Owning a home is a big responsibility and there are many things homeowners should learn to be able to do themselves. Plumbing is one of these skills.

While major plumbing problems are best left to a professional, minor repairs and maintenance can be handled by most homeowners. To help, here are some plumbing basics every homeowner should know.

Water Supply

The plumbing system connects us to one of the most valuable resources on Earth: water. This precious resource provides many benefits for human health and convenience, but it must be managed properly to ensure proper hydration, sanitation, and hygiene.

The water supply line is a large pipe that brings potable water from the municipal supply or private well into your home. It enters your property underground and connects to the water meter and main shut-off valve. From here, the main line divides into hot and cold lines that lead to faucets, showers, and appliances.

This critical component requires regular maintenance to prevent leaks, damage, and other issues. It is also essential to know how to shut off your water supply line in the event of an emergency. For instance, if you are having a major plumbing repair done

or are leaving town for a while, it is important to turn off the water main to avoid flooding and costly damages.

Sewer Line

The sewer line carries waste from toilets, showers, and sinks to the city connection or septic tank. Keeping up with the condition of this line is extremely important. Clogged lines can cause massive problems for your home.

You can usually find your main sewer drain line by looking for a clean-out point on the exterior of your house. This is a pipe that has a round cap that screws into place and is typically within a few feet of the house. It can be tricky to locate this because it is often hidden by shrubbery or landscaping.

Another way to find your sewer line is by contacting the previous homeowner, as they may remember where it was located when they lived there. If that isn’t possible, many cities keep maps of underground utilities, including sewer lines. You can also hire a plumbing professional to find your sewer line for you. This will save you the time of digging around your yard and can help determine the best course of action for snaking or replacing your sewer line.

Clogged toilets are not only an inconvenience, but they can also cause serious damage if left unaddressed. They can lead to sewage backups, which require expensive professional drain cleaning and sewer line repairs. Taking preventative measures such as scheduling regular inspections and installing a water softener can help reduce the likelihood of clogged toilets.

Another way to help prevent clogged toilets is by reminding family members of what can and cannot be flushed. Reminding them to use the trash can for disposing of items such as disposable cloths, menstrual products, ear swabs and hair can go a long way in keeping a home’s plumbing system functional.

Lastly, if you find yourself dealing with a stubborn clogged toilet, it is not always a good idea to try plunging and other DIY methods before calling a plumber. The hot soapy water will create pressure and act as a lubricant to usher backed-up matter through the toilet and down the drain. This can cause additional problems and prevent a faster repair.

Drainage

Drainage is a vital component that prevents water damage, mold growth and sewage system issues. Proper drainage also promotes healthy landscaping and

enhances sewage system efficiency.

Plumbing basics like drainage aren’t always easy to identify because they are buried underground. To check for problems, a plumber from Melbourne can use specialized equipment like CCTV drain cameras to visualize the condition of pipes.

Drainage systems consist of drainpipes, grates and traps. Grates cover drain openings to prevent debris from entering the pipes. Traps capture fats, oils and other solids to avoid blockages. Drainpipes have a slight slope to facilitate gravity based wastewater flow.