Flush Your Water Heater
Water heaters are one of those appliances that quietly chug along without much attention, but they can last longer and run more efficiently with a little care. Once a year, it’s a good idea to flush your water heater to remove sediment that can build up at the bottom. This sediment can cause the heater to work harder and wear out faster. Simply hook up a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the heater, turn off the power, and let the water run out until it’s clear. It’s a small task that can save you from dealing with cold showers down the road.
Learn to Install a New Showerhead
This one is surprisingly simple, and it’s a great beginner plumbing task. Installing a new showerhead can improve water pressure, reduce water consumption, or just give you that fancy rainfall effect you’ve been dreaming about. All you need is a wrench and a bit of plumber’s tape (to prevent leaks). Unscrew the old showerhead, wrap the threads with plumber’s tape, and screw on the new one. It’s an instant bathroom upgrade that doesn’t require you to call a professional.
Know Where Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve Is
The first step in avoiding a plumbing disaster is knowing where the main water shut-off valve is. If you’ve ever had a pipe burst or seen water flooding in your home, you understand the sheer panic that ensues. You don’t want to be scrambling to find that valve while your floors are soaking. Whether you’ve just moved in or lived in your house for years, take a moment to locate it. It’s often near the water meter or where the main water line enters your home. Once you know where it is, you’ll be able to shut off the water in seconds if an emergency happens.
Fix That Leaky Faucet (It’s Easier Than You Think)
Leaky faucets are one of the most common—and most annoying—plumbing problems. The constant drip-drip-drip can drive anyone crazy, but fixing it doesn’t have to be a huge ordeal. More often than not, it’s just a worn-out washer or O-ring inside the faucet. Grab a wrench and a replacement part from your local hardware store, and you can fix it in about 10 minutes. Plus, that small fix will save you from wasting gallons of water each week and could knock a few bucks off your water bill.
Regularly Check for Hidden Leaks
Some leaks aren’t as obvious as a dripping faucet. Small leaks in pipes behind walls or under sinks can go unnoticed for a long time, slowly causing damage and driving up your water bill. Keep an eye on your water usage, and if you notice it’s unusually high, it’s worth investigating for hidden leaks. You can also check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter changes, you’ve got a leak somewhere, and it’s time to call in a plumber to help you track it down.
Unclog Drains Without Chemicals
When your drain is clogged, your first instinct might be to reach for a bottle of chemical drain cleaner. But hold up! While those can be effective, they’re also harsh on your pipes, and over time, they can cause more harm than good. Instead, try a plunger or a drain snake. A mixture of baking soda and vinegar also works wonders for minor clogs. Just pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar. Let it fizz for a bit, then flush it with hot water. It’s much gentler and can keep your pipes in better shape.
Know When to Call a Plumber
As a homeowner, it’s tempting to try and DIY every repair to save some money. But sometimes, calling in a professional is the best move you can make. If you’ve got a major plumbing issue—like water gushing from a pipe or sewage backing up into your home—it’s time to step aside and call a plumber. The cost of hiring one might sting a little, but it’s a lot cheaper than repairing water damage or dealing with a serious plumbing failure down the line.
Test Your Toilet for Leaks
A leaking toilet is sneaky—it won’t flood your bathroom, but it can waste hundreds of gallons of water a month. The good news is, checking for a leak is easy. Just add a few drops of food coloring to the tank (or a dye tablet if you have one). Let it sit for about 30 minutes without flushing. If you see the color in the bowl afterward, you’ve got a leak. Usually, it’s just the flapper that needs to be replaced, which is a simple and inexpensive fix.
