1. Know Where Your Main Water Shutoff Valve Is
The first step to take in any plumbing emergency is to turn off the water at the main shutoff. This is known as the main water shutoff or whole house shutoff valve.  In most homes, the main water shutoff valve can be found in the basement, utility closet or under the sink in the kitchen. It’s important to know where your main water shutoff valve is so that you can quickly turn off the water if there’s a burst pipe or another plumbing emergency.  
In most homes, the main water shutoff valve can be found in the basement, utility closet or under the sink in the kitchen. It’s important to know where your main water shutoff valve is so that you can quickly turn off the water if there’s a burst pipe or another plumbing emergency.
If you cannot locate the main water shutoff valve inside your home, then you can cut off the water outside at the water vault in the ground with a meter key or you can call a professional plumber out to locate the valve.

2. Don’t Use Chemicals to Unblock Your Drains
If you have a blocked drain, it can be tempting to pour some chemicals down there to try and clear it out. But this is actually one of the worst things you can do! Chemicals can be very corrosive and damage your pipes, making the problem even worse. Chemicals are harmful to the environment too. If you have a blocked drain, try using a plunger first. If that doesn’t work, you can always call a professional to take a look.

3. Don’t Flush Anything Other Than Toilet Paper Down the Toilet
We all know that toilet paper is the only thing that should be flushed down the toilet, but it’s amazing how many people still flush other things! Flushing anything other than toilet paper can cause serious blockages and plumbing problems. So, make sure you only flush toilet paper and nothing else!
Even wipes labeled as ‘flushable wipes’ can lead to toilet and pipe blockages. Flushable wipes are not flushable; they do not break down like paper and get stuck in the line.

4. Empty Your Traps
Your home will have traps installed in the drains to stop bad smells coming up into your home. These traps need to be emptied every now and then to stop them from getting full. If you don’t empty your traps, bad smells could start to come up into your home through the drains. Traps are usually located under the sink, so take a look there to see if you can find yours.

5. Don’t Ignore Leaks
Leaking taps may not seem like a big deal, but they can actually waste a lot of water and money. If you have a leaking tap, make sure you get it fixed as soon as possible. It’s usually a pretty easy fix for a plumber. Don’t forget to also check for leaks in other places, such as your toilet. A leaking toilet can waste a lot of water and may even cause some structural damage to your home.

6. Don’t Put Food Down the Sink
You may not think that putting food down the sink is a big deal, but it can actually cause some serious plumbing problems. Food can get stuck in your drains and cause blockages. It can also attract pests, such as rats and cockroaches. So, make sure you dispose of food properly and don’t put it down the sink.

​7. Check Your Pipes Regularly
It’s a good idea to check your pipes regularly for any signs of leaks or damage. If you catch a problem early, it will be much easier to fix. You should also check your pipes if you’re going away on holiday, as a burst pipe can cause a lot of damage if it’s left unchecked. When checking your pipes, look out for any cracks, leaks or drips. Also, check to see if your pipes are starting to rust. If you notice any of these problems, make sure you get them fixed as soon as possible.

8. Wipe Away Grease Before Washing Up
If you’re cooking with oil, butter or another kind of grease, make sure you wipe it away before washing up. Grease can build up in your drains and cause blockages. It can also be difficult to remove, so it’s best to wipe it away before it has a chance to build up in your plumbing system.

9. Catch Hair in the Shower
Hair is one of the most common things that can cause blockages in your drains. If you have long hair, make sure you catch it in the shower before it has a chance to go down the drain. You can do this by using a hair catcher or a drain cover. Lift up your drain cover occasionally too as some hair tends to get stuck underneath. Dispose of hair in the bin rather than washing it down the drain to avoid blockages.

10. Don’t Use Too Much Toilet Paper
Even though toilet paper is designed to be flushed down the toilet, it’s important not to use too much. If you use too much toilet paper, it can cause blockages in your drains. So, make sure you only use a small amount of toilet paper when you go to the toilet, and flush the toilet before you put too much toilet paper inside.

​If you follow these plumbing tips and tricks, you can avoid some serious plumbing problems in your home. Make sure you keep an eye on your plumbing and don’t ignore any problems. If you’re not sure how to fix a problem, make sure you call a professional plumber. They will be able to help you fix the problem and avoid any further damage to your home.

Author / source University of Texas at Austin
​https://sites.utexas.edu/leverage/2022/11/02/10-plumbing-tips-and-tricks-every-homeowner-should-know/

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