You've done it. You're ready to handle your home's plumbing maintenance and repair. What perfect timing! You probably have

tons of questions on how to start and what to do, but fear not, this article can help you. Listed below are some tips that

will help you get started with your plumbing aspirations.

How can you find out if there are pipes in the wall you intend to do work on? You can buy a pipe and stud sensor at the

hardware store, but if you don't plan on using it again that's probably a waste of money. If you're going to be putting

something big on the wall you can cut a piece out to peek inside then cover it with your project.

Coat your sinks with expanding foam to deaden sounds. If you have to sinks side by side, sounds will resonate strongly

between them and create vibrations. This is not good for the pipes. The expanding foam will reduce the vibrations and

protect your pipes. You might find it easier to apply foam before you install the sink.

Check for leaks on your water heater and softener before you leave for vacation. You can also turn off their individual

shut-off valves to ensure that they don't cause any water damage while you're away. It's good to check them a few weeks

before you leave just in case you need any repairs.

If your pipes are prone to freezing, let the water trickle continuously in at least one faucet during weather that is below

freezing. This will minimize the chances that the pipes will freeze and leave you without water. If water is continually

running through the pipes and trickling out of a faucet, the pipes are less likely to freeze.

Do not place items in the toilets that do not belong there. For example, if you are a female, do not throw away sanitary

pads or tampons in your toilet. This could cause severe damage to your toilet that could require a plumber, or even worse, a

whole new toilet!

Make sure to never leave any flammable liquids near your water heater. Certain liquids like gasoline, solvents, or adhesives

are flammable, and if left too close to the water heater, can ignite. If you have to have these liquids in your basement,

place it far away from your water heater.

If you live in an area where sewers are known to back up into homes. You will need to install a backflow valve into your

floor drains. By doing this you can prevent future backup of sewage into your home. This device will save you much money

from loss of property due to sewer water contamination, and it will also save many hours of labor needed to clean up after

these backups.

Now you should be much more prepared when it comes to plumbing. If you thought that you were ready before, well you should

now be an expert! The tips that were given should have provided you some advice that can help you get started with

maintaining and fixing your own plumbing.