Keep Your Home Flowing: 5 Essential Plumbing Tips Every Homeowner Should Know
Whether you’re dealing with a minor drip or just want to prevent a major flood, understanding your home’s plumbing is key to peace of mind. Since 1990, the team at John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating & Air has been helping our neighbors in Carlsbad and throughout North County San Diego keep their homes comfortable and safe.
We believe that a little bit of maintenance goes a long way in saving you money and stress. Here are five essential tips to keep your pipes in top shape and your water bills down.
1. Know Where Your Main Shut-Off Valve Is
In a plumbing emergency, every second counts. If a pipe bursts, you don’t want to be searching for the main water shut-off valve while your floors are soaking.
* Action Step: Find your main valve today (usually located where the water line enters the house or near the street) and label it clearly. Show everyone in the household how to turn it off.
2. Don’t Treat Your Drain Like a Trash Can
Most “clogged drain” service calls could be avoided with a little caution.
* In the Kitchen: Never put grease, coffee grounds, or fibrous veggies (like celery or potato peels) down the disposal. Grease solidifies in the pipes, creating stubborn “fatbergs.”
* In the Bathroom: Only flush the “Three Ps” (Pee, Poop, and Paper). Even wipes labeled “flushable” often don’t break down quickly enough and can cause major backups in your sewer line.
3. Check for “Silent” Toilet Leaks
A leaking toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water a day without making a sound.
* The Pro Trick: Drop a few drops of food coloring into the toilet tank. Wait 20 minutes without flushing. If the color seeps into the bowl, your flapper is likely worn out and needs replacing.
4. Be Kind to Your Water Heater
Most homeowners forget their water heater exists until the shower goes cold. To extend its life:
* Drain it annually: This flushes out sediment that reduces efficiency and causes corrosion.
* Check the temp: Setting your heater to 120°F is the “sweet spot” for energy savings and preventing accidental scalding.
5. Listen to Your Pipes
Do you hear a loud “clunk” when you turn off a faucet? That’s called water hammer. It’s often caused by high water pressure or loose pipes. Over time, these vibrations can weaken joints and lead to hidden leaks behind your walls.
> The John Stevenson Guarantee: We stock our trucks with enough parts to handle 93% of repairs on the spot, so you can get back to your day faster.
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Need a Professional Hand?
Plumbing issues can escalate quickly. Whether you’re facing a stubborn clog, need expert leak detection, or are looking to upgrade to a tankless water heater, our drug-tested and background-checked technicians are ready to provide an honest assessment and upfront pricing.
Click here to visit our Contact Us page and schedule your service today!
For immediate assistance, you can also call or text us at (760) 276-6690. We are available Monday through Sunday to ensure your home stays “A Homeowner’s Best Friend.”