for professional leak detection and repair.

When to Call a Professional

Knowing when to call a professional plumber instead of attempting DIY repairs can save you time, money, and stress. Here are some common situations where you should call a plumber right away:

Persistent leaks: If you notice a leak that you cannot easily fix, it’s time to call a professional. Leaks can cause significant water damage and increase your water bill. A professional plumber can identify and repair the leak effectively.
Low or high water pressure: Sudden drops in water pressure can indicate clogs, leaks, or issues with your water supply. A plumber can diagnose the cause and provide a prompt repair.
Water heater issues: Problems like no hot water, strange noises, or leaks around the water heater require professional attention. Attempting DIY repairs on a water heater can be dangerous and may void any existing warranty.
Sewer line problems: Frequent clogs, foul odors, or persistently slow drains can indicate a significant blockage or damage in the sewer line. A professional plumber has the tools and expertise to inspect, diagnose, and repair sewer line issues safely.
Major installations and replacements: For installing new water heaters, replacing pipes, or remodeling bathrooms, hire a professional plumber. These projects require specialized skills and knowledge to ensure everything is installed correctly and up to code.
Emergency situations: In emergencies like burst pipes, severe leaks, or sewage backups, immediate professional assistance is necessary. At Hamilton, we offer emergency services 24/7 to handle urgent situations and prevent extensive damage to your home.

Protect Your Home with Expert Plumbing Services

Don’t sweat it looking for plumbers to solve your issues. Whether you need regular maintenance or fast help in an emergency, with Hamilton Plumbing, Heating, A/C & Rooter, you’ll enjoy the highest level of expertise and professionalism.

We offer financing options, guarantees on our work, and specials to make our services more affordable. With multiple locations in the Kansas City area, we’re always ready to serve you.

Call us at (913) 227-4943 or schedule service online for any of your plumbing needs.