Plumbing problems can be a trouble for any homeowner.
These simple tips will help you keep your plumbing in good shape and avoid costly repairs.
Check out the top ten plumbing tips every Kansas City homeowner should know.
Key Takeaways
- Check for leaks regularly to avoid water waste and damage.
- Know where your water shut-off valve is so it can act quickly in emergencies.
- Cover pipes and let faucets drip in winter to prevent freezing.
- Avoid chemical drain cleaners; use safer alternatives like a drain snake.
- Install drain strainers to catch debris and prevent clogs.
- Maintain your water heater by flushing it yearly and checking the anode rod.
- Never flush items other than toilet paper to prevent clogs and sewer issues.
- Track your water pressure and adjust it if necessary to protect your plumbing.
Top 10 Plumbing Tips Every Kansas City Homeowner Should Know
As a Kansas City homeowner, taking care of your plumbing is important.
Here are the top ten plumbing tips to help you keep your home in top shape.
These simple tips can save you time, money, and stress!
Tip 1: Regularly Check For Leaks
Look for drips and moisture on faucets, pipes, and appliances.
Even small leaks can waste a lot of water and raise your bills.
Over time, they can also cause damage to your home.
Do a quick check by reading your water meter.
Turn off all water in your home, then check the meter.
Wait a few hours without using water and check again.
If the number changes, you might have a hidden leak.
Fixing leaks early can save money and prevent bigger problems.
Tip 2: Know Your Water Shut-Off Valve
Find your home’s main water shut-off valve.
It’s often near where the water line enters your house, like in the basement or outside.
Knowing its location is important during emergencies like a burst pipe.
To turn it off, follow these steps:
- Locate the valve. It usually looks like a wheel or arm.
- Turn the wheel clockwise or move the lever to the “off” position.
- Check that the water has stopped flowing by turning on a faucet.
Pro tip
Label the valve with a tag or marker so it’s easy to find quickly.
This simple step can save time and reduce damage during a water emergency.
Tip 3: Prevent Frozen Pipes In Winter
In winter, pipes can freeze and burst, causing expensive damage.
Cover pipes in unheated areas like basements and exterior walls to avoid this.
Use foam pipe covers or wrap them in insulation tape.
During extreme cold, let faucets drip slightly.
This keeps water moving and helps prevent freezing.
Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air reach the pipes.
Kansas City, in winter, can get very cold, so plan accordingly.
Pay extra attention to outdoor faucets and pipes.
Turn off the water supply to outdoor taps and drain them before freezing weather arrives.
These steps can protect your home and save you from big repairs.
Tip 4: Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners
Chemical drain cleaners can harm your pipes.
Over time, they corrode the material, causing leaks and damage.
They’re also harmful to the environment and leave behind strong fumes.
Instead, try safer options.
Use a drain snake to pull out clogs.
Or pour baking soda and vinegar into the drain, let it fizz, then flush with hot water.
These methods are gentle on your pipes.
If the clog stays, call a professional plumber.
They have the right tools to fix the problem without damaging your plumbing.
Tip 5: Install Drain Strainers
Drain strainers are simple tools that keep clogs away.
They catch hair, food, and other debris before it drains.
This helps prevent blockages in sinks and showers, saving you time and money.
Installing a strainer is easy.
Just place it over the drain opening.
Most strainers are made to fit easily and don’t need extra tools.
Use a strainer with small holes for kitchen sinks to catch food scraps.
Pro Tip
Clean the strainer regularly.
Remove trapped debris and rinse it under running water.
This keeps it working well and your drains clear.
Tip 6: Maintain Your Water Heater
Your water heater works hard every day, so it needs regular care.
Over time, dirt builds up in the tank, making it less efficient.
Flush the tank once a year to remove this dirt.
It helps the heater run better and last longer.
Check the anode rod inside the tank.
This rod protects the heater from rust but wears out over time.
Replace it if it’s too thin and coated with rust.
A well-maintained water heater uses less energy, lowering your utility bills.
It also ensures you always have hot water when you need it.
Regular maintenance saves you money and avoids big repairs.
Tip 7: Watch What Goes Down The Toilet
Your toilet is only made for flushing toilet paper and waste.
Never flush items like wipes, grease, paper towels, and hygiene products.
Even “flushable” wipes can clog your pipes.
Flushing the wrong things can cause serious problems.
It can block your plumbing, lead to sewer backups, and cost a lot to fix.
These clogs can also damage city sewer systems.
To avoid this, keep a garbage bin in your bathroom.
Use it for non-flushable items.
Tip 8: Check Water Pressure
Water pressure that’s too high or too low can cause problems.
High pressure can damage pipes, appliances, and fixtures.
Low pressure means weak water flow, making showers and washing harder.
To check water pressure, use a pressure meter.
You can buy one at a hardware store.
Attach it to an outdoor faucet and turn on the water.
The meter will show if the pressure is too high or too low.
If the pressure is too high, consider installing a pressure regulator.
If it’s too low, check for clogs and leaks in the pipes.
A plumber can help adjust and fix pressure issues to protect your home’s plumbing.
Tip 9: Invest In Plumbing Tools
Having a few basic plumbing tools at home can save you time and money on small fixes.
Affordable tools can help with common problems.
Every Kansas City homeowner should own:
- A plunger (for clearing clogs)
- Pipe wrench (for tightening and loosening pipes)
- Basin wrench (for working under sinks)
- Adjustable pliers (for gripping and turning pipes)
Remember, some problems are too big for DIY fixes.
The right tools can help with easy tasks, but a pro can handle more complex repairs.
Tip 10: Schedule Routine Professional Inspections
Having a professional plumber inspect your plumbing once a year is smart.
Regular inspections help find small issues before they become big problems.
Early detection can save you money and prevent major repairs.
A plumber can give expert advice on improving your system and avoiding future issues.
They’ll check your pipes, water heater, drains, and fixtures for any signs of trouble.
In Kansas City, many trusted plumbers offer routine inspection services.
It’s worth investing in these checks to keep your plumbing running smoothly all year.
Conclusion
This article discusses the top ten plumbing tips every Kansas City homeowner should know.
Following these plumbing tips can save you time, money, and stress.
Taking care of small issues now will prevent bigger problems later. If you need help, contact a trusted Kansas City plumber for expert service!