Heavy plumbing repairs can be stressful and expensive, but most problems start small often from issues that regular maintenance could prevent. Learning a few essential plumbing tips can help you keep your home’s plumbing system in great shape, avoid costly water damage, and ensure your fixtures last longer.
At Southern Plumbing Works, your trusted nashville plumber, we believe that homeowners should feel confident managing basic plumbing care. Our team serves Nashville, Franklin, Brentwood, and West Meade, providing reliable plumbing repair, installation, and maintenance services. Whether you’re facing a leak, slow drain, or water heater issue, a little preventive knowledge goes a long way.
These 10 plumbing tips will empower you to handle simple issues safely, know when to call a professional, and keep your home’s water system running efficiently.
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Tip 1: Know Where Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve Is
Why It Matters
Every homeowner should know how to stop water flow during an emergency. If a pipe bursts or a major leak occurs, quickly shutting off your main valve can prevent thousands of dollars in water damage.
How to Locate It
In most homes, the main water shut-off valve is near the water meter, in a basement, crawlspace, or utility area. For homes on slabs, it may be near the water heater or outside by the foundation.
Bonus Tip
Label the valve clearly and make sure all household members know its location. During vacations, consider shutting off the water entirely to prevent flooding while you’re away.
Tip 2: Check for Leaks Regularly
Common Spots
Inspect under sinks, around toilets, water heaters, and outdoor spigots for damp spots or small drips.
How to Detect
A hidden leak can quietly waste hundreds of gallons of water each month. Check your water bill an unexpected spike may indicate a leak. Look for water stains, warped flooring, or musty smells.
Action
Fix small leaking pipes, toilet tank leaks, or dripping faucets immediately. Even a minor leak can lead to mold growth and structural damage if ignored.
Tip 3: Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners
Why You Should Avoid Them
Chemical drain cleaners can corrode PVC, metal, and cast-iron pipes, shortening their lifespan. They may also harm septic systems and pose safety hazards if mishandled.
Better Alternatives
Try plungers, drain snakes, or natural mixtures such as baking soda and vinegar. For tougher clogs, an enzyme-based cleaner is safer and eco-friendly.
When to Call a Professional
If clogs persist after several DIY attempts, contact a professional plumber. Persistent clogs may signal root intrusion or collapsed pipes, which require specialized tools to repair.
Tip 4: Don’t Ignore Slow Drains
Causes
Slow drains often result from soap scum, hair buildup, grease, or partial blockages deeper in the drain line.
Fix
Clean drain stoppers and use a plumber’s snake to remove buildup. Regularly pour hot (not boiling) water down drains to clear residue.
Preventive Step
Install drain strainers in showers and sinks to catch debris before it enters your plumbing. Maintaining clean drains prevents sewer line clogs and unpleasant odors.
Tip 5: Test Your Water Pressure
Ideal Range
Your home’s water pressure should be between 40–60 psi (pounds per square inch).
Why It Matters
High water pressure puts unnecessary stress on pipes, fixtures, and appliances, potentially causing pipe corrosion and leaks.
How to Check
Attach a pressure gauge to an outdoor spigot. If readings exceed 80 psi, consider installing a pressure regulator. Low pressure, on the other hand, may indicate leaking pipes or clogged supply lines that need professional inspection.
Tip 6: Maintain Your Water Heater
Steps for Maintenance
Drain your water heater tank annually to remove sediment buildup that reduces efficiency and lifespan. Check the temperature setting, 120°F is ideal for comfort and safety.
Signs of Trouble
Look out for rust-colored water, unusual noises, or fluctuating temperatures, which may indicate corrosion or mineral buildup.
Pro Tip
Have a licensed plumber inspect your water heater every 2–3 years. Regular maintenance prevents leaks and ensures consistent hot water throughout the home.
Tip 7: Protect Pipes from Freezing
When to Worry
Pipes in uninsulated areas, such as basements, garages, or exterior walls, are vulnerable during cold weather.
How to Prevent Freezing
Use foam insulation sleeves or heat tape to protect exposed pipes. During extreme cold, open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate and let faucets drip slightly to prevent freezing.
Aftercare
If a pipe freezes, turn off the main water supply immediately and call a professional plumber. Attempting to thaw a frozen pipe incorrectly can cause it to burst.
Tip 8: Be Careful What You Flush
What to Avoid
Never flush wipes, even those labeled “flushable,” along with paper towels, feminine products, or grease. These materials don’t break down easily and can block pipes or cause sewer backups.
Why It Matters
Non-biodegradable materials accumulate in pipes and can lead to major plumbing repairs.
Rule of Thumb
Flush only toilet paper and human waste. Dispose of everything else in the trash.
Tip 9: Know the Signs of a Hidden Leak
Warning Signs
Hidden water leaks often go unnoticed until serious damage occurs. Look for:
- Running water sounds when no taps are on
- Damp walls, ceilings, or floors
- Musty odors
- Increased water bills without a clear reason
How to Test
Perform a water meter test: record the reading, ensure no water is used for two hours, then check again. If the reading changes, you likely leak.
What to Do
Hidden leaks may originate from slab leaks, leaks behind walls, or irrigation system leaks. In such cases, contact a plumbing leak detection expert. At Southern Plumbing Works, we use advanced tools such as thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint hidden leaks accurately.
Tip 10: Schedule Regular Professional Inspections
How Often
Homeowners should schedule a professional plumbing inspection once a year especially for older homes or those with a history of leaks.
Benefits
A trained professional can identify early warning signs such as corroded pipes, low water pressure, or root intrusion in sewer lines before they turn into emergencies.
Long-Term Value
Routine inspections help extend your plumbing system’s lifespan, ensure code compliance, and maintain efficiency. Partnering with a trusted residential plumbing service like Southern Plumbing Works ensures your plumbing remains in top condition all year.
Conclusion
Your plumbing system is one of your home’s most important infrastructures, yet it’s easy to overlook until something goes wrong. By following these 10 essential plumbing tips, you can avoid costly repairs, protect your property from water damage, and ensure your system operates efficiently.
Basic DIY maintenance, such as checking for leaks, monitoring water pressure, and keeping drains clean, can make a big difference. But when you encounter major leaks, sewer backups, or persistent issues, always call a professional.
For dependable, expert plumbing care in Nashville and surrounding areas, contact Southern Plumbing Works, your trusted Nashville plumber. Our licensed team provides expert leak repair, emergency plumbing service, and preventive maintenance to keep your home’s plumbing safe and efficient year-round.
