10 Essential Plumbing Tips Every Homeowner Should Know
A properly working plumbing system is something most people take for granted until a problem strikes. From clogged drains and leaky faucets to sewer line stoppages, plumbing issues can cause major inconvenience and costly damage if not handled correctly.
At Speedee Drains Plumbing Pros, serving Orange County and Los Angeles County, we specialize in residential and commercial plumbing services. Our expertise includes drain cleaning, hydro jetting, sewer line repairs, and leak detection. In this guide, we share 10 essential plumbing tips every homeowner should know to keep your system running smoothly.
1. Know Where Your Main Shutoff Valve Is
Every homeowner should know the location of the main water shutoff valve. In case of a burst pipe or major leak, shutting off water quickly can prevent thousands of dollars in damage.
Tip: The main valve is often located near the water meter, in a basement, garage, or utility closet.
Why it matters: Turning it off stops water flow to the entire house until a plumber can make repairs.
2. Prevent Clogged Drains Before They Start
Clogged drains are one of the most common household plumbing problems. Prevention is much easier than dealing with a full blockage.
Use drain screens in sinks, showers, and tubs.
Avoid pouring grease, oil, or coffee grounds down the drain.
Flush drains monthly with hot water, baking soda, and vinegar.
If clogs continue to form, this may indicate buildup deep in the pipes or even a sewer line issue. That’s when professional hydro jetting becomes the most effective solution.
3. Understand Hydro Jetting and When to Use It
Hydro jetting is a powerful method of clearing pipes using high-pressure water. Unlike snaking, which only punches a hole through debris, hydro jetting scrubs the inside of pipes to restore full flow.
When to use it: Frequent clogs, slow drains, or recurring sewer backups.
Why it’s effective: It removes grease, scale, and even tree roots that traditional tools can’t fully clear.
Commercial kitchens, multi-unit buildings, and older homes often benefit from scheduled hydro jetting to prevent emergencies.
4. Watch for Sewer Line Stoppages
The sewer line connects your property’s plumbing to the municipal system. A blockage here can cause backups throughout the home.
Warning signs:
Multiple drains backing up at once
Gurgling noises from toilets
Foul sewage odors near drains or outside
Water pooling around the yard
Solutions:
Camera inspection to locate the problem
Hydro jetting to clear blockages
Sewer line repair or replacement if pipes are damaged
Speedee Drains Plumbing Pros offers trenchless repair options to fix sewer lines without tearing up landscaping.
5. Fix Leaks Promptly
A dripping faucet or leaking pipe may seem small, but even minor leaks waste water and increase bills. Over time, leaks can cause structural damage and mold growth.
DIY step: Replace worn-out washers in faucets or tighten loose connections.
When to call a plumber: If leaks are behind walls, under floors, or connected to your water heater.
Advanced leak detection tools can locate hidden leaks without invasive damage.
6. Maintain Your Water Heater
Hot water is essential for comfort and sanitation. To extend the life of your water heater:
Set temperature to 120°F for efficiency and safety.
Flush the tank yearly to remove sediment buildup.
Check for rust, leaks, or strange noises.
If you run out of hot water often or notice reduced efficiency, it may be time for repair or replacement. Tankless water heaters are an energy-efficient option.
7. Be Careful What You Flush
Toilets are designed to handle human waste and toilet paper only. Flushing anything else can cause clogs and sewer backups.
Never flush:
Wipes (even “flushable” ones)
Paper towels
Feminine hygiene products
Cotton swabs or dental floss
8. Use Water Wisely
Water conservation saves money and benefits the environment. Small adjustments can make a big difference.
Install low-flow showerheads and faucets.
Fix dripping faucets right away.
Run full loads in dishwashers and washing machines.
Consider a tankless water heater for on-demand efficiency.
9. Have a Professional Plumbing Inspection
Regular inspections can identify small issues before they turn into costly repairs. A licensed plumber can check:
Pipe conditions
Water pressure
Sewer line integrity
Water heater performance
For commercial properties, scheduled inspections reduce downtime and ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
10. Know When to Call a Professional
While many maintenance tasks can be handled by homeowners, some situations require expert help:
Recurring or severe drain clogs
Sewer line stoppages
No hot water or water heater failure
Burst pipes or major leaks
Foul sewage odors inside or outside
Attempting major repairs without proper tools or knowledge can make the problem worse. Calling Speedee Drains Plumbing Pros ensures fast, reliable service with guaranteed results.
Residential and Commercial Plumbing: The Difference
Residential plumbing focuses on kitchens, bathrooms, water heaters, and home sewer systems.
Commercial plumbing handles larger, more complex systems in restaurants, offices, and multi-unit properties.
Speedee Drains Plumbing Pros has the experience and equipment to handle both. From residential drain cleaning to commercial hydro jetting, we provide solutions tailored to your property’s needs.
Final Thoughts
Plumbing systems are one of the most critical parts of any home or business. By following these 10 tips—knowing your shutoff valve, preventing clogs, scheduling maintenance, and calling professionals when needed—you can avoid emergencies and keep everything flowing smoothly.
At Speedee Drains Plumbing Pros, we proudly serve Orange County and Los Angeles County with comprehensive plumbing services, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, sewer line repairs, and emergency plumbing solutions. Whether you’re a homeowner facing a stubborn clog or a business dealing with a major stoppage, we’re here to help with fast, affordable, and reliable service.