Plumbing Tips
& Guides
Practical plumbing advice from MaxRooter’s expert plumbers. Learn how to protect your home’s plumbing, prevent costly emergencies, and know when to call a professional.
Essential Plumbing Tips for Homeowners
Preventive maintenance saves money. Here are the most important things you can do to protect your home’s plumbing.
🚿 Prevent Drain Clogs
Use drain strainers in all sinks and showers to catch hair and debris. Never pour grease, oil, or coffee grounds down drains. Run hot water for 30 seconds after each sink use to flush residue.
💧 Find Leaks Early
Check under sinks, around toilets, and near appliances monthly for signs of moisture. A slow drip wastes up to 3,000 gallons per year. Add food coloring to tank to test for silent toilet leaks.
🌡️ Know Your Shutoffs
Know where your main water shut-off valve is located and how to use it. In an emergency, turning off water quickly can prevent thousands in flood damage. Label it clearly for everyone in the household.
🔥 Maintain Your Water Heater
Flush your water heater tank annually to remove sediment buildup. Check the anode rod every 3 years. Set your water heater to 120°F — hot enough to prevent bacteria, cool enough to prevent scalding.
❄️ Prevent Frozen Pipes
Insulate exposed pipes in unheated spaces. Keep cabinet doors open under sinks against exterior walls in cold weather. Let faucets drip slightly during severe cold. Know how to thaw frozen pipes safely.
🚽 Toilet Care
Never flush wipes (even “flushable” ones), cotton balls, paper towels, or feminine hygiene products. These cause serious sewer blockages. If your toilet rocks, have it resealed to prevent floor damage.
💦 Check Water Pressure
Ideal home water pressure is 40–60 PSI. High pressure (above 80 PSI) stresses pipes and causes leaks. A pressure gauge costs under $15 and attaches to any hose bib for a quick reading.
🔧 Know Your Limits
Simple tasks like unclogging a toilet or replacing a faucet aerator are DIY-friendly. Gas work, sewer lines, water heaters, and anything involving opening walls should always be handled by a licensed plumber.
📅 Schedule Annual Inspections
A professional plumbing inspection catches small problems before they become expensive emergencies. MaxRooter plumbers can assess your entire system and give you a clear picture of your plumbing’s health.
Seasonal Plumbing Maintenance Guide
🌸 Spring Checklist
- Check outdoor faucets and hose bibs for winter damage
- Inspect irrigation system and sprinkler heads
- Test sump pump before rainy season
- Check water heater pressure relief valve
- Inspect washing machine hoses for wear
☀️ Summer Checklist
- Check for outdoor water waste and leaks
- Inspect and clean dryer vents
- Test water pressure throughout the home
- Have AC condensate drain line inspected and cleaned
- Check refrigerator water line and filter
🍂 Fall Checklist
- Winterize outdoor faucets and irrigation systems
- Insulate exposed pipes in crawl spaces and garages
- Flush and inspect water heater
- Check water heater for sediment buildup
- Locate and test main water shut-off
❄️ Winter Checklist
- Keep heat at 55°F minimum when away from home
- Open cabinet doors under sinks on cold nights
- Know how to thaw frozen pipes safely
- Keep emergency plumber’s number accessible
- Check for ice dams that can cause roof leaks
Need Professional Help? We’re Just a Call Away!
For anything beyond basic maintenance, trust the licensed professionals at MaxRooter. Available 24/7.
(888) 341-0158