Plumbing issues are among the most bothersome things. It isn’t until your toilet overflows or your sink’s drain slows to a drizzle that you understand how amazing indoor plumbing is.

“Hair, grease, food scraps, you name it,” said Al Fagundes, A. Fagundes Plumbing and Heating’s founder and CEO. “It ends up causing a blockage.”

Plumbing problems are frequent and often left unattended for an extended period of time. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that leaks alone cause the typical home to lose about 10,000 gallons of water annually. Imagine your utility cost growing with each drop of water.

Now, you may believe that plumbing problems need to be handled by a professional, and that the time and effort involved would cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Let’s start with a little spoiler warning: Maintaining your system can save you a lot of money in the long run. Second, a few basic tools and knowledge may solve a lot of typical issues.

By following these professional-recommended guidelines, you may prolong the life of your fixtures, avoid typical plumbing mishaps, and perhaps avoid spending thousands of dollars on emergency repairs.

A shower drain in close-up
Hair often clogs shower drains.
Getty Images/Laartist
Put strainers on the drains.
Clogged drains are among the most frequent plumbing-related issues that homeowners encounter. According to Fagundes, one of the main problems he encounters while making home visits is clogs.

Fortunately, drain strainers are a very easy and reasonably priced item that greatly lowers the chance of clogs. These inexpensive sieves, which are often made of silicone or stainless steel, may be put over the drain of your shower or sink to collect food particles, hair, grit, and other potentially troublesome materials. It’s not an especially sophisticated instrument, but it may help you avoid blockages that would cost hundreds of dollars to clear if you had to hire a plumber to do it for you.

Pay attention to what you flush.
Considering what you’re throwing down the drain in the first place is another strategy to prevent blockages. Although clogs might just develop over time, we push stuff down the drain that shouldn’t be there, which makes them more common.

Additionally, it may affect more than just your pipes. The EPA states that one of the main causes of sewage overflows is fat, oil, and grease. “Avoid pouring grease down the drain,” advises Fagundes. Rather, let any of these things to cool, then place them in a container and dispose of them in the garbage.

filthy water accumulating in the shower drain
The homeowner is also advised to “be mindful of what you’re flushing down the toilet.” Flushable wipes are one item that often gets flushed when it shouldn’t. Despite the claim, the majority of wipes may lead to major plumbing problems and don’t decompose as quickly as toilet paper. Flushable wipes stay intact for a lot longer than toilet paper, which rapidly dissolves in water. This causes blockages in home pipes. If you have a septic system, it’s a particularly awful idea.

Steer clear of liquid drain cleaners.
You may be tempted to use liquid drain cleaner as a fast and simple solution if your drain is clogged. The reason is simple: Simply pour a little amount down the drain and let it to dissolve the obstruction. Fagundes, however, advises against it.

“These products might work for a quick fix, but personally, I’m not a big fan of the liquid stuff,” he claims. “It’s harsh on your pipes and can cause more damage in the long run.”

The majority of drain cleaners that are liquid involve harsh chemicals. Over time, it may damage and corrode pipes in addition to clearing blockages. This is particularly true for older plumbing systems. If not disposed of correctly, they may potentially provide environmental risks.

Toilet with dish soap
Keep the appropriate equipment on hand.
Make sure you have the appropriate equipment on hand to handle blockages, clogs, and pipe backups rather than using liquid drain cleaners. Fortunately, such instruments are often available and reasonably priced. In fact, if you have a plumbing issue, you may already have some in your house that you can utilize.

“A good old-fashioned snake or auger is usually a better option for tackling clogs,” Fagundes advises. “A plunger may often clear basic obstructions. Additionally, remember that every homeowner has to have that handy drain snake.

All you need to do with these tools is put them into the drain, push through the obstruction with the handle, and then, depending on the tool you’re using, either break it up or pull it out to clear the pipe.

First, look for easy solutions.
You may want to contact a professional right away if you have a plumbing issue, but take a big breath. Common problems, such as running toilets or leaking faucets, may be fixed without expert assistance.

Let’s take an example where you can hear your sink leaking. “Leaky faucets are another common issue homeowners run into,” Fagundes explains. “Sometimes it’s an easy fix, like replacing a washer.”

And does your toilet still flow when you hear it? Before calling in the cavalry, you may try a few simple fixes. “Usually, it’s the flapper not sealing properly or the fill valve not shutting off,” Fagundes said. “Again, often an easy fix for a homeowner willing to learn.”
Homeowners may avoid expensive repairs and save money on service visits by taking care of these tiny problems themselves. “A little DIY know-how can save you a service call,” believes Fagundes.

Using a drain snake
A drain snake is preferable to harsh chemicals, according to the professional plumber we talked with.
The Lowe’s
Recognize the locations of your shut-off valves.
In order to minimize damage, the first thing you should do if you have a really significant plumbing problem—for example, a broken pipe, an active leak, or standing water—is to turn off the water. This entails being aware of your shut-off valve locations.

While individual shut-offs are often placed behind toilets or under sinks, your main water shut-off valve is usually situated close to where the water line enters your house. On the pipes, look for little knobs that will stop the water flow.

Knowing these valves will help you respond quickly in an emergency, minimizing the amount of time the water flows and preventing more damage to your house. It’s an easy but crucial measure to safeguard your home and prevent serious water-related issues.

When feasible, take care of leaks as soon as possible.
This may seem straightforward, but it’s important: Don’t ignore a leak if you detect one. For homeowners to avoid more damage and expensive repairs, leaks must be addressed as soon as possible. A little leak may rapidly become a major problem, weakening your home’s structure and resulting in mold growth and water damage. By alerting you when a leak occurs and immediately closing the valves, devices like a smart water leak monitor may pay for themselves in this situation.

Leaks should be fixed right away to save your home’s foundation and plumbing system and prevent future costly repairs. Keeping a healthy, productive house requires early notice and action.

Women dipping into the shower drain
Another chemical-free method to start things going is to plunge the shower drain.
Potemkin, Alex/Getty Images
Avoid becoming a hero.
When it comes to plumbing problems, there are many things you can do yourself, but it’s also critical to understand your limitations.

“As for when to call a pro, use your best judgment,” advises Fagundes. “You may be able to fix a basic leaking faucet or a blocked toilet on your own. However, don’t be afraid to contact a professional if you’re dealing with a significant leak, a busted pipe, or anything else regarding your sewage line.”

Don’t make things worse; instead, try to make things better where you feel comfortable. “Trust me, sometimes it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to plumbing problems,” Fagundes advises.