The Homeowner's Guide to Preventing Common Plumbing Problems

Plumbing problems have a way of happening at the worst possible moments. The good news: many of the most common issues are entirely preventable with a little routine attention. Here's what every homeowner should know.

Watch What Goes Down the Drain

Kitchen drain clogs are almost always caused by grease, food scraps, and coffee grounds. Never pour cooking oil or fat down the drain — let it cool and dispose of it in the trash. Use a drain strainer to catch food particles. In the bathroom, a simple hair catcher over the shower drain can prevent the vast majority of clogs.

Know the Location of Your Main Shutoff

In a plumbing emergency, every second counts. Make sure every adult in your household knows where the main water shutoff valve is located and how to turn it off. Typically found near the water meter or where the main line enters the house, this valve can stop water damage cold if a pipe bursts or a fixture fails catastrophically.

Test Your Water Pressure

High water pressure — above 80 PSI — puts stress on pipes, fittings, and appliances. You can test your pressure with an inexpensive gauge that attaches to a hose bib. If pressure is consistently high, a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) can protect your plumbing system from premature wear.

Don't Ignore Slow Drains

A slow drain is a clog in the making. Don't wait until water is backing up — address it early with a drain snake or a non-corrosive cleaner. Avoid chemical drain cleaners regularly, as they can corrode pipes over time. If multiple drains are slow simultaneously, the problem is likely in the main line.

Insulate Pipes Before Winter

Frozen pipes are one of the most destructive and expensive plumbing emergencies. Before temperatures drop, insulate exposed pipes in unheated spaces like the garage, crawl space, or exterior walls. During extreme cold snaps, let a thin stream of water run from faucets on exterior walls to keep water moving through the lines.

Schedule Annual Inspections

An annual plumbing inspection catches small issues — a slow drip, a corroding fitting, a water heater showing early signs of scale — before they become emergencies. Satterlee's licensed plumbers serve Joplin and the surrounding Four States area and can help you stay ahead of problems all year long.