Even a minor plumbing problem can be a nuisance and requires urgent attention. So, it can be really useful for homeowners to have some knowledge to tackle minor plumbing issues. You don’t even need to do a perfect job. But even a little bit of work will be useful until the plumber can arrive at your house.

Here are five plumbing tips every homeowner should know.

1. Shut down the main water valve before attempting any plumbing repairs

Most plumbing jobs require that you shut off the water supply before attempting the repairs. As a homeowner, you should definitely know where the main water valve is located. You can inquire about this from a professional plumber you have called to the house when you moved in the space. You can also check the home inspection report to find it. It will be located either outside, safely tucked inside a covered box, or in the basement. But its location can be anywhere else too such as under the sink or by the water heater.

You should also know how to turn it off and on as needed. Use the valve to shut off the water’s main supply. Simply turn it in a clockwise direction. You may need to use a meter key if the valve is outside.

For fixing single taps or toilets, you may not need to switch off the entire water supply. In that case, you can simply switch off the valve located below the problematic fixture. Knowing how to do it will come in handy when you have a leaky faucet or clogged drain. It is not easy to fix a leaky faucet. So you can stop water wastage by shutting off the valve until the plumber arrives.

2. Use the plunger to unclog drains

Try to drain the water from the clogged sink or toilet (water level may go down on its own eventually). Then press the plunger on the drain and ensure that it has locked in well by creating the vacuum. Then try to plunge the tool up and down several times. It should work within minutes. If not then you will need to call the plumber.

You can use simple online searches to find good local plumbers. Ensure that you use location in the keywords such as home plumbing Villa Park and plumber in Irvine or something similar.

Ensure that the size of the plunger as appropriate for the drain. It should fit on top of it snugly.

3. Unclog drains using hot water or chemicals

Clogged drains are a bane for homeowners. It is also a very common problem. You can use several DIY ways to unclog a drain. The plunger might not always work if the blockage is rather stubborn.

If not then pour hot water down the drain. If it doesn’t resolve the problem then pour the hot water along with some baking soda. You can also add vinegar for good measure. If this too doesn’t solve the problem then use drain-cleaning chemicals. If nothing else works, it is time to call the plumber.

Do not, however, use chemicals or vinegar excessively. Doing so can damage the pipes.

4. Refrain from flushing down just about anything down the toilet

By way of simple measures, you can ensure that the toilet is never clogged in the first place. The simple rule is that other than toilet paper, nothing else should be flushed down it. So, ensure that no sanitary napkins, tissues, and diapers find their way into your toilet.

5. Take care of the garbage disposal

Throwing anything in the garbage disposal without any regard can clog the sink pipes. So, it is important to know what you can put down the garbage disposal and what you mustn’t in any case.

So refrain from dumping eggshells, coffee grounds, grease, cooked pasta, potatoes and rice, rough bones, vegetables like artichokes, lettuce, and asparagus, and other large food debris into the garbage disposal.

Ensure that cutlery like spoons and forks don’t disappear down the sink. Tissues, cigarette butts, and sponges must also not enter the garbage disposal.