Basic Plumbing Tips Every Homeowner Should Know For Their Day-To-Day Life

You don't have to be a professional plumber to have a basic understanding of the dos and don'ts of your plumbing system as a homeowner. The better job you do of providing regular maintenance and care, the longer your plumbing system will last without needing a major repair. When it comes to the day-to-day use of your plumbing system, here are some key tips that every homeowner should know.

Your Toilet Is Not a Garbage Can and Neither Is Your Sink

Regardless of whether you have a septic tank or a traditional plumbing system that sends waste all the way to the local plant, one thing you should never do is send something into your plumbing system that does not belong there. Human waste in the toilet or the occasional food scrap into the kitchen sink is OK, but your toilet is not a trash can for other things and your sink's drain should not be the recipient of all of the leftovers on your plate. Keep your sanitary napkins and anything else other than toilet paper in a trash can next to the toilet. Scrape your leftovers into the trash instead of expecting your garbage disposal to do the work. Don't put anything down a drain if you know in the back of your mind that it's probably not a great idea to do so, and you'll avoid creating a nasty situation that could lead to a clog and a repair bill.

Know How to Stop the Water Supply

In the event that you suddenly experience a breach in your plumbing system, you might have water rushing in and need to quickly shut off the incoming water supply before more damage is done. Educate yourself on where your shut-off valve is located so that you can stop the flow after a breach without waiting for an emergency plumber to show up. To that end, make sure every family member knows how to do the same in case the leak or breach happens when you aren't there.

Use a Stud Finder or Your Blueprints to Locate Pipes Before Conducting Work

If you are going to hammer a nail into the wall or do anything else that could potentially puncture a plumbing pipe on the other side, take the time to do some homework and make sure you are steering clear of these areas. A stud finder device from the local home improvement store should do the trick or you could also look at your house's blueprints if you have them.

A regular inspection from a professional plumber will ensure that your plumbing system remains in good condition for years to come