Preventing Plumbing Problems: Simple Tips

1. Keep Drains Clear—Don’t Let Gunk Build Up

One of the easiest ways to avoid plumbing trouble is to be mindful of what goes down your drains. In kitchens, avoid pouring grease, oil, or coffee grounds down the sink. These substances harden inside pipes and create blockages over time. In bathrooms, use drain strainers to catch hair and soap scum. Clean them out regularly. And never flush anything other than toilet paper—even “flushable” wipes can clog pipes.

Watch for: Slow-draining sinks or gurgling noises from drains, which could be early signs of buildup.

2. Fix Leaks While They’re Small

That tiny drip under your sink or from a faucet might seem harmless—but over time, it can waste gallons of water and cause hidden damage like mold or wood rot. Check under sinks and around toilets for any signs of moisture. Even a damp cabinet or a bit of water on the floor can point to a slow leak that needs attention.

Watch for: Unexplained puddles, musty smells, or higher water bills.

3. Be Gentle on Your Toilet

Toilets are built to handle human waste and toilet paper. Flushing anything else—like tissues, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, or cotton balls—can cause blockages in the drain line. Also, avoid using chemical drain cleaners in toilets. These can corrode pipes and make things worse over time.

Watch for: Water rising too high or too slow to drain after flushing.

4. Insulate Pipes in Cold Areas

In winter, pipes located in unheated spaces like basements, crawl spaces, or exterior walls are at risk of freezing. When water inside them freezes, it expands and can cause the pipe to burst. Wrap exposed pipes with foam insulation or heating tape to prevent freezing.

Watch for: Reduced water flow in very cold weather, which may signal a frozen pipe forming.

5. Check Water Pressure Regularly

High water pressure might feel great in the shower, but it puts extra stress on your pipes, joints, and fixtures. Over time, this can lead to leaks or burst pipes. Install a pressure gauge on an outdoor spigot to test your pressure. The ideal home water pressure is around 40–60 psi.

Watch for: Banging pipes (water hammer), leaky fixtures, or very forceful water flow.

6. Test Your Shut-Off Valves

Every home has a main water shut-off valve that turns off the water supply in case of emergency. It’s important to know where it is—and test it once or twice a year to make sure it works. Individual fixtures (like sinks and toilets) also have shut-off valves. Check those too. If they’re stuck or hard to turn, they may not work when you need them most.

Watch for: Valves that are corroded, leaking, or can’t be turned easily.

7. Know the Signs of a Hidden Leak

Not all plumbing problems are obvious. Some start behind walls or under floors, slowly causing damage over time. Keep an eye out for unusual signs.

Watch for:

• Sudden increases in your water bill
• Moldy or mildew smells
• Stains or bubbling on walls or ceilings
• Warm spots on floors (which could signal a leaking hot water pipe)

8. Schedule a Yearly Plumbing Checkup

Just like your car, your plumbing system benefits from regular checkups. A professional plumber can inspect pipes, drains, water heaters, and fixtures to catch issues before they escalate. Preventive maintenance might cost a little upfront but can save thousands in repairs later.

Watch for: Nothing specific—this is more about staying ahead than fixing a problem.