• The sound of running or dripping water.
• Unexplained puddles or pools of water.
• Signs of water damage.
• Mold or mildew. Look for visible signs of mold and also the earthy smell that accompanies it.
• Higher than usual water bill.

Know What Can and Cannot Go Down The Drain

Many clogs are caused by allowing the wrong items to go down the drain. This includes sink drains, shower drains, and toilets. Drains are designed to carry away waste water, they are not meant to be treated like trash cans. By watching what goes down the drain and keeping inappropriate items out, you can save yourself a lot of headache from a clogged drain. Some items that should never go down the drain include:  

• Trash
• Paper products, other than toilet paper.
• Diapers and wipes
• Feminine hygiene products
• Cotton swabs
• Dental floss
• Hair
• Large food particles
• Bones
• Pasta
• Batter
• Grease
• Harsh chemicals
• Prescription medication

  It is important to note that some items can not only cause clogs, but also cause damage to your pipes and the environment. It is best to dispose of things like harsh chemicals and prescription medications at designated take back centers. In addition, invest in some drain screens to keep unwanted items out of your drains. Also make sure you are operating your garbage disposal correctly. Always operate with running water, run it frequently, and avoid overloading it.   

Avoid Over Tightening Fittings

If you fancy yourself as a handyman (or woman) you may feel compelled to make small repairs and adjustments here and there. However, it is important to make sure that when you tighten fittings to make sure you don’t tighten them too much. Over tightening fittings can result in stripped bolts and screws which can lead to leaks. 

Know Where Your Pipes Are Before Starting A Project

One of the most important plumbing tips everyone should know is to know how to locate pipes before starting a home improvement project. A dinged pipe hidden behind a closed wall can cause a lot of damage over time. Unfortunately this is quite common. Drilling, hammering, and opening up walls without proper knowledge of where your pipes are can lead to a plumbing disaster. Even if you just nick a pipe, you could end up with a small leak. Invest in a stud finder before completing any DIY home projects.  

Have The Right Plunger On Hand

A plunger is an important tool to have on hand. Having the right plunger is also important as there are plungers made for sink drains, and plungers made for toilet drains. Using the right plunger for the drain, will make a difference in how effective your plunging efforts are, not to mention it is more sanitary. The two best plungers to have on hand are: the cup plunger, designed for sinks, and the flange plunger, designed for toilets.  

Locate Water Shutoff Valves

Another of the most important plumbing tips everyone should know is to be able to locate your water supply valves. If you are faced with a plumbing emergency, one of the first things you will want to do is turn off the water supply. This can save a lot of water and prevent a lot of damage. Each sink, toilet, and water using appliance has a water supply valve. This is usually located under the sink, behind the toilet, or behind the appliance. If you are suffering from a larger scale plumbing disaster, you will want to be able to locate the main shutoff valve for your home. This is usually located outside, around the foundation of your home, or in the yard or sidewalk in front of your home. Turning off the main water line, will cut off the supply of water to your home.   When it comes to a plumbing emergency it is always best to proceed with caution. A professional plumber who has been properly trained, licensed, and insured is always going to be the safest way to go. For more plumbing tips everyone should know or to schedule an appointment contact Rooter Hero today! Related Articles Signs You May Have a Damaged Sewer Line The Effect of Heavy Rain on Your Plumbing What Liquids Should You NOT Pour Down The Drain