Welcome to your new home in Kansas City!
Plumbing can be tricky for new homeowners.
Here are some plumbing tips for new homeowners in Kansas City to help you avoid costly mistakes and keep things running smoothly.
Key Takeaways
- Know where your main water shut-off valve is to prevent major water damage.
- Check for leaks, strange noises, and pressure changes to catch problems early.
- Flush the tank yearly and keep the temperature at 120°F to save energy.
- Small leaks waste water and can cause big damage if ignored.
- Prevent clogs in sinks and showers by catching hair and debris.
- Keep water pressure between 40-60 PSI to avoid damage and maintain good flow.
- Learn about pipe materials and replace old and damaged ones to prevent leaks.
- Call a professional for complex plumbing issues to avoid costly mistakes.
8 Top Plumbing Tips For New Homeowners In Kansas City
Here are some top plumbing tips to help you keep your home in great shape.
These eight simple tips can save you time and money.
Ensure the plumbing is as fresh as your new start in Kansas City!
Tip#1 – Know Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve
Stay ahead of emergencies!
Knowing where your main water shut-off valve is located is very important.
It helps you stop the water supply quickly during an emergency, like a burst pipe.
To find it, check near your water meter, usually in the basement or outside the house.
It might be in the yard near the sidewalk in Kansas City.
In an emergency, turn the valve clockwise to shut off the water.
If it’s too tight, you may need a wrench.
Knowing how to turn it off can prevent major water damage and save time in a crisis.
It’s good to test it occasionally to make sure it works easily.
Tip#2 – Regularly Inspect Your Plumbing System
Keep your pipes in check with regular plumbing inspections!
It helps catch small issues early.
Look for signs like leaks, strange noises, and changes in water pressure.
This could mean something is wrong.
Checking your plumbing regularly can save you from bigger, costly problems.
Catching issues early prevents water damage and keeps everything running smoothly.
If you notice anything unusual, it’s better to inspect it sooner rather than later.
Tip#3 – Keep An Eye On Your Water Heater
Hot water, trouble-free; keep your water heater in top shape!
Your water heater needs regular care to work well for years.
Check it for leaks, rust, and strange noises.
These could signal issues that need fixing right away.
Flushing the tank once a year removes waste that builds up over time.
This improves its efficiency and helps it last longer.
Set the water temperature to 120°F for safety and savings.
This prevents burns and reduces energy costs.
Regular maintenance ensures you have reliable hot water when you need it.
It also saves money by avoiding costly repairs.
Tip# 4 – Don’t Ignore Small Leaks
Stop tiny drips before they turn into big disasters!
Small leaks might seem harmless, but they can cause big problems.
Dripping faucets and minor pipe leaks wastes water and increases your bill.
Over time, small leaks can grow and lead to serious water damage.
Unchecked leaks weaken walls, floors, and ceilings.
They also encourage mould and mildew, which are bad for your health.
Fixing leaks early prevents costly repairs and keeps your home safe.
Even tiny drips can waste gallons of water each day.
If you notice a leak, address it right away.
Tighten connections, replace washers, or call a plumber for help.
Contact us at Leak Repair Services for expert help.
Stopping leaks saves water, money, and stress.
Tip#5 – Use A Drain Catcher For Your Sinks And Showers
Stop clogs before they start with a simple drain catcher solution!
A drain catcher is a simple tool that prevents clogs.
It sits over your sink and shower drain to catch debris like hair, soap scum, and food particles.
Stopping these items keeps your pipes clear and water flowing smoothly.
Drain catchers are easy to use and maintain.
Remove the catcher and empty it into the trash regularly.
Clean it with soap and water to prevent buildup.
Using a drain catcher saves time and money on costly drain cleaning.
It’s a quick and affordable way to keep your plumbing system in great shape.
Tip#6 – Test Water Pressure And Know The Ideal Range
Keep the flow just right; test and perfect your water pressure!
Maintaining the right water pressure is essential for your plumbing.
The ideal range is between 40 and 60 PSI (pounds per square inch).
If the pressure is too high, it damages pipes, appliances, and fixtures.
Also, if it’s too low, water flow becomes weak, affecting daily tasks like showering and washing.
You can easily test your water pressure using a water pressure meter.
Attach the meter to an outdoor faucet and turn on the water fully.
The meter will display the pressure.
If you notice pressure outside the ideal range, adjustments may be needed.
Adjust the pressure regulator on your main water line to lower the pressure.
If you’re unsure how to do this, call a professional plumber.
For low pressure, check for blockages in pipes and fixtures.
Clearing clogs and addressing leaks can help restore normal pressure.
Regularly testing your water pressure ensures your plumbing stays in good condition.
It also prevents long-term damage and keeps water flow constant throughout your home.
Tip#7 – Know Your Pipes: Materials And Lifespan
Strong pipes, strong home!
Understanding your pipes helps you care for your plumbing system.
In Kansas City, common pipe materials include copper, PVC, and PEX.
Copper pipes are durable and last 50 years or more.
PVC pipes are plastic and used for drainage but last about 25-40 years.
PEX pipes are flexible and newer, lasting up to 50 years.
Old and damaged pipes lead to leaks, water damage, and poor water quality.
Look for signs like rust, discolouration, and cracks in your pipes.
Low water pressure and strange-tasting water can also show issues.
If your pipes are old, broken, and rusted, it may be time to replace them.
Call a professional plumber to inspect and recommend the best materials.
Upgrading your pipes improves safety, efficiency, and water flow.
Tip#8 – Avoid DIY Plumbing Fixes
Leave the wrench behind and let the pros handle the pipes!
Handling plumbing issues yourself is a way to save money.
Yet, it can lead to bigger problems if done incorrectly.
Plumbing systems are complex, and mistakes can cause other structural problems.
For example, using the wrong tools and techniques can damage pipes.
This often turns a small issue into an expensive repair.
DIY fixes can also violate local plumbing codes, leading to fines.
Licensed plumbers have the knowledge and experience to handle repairs safely.
They use the right tools to ensure long-lasting solutions.
If you notice major issues like water leaks, low pressure, or unusual noises, it’s time to call a professional.
Also, hire a plumber for heavy tasks like pipe replacements or sewer line inspections.
Hiring a professional may cost more at first, but it saves money by avoiding mistakes later.
It ensures your home stays safe and your plumbing works smoothly.
Contact us at OP Plumbing Hub for high-quality services.
Conclusion
This article shares the top eight plumbing tips for new homeowners in Kansas City.
Taking care of your plumbing is key to a trouble-free home.
Stay proactive with regular checks and follow these tips to avoid costly issues.
With good maintenance, your plumbing will stay in great shape for years. Contact us at OP Plumbing Hub with any queries or for help.