Plumbing Maintenance Tips for First-Time Homeowners

Owning your first home is an exciting milestone, but it comes with responsibilities—like keeping your plumbing system in top condition. Proper plumbing maintenance prevents costly repairs, ensures efficient water usage, and protects your home from damage. This beginner-friendly guide covers essential plumbing tips, from locating shutoff valves to maintaining drains and fixtures.

1. Know Your Plumbing System

Understanding the basics of your plumbing system will help you respond quickly to emergencies and identify maintenance needs. - Call a 24 Hour Plumber in Fuquay-Varina, NC

Locate the Main Water Shutoff Valve

• The main shutoff valve controls water flow to the entire house.
• Common locations include the basement, garage, or near the water meter.
• Tip: Test the valve to ensure it turns smoothly and label it for easy identification.

Identify Individual Fixture Shutoff Valves

• Each sink, toilet, and appliance typically has its own shutoff valve.
• Knowing their locations allows you to isolate problems without shutting off water to the whole house.

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Learn About Your Water Heater

• Check your water heater’s location, capacity, and age.
• Understand how to adjust the temperature (recommended: 120°F) and identify the pressure relief valve.

2. Schedule Regular Plumbing Inspections

Annual inspections by a professional plumber can catch small issues before they escalate. During an inspection, plumbers check for:

• Leaks in pipes and fixtures
• Proper water pressure
• Sediment buildup in the water heater
• Potential clogs in drains and sewer lines

3. Prevent Clogs in Drains and Toilets

Clogs are one of the most common plumbing problems, but they’re easy to prevent with proper care.

Use Drain Screens

• Install screens over sinks and showers to catch hair, food particles, and debris.

Avoid Flushing Non-Flushable Items

• Only flush toilet paper and human waste.
• Avoid flushing wipes, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, or dental floss.

Dispose of Grease Properly

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• Never pour grease or oil down the sink. Instead, collect it in a container and discard it in the trash.

Flush Drains Regularly

• Pour hot water down your kitchen sink weekly to prevent grease buildup.
• Use a baking soda and vinegar solution monthly to keep drains clear.

4. Maintain Fixtures and Appliances

Proper maintenance of fixtures and appliances can extend their lifespan and improve efficiency.

Check for Leaks

• Inspect faucets, showerheads, and under-sink pipes for drips or water pooling.
• Fix leaks promptly to save water and avoid damage.

Clean Aerators and Showerheads

• Unscrew and clean faucet aerators and showerheads to remove mineral deposits.
• Soak them in vinegar overnight for stubborn buildup.

Maintain Your Water Heater

• Flush your water heater annually to remove sediment and improve efficiency.
• Check the pressure relief valve to ensure it’s functioning correctly.

Inspect Washing Machine Hoses

• Look for cracks or bulges in hoses and replace them every 3–5 years to prevent leaks.

5. Monitor Your Water Pressure

Excessively high water pressure can strain pipes and fixtures, while low pressure may indicate a problem. Learn more about emergency plumbing in Fuquay-Varina.

Test Your Water Pressure

• Attach a pressure gauge to an outdoor faucet to measure pressure.
• Ideal pressure: 40–60 PSI.
• If pressure exceeds 80 PSI, consider installing a pressure regulator.

6. Prepare for Seasonal Changes

Different seasons can affect your plumbing system. Take these precautions to avoid seasonal issues:

Winter

• Insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing.
• Disconnect and store garden hoses.
• Leave faucets dripping slightly during extreme cold to avoid frozen pipes.

Summer

• Check outdoor faucets and irrigation systems for leaks.
• Clean gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage during rainstorms.

7. Know When to Call a Plumber

While many maintenance tasks can be handled by homeowners, some situations require professional expertise:

• Persistent low water pressure
• Recurring clogs or slow drains
• Leaking or burst pipes
• Water heater malfunctions
• Unusual noises from pipes or fixtures

FAQs for First-Time Homeowners

1. How often should I check for leaks?

Inspect pipes, fixtures, and appliances for leaks at least once a month.

2. What should I do if I have a plumbing emergency?

Emergency Sewer Line Repair

Turn off the main water shutoff valve immediately and contact a plumber to assess and fix the issue.

3. How can I tell if my water heater needs maintenance?

Signs include inconsistent water temperature, unusual noises, or visible rust around the tank.

4. Do I need a professional to flush my water heater?

While you can perform a basic flush yourself, a plumber can do a more thorough cleaning and inspection.

5. How do I know if my water pressure is too high?

Banging pipes (water hammer), dripping faucets, or leaking appliances may indicate high pressure. Use a pressure gauge to confirm.

6. What’s the best way to prevent clogs?

Use drain screens, avoid flushing non-flushable items, and regularly clean drains with safe solutions like baking soda and vinegar.

7. How often should I replace plumbing fixtures?

Fixtures like faucets and showerheads typically last 10–15 years but may need earlier replacement if they show signs of wear or corrosion.

Call Us for Expert Plumbing Services

Maintaining your Fuquay-Varina, NC home’s plumbing system doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Our experienced plumbers can help with inspections, repairs, and upgrades to keep your plumbing running smoothly. Contact us today to schedule a service and gain peace of mind as a new homeowner!