Plumbing Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

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I’ve spent 25 years in the plumbing trade, holding Master Plumber licenses in both Texas and Missouri, working on everything from simple toilet repairs to large-scale commercial plumbing systems. Today, Highline Plumbing serves homeowners in and around Columbia, Missouri, and we see the same preventable issues over and over again.

This guide answers a common homeowner question:

What are the most important plumbing tips every homeowner should know?

These aren’t generic tips — they’re based on real homes, real failures, and real repair bills.

1. Know Your Main Water Shut-Off (Before You Need It)

One of the first things every homeowner should know is where the main water shut-off valve is and how to use it. When a supply line breaks or a pipe bursts, shutting the water off quickly can prevent thousands of dollars in damage.

Action steps:

• Locate your main shut-off valve now

• Test it once or twice per year to make sure it turns freely

• Make sure everyone in the household knows where it is

From experience, this single step prevents more damage than almost anything else on this list.

2. Be Careful What Goes Down Your Drains

Kitchen and bathroom drains are not designed to handle everything homeowners throw at them.

Common causes of drain clogs we see in Columbia homes include:

• Grease and cooking oils

• Fibrous foods like celery, pasta, and potato peels

• Overuse of garbage disposals

• Hair buildup in showers and sink pop-ups

• "Flushable wipes" aren't really all that flushable and can cause expensive issues down the road.

Use drain strainers, avoid pouring grease down the drain entirely, and remember that garbage disposals should be used sparingly — not as trash cans.

3. Don’t Ignore Slow Drains or Small Leaks

Slow drains, minor leaks, and unexplained moisture are often early warning signs of bigger plumbing problems.

Safe homeowner-level fixes include:

• Using a plunger or hand auger

• Cleaning P-traps under sinks

• Removing hair from shower drains and bathroom sink pop-ups

If the problem keeps returning, it’s time to call a professional. In our experience, waiting almost always makes repairs more expensive.

4. Protect Pipes From Freezing (An Issue in Missouri)

Freezing temperatures are a serious plumbing risk in Missouri, especially for:

• Pipes in exterior walls

• Crawl spaces

• Garages

• Unconditioned basements

Uninsulated pipes can freeze, burst, and lead to water damage, mold remediation, and structural repairs.

Prevention tips:

• Insulate exposed pipes

• Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses

• Winterize exterior faucets

Freeze damage is one of the most common — and preventable — causes of plumbing emergencies we see locally.

5. Maintain Your Water Heater to Extend Its Life

Many homeowners believe water heaters fail suddenly. In reality, most fail due to lack of maintenance.

Tank Water Heater

• Flush annually to remove sediment

• Have a professional Inspect the anode rod periodically (2-3 years)

Tankless Water Heaters

• Flush regularly using a descaling solution (white vinegar works)

• Install proper pre-filters or water softening systems based on water conditions

Routine water heater maintenance improves efficiency and can add years to the unit’s lifespan.

6. Replace Aging Toilet and Faucet Supply Lines

This is one of the most overlooked plumbing risks in a home.

I’ve personally seen three separate homes flood due to failed toilet supply line connections at the fill valve. In every case, the cause was old, brittle plastic fittings.

Best practices:

• Replace supply lines every 10 years

• Inspect plastic connections

• Upgrade to high-quality braided supply lines when possible

This simple preventive step can avoid catastrophic water damage.

7. Know What Plumbing Repairs Are Safe to DIY — and Which Aren’t

Some plumbing tasks are reasonable for homeowners:

• Flushing a water heater

• Using a toilet auger

• Cleaning P-traps

• Removing hair from drains

However, homeowners should avoid DIY work involving:

• Water line repairs (if unsure how to shut off and drain the system)

• Gas or electric water heaters

• Venting systems

• Pressure relief valves

Improper water heater work can lead to electrical damage, carbon monoxide hazards, pressure buildup, gas leaks, and flooding.

8. Case Study: A Small Part That Caused Major Flooding

In three different homes, a simple toilet supply line failed at the fill valve, flooding the property.

Each incident could have been prevented by replacing aging supply lines before failure. Instead, water ran unchecked until significant damage occurred.

This is a clear example of why preventive maintenance matters.

9. Case Study: Catching a Leak Early Saved Thousands

A homeowner noticed subtle signs: dampness, a musty smell, and minor flooring discoloration.

Upon investigation, they discovered a failing wax seal under the toilet, allowing small amounts of water to escape with each flush.

Because the issue was caught early:

• Damage was limited to a small area of drywall and flooring

• The wax seal was replaced

• No mold or structural damage developed

Left unaddressed, this would have caused extensive subfloor damage and costly mold remediation.

10. Three Plumbing Rules I Follow in My Own Home

After 25 years in the trade, these are my non-negotiables:

1. Learn how to handle simple, safe maintenance yourself

2. Never ignore early warning signs like moisture, odors, or slow drains

3. Replace aging components before they fail — not after

Plumbing problems rarely improve on their own.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

If you’re dealing with recurring leaks, water heater issues, freezing pipes, or signs of hidden water damage, it’s best to involve a licensed professional early.

Highline Plumbing proudly serves Columbia, Missouri and surrounding areas, providing residential plumbing repairs, water heater services, leak detection, and preventive maintenance.

If you have questions or want a professional opinion before a small issue turns into a major repair, we’re here to help.

Quick Summary

If you only remember a few things about home plumbing, remember this: know how to shut your water off, don’t ignore early warning signs, maintain your water heater, protect pipes from freezing, and replace aging supply lines before they fail. Most major plumbing disasters start as small, preventable issues.Know When It’s Time to Call a Professional

Routine maintenance and basic plumbing knowledge can help prevent issues, but many problems require professional attention. Ongoing leaks, low water pressure, drainage issues, or aging plumbing systems can quickly lead to expensive repairs if ignored. If you need help learning and understanding what you can do to maintain your home consider hiring us to come out and do a complete home inspection and training session for you.

Highline Plumbing provides professional inspections and repairs designed to catch issues early and protect your home. If you’re experiencing recurring plumbing problems or aren’t sure what’s causing an issue, contacting a licensed Columbia MO plumbing professional is the safest next step.