6 Plumbing Basics Every First-Time Homeowner Should Know

Your first home is an exciting endeavor. In the wake of your excitement, you will encounter a clogged toilet or leaky faucet. Knowing basic plumbing repair skills can help resolve these minor issues. Ball Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical is here to help you understand the basics.

Plumbing Basics for First-Time Home Owners

Here are some basic plumbing repair skills you should know as a homeowner to handle minor issues on your own. If you’re not confident in your skills, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’re ready to help you!

Locate The Main Water Shut-Off Valve

Know where the main water shut-off valve is located in your home. This valve controls the water flow to the entire house and is crucial in emergencies, such as a burst pipe or major leak. Typically, it’s located near the water meter or where the main water line enters the house.

Understand Your Plumbing System

Familiarize yourself with the plumbing layout of your house. Know where the water supply lines and drainage pipes are located. Understanding how your plumbing system works will make troubleshooting and repairs easier.

Prevent Clogs

Avoid flushing anything other than human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Use sink strainers to catch hair and debris, preventing clogs in bathroom drains. Be cautious about pouring grease and food scraps down the kitchen sink.

Fixing A Clogged Drain

Use a plunger for minor clogs. Fill the sink or tub with enough water to cover the plunger cup. Create a vacuum seal by pressing the plunger firmly over the drain. Pump the plunger up and down several times to dislodge the clog.

Check For Leaks

Regularly inspect your faucets, toilets and visible pipes for leaks. Even small leaks can waste significant water and cause damage over time. Catching issues while they are small can save you money. Turn to Ball for fast, long-lasting leak repairs.

Learn How To Shut Off Individual Fixtures

Know how to turn off the water supply to specific fixtures like sinks and toilets. This way, you can work on repairs or replacements without affecting the entire house’s water supply. This is also helpful in case of an emergency.

By familiarizing yourself with these plumbing basics, you’ll be able to handle minor issues and keep your plumbing system in excellent shape.

Necessary Home Plumbing Tools

A plunger is a must-have tool for clogged toilets and sinks. Different types of plungers exist for various applications, such as cup plungers for sinks and flange plungers for toilets.

You should also have a set of pliers. Tongue-and-groove pliers (Channellock pliers) are versatile and used for various plumbing tasks, including gripping, turning and tightening. Teflon tape is also helpful to have to prevent leaks by creating a watertight seal on threaded pipe connections.

Having wrenches is helpful for basic repairs. Pipe wrenches grip and turn pipes and fittings. They come in various sizes and are essential for loosening and tightening threaded pipes. Adjustable wrenches can be adjusted to fit various sizes of nuts and bolts. It’s handy for plumbing tasks that require a wrench but don’t need the specific grip of a pipe wrench.

These essential plumbing tools will give you the confidence to tackle minor plumbing issues and perform basic maintenance tasks around your house. However, for more complex plumbing problems, it’s always best to consult a professional plumber.

Schedule Your Plumbing Repair In Biloxi

Contact your local plumbing team in Biloxi for more complex repairs. Ball Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical is here for all your home repair needs. We’re the area’s expert air conditioning, heating, plumbing and electrical company. Call Ball – that’s all!