Homeowner Guide January 10, 2026 · 12 min read

Plumbing 101 for First-Time Homeowners

You bought a house. Congrats! Now you're responsible for... all of it. Including the plumbing. Here's everything you wish someone had told you, written by plumbers who won't judge you for not knowing what a P-trap is.

Let's be real: most of us didn't learn plumbing basics growing up. Home ec class (if you even had one) probably covered cooking and sewing, not "what to do when your toilet won't stop making that noise." So if you're a millennial or Gen Z homeowner who feels clueless about plumbing, you're not alone.

This guide covers the basics every homeowner should know - the stuff that'll save you from panic, help you avoid expensive damage, and let you know when to DIY vs. when to call a pro.

1. Know Where Your Water Shutoff Valves Are

This is the most important thing in this entire guide. In a plumbing emergency, the first thing you need to do is stop the water. You can't do that if you don't know where the shutoff is.

Main Water Shutoff

This valve controls ALL water coming into your house. Find it NOW, before you need it. In most homes, it's located:

• In the basement, near the front wall (where the water line enters)
• In a utility room or mechanical closet
• Near the water heater
• In the garage (in some homes)
• In a crawl space (older homes)

Look for a round wheel valve or a lever-style valve on a pipe. Test it now - turn it clockwise (or perpendicular to the pipe for levers) to close it. Make sure it actually works and isn't stuck.

Individual Fixture Shutoffs

Most sinks, toilets, and appliances have their own shutoff valves. These let you turn off water to one fixture without affecting the rest of your house.

• Toilets: Oval-shaped valve on the wall behind/beside the toilet
• Sinks: Under the sink, usually two valves (hot and cold)
• Washing machine: Two valves on the wall behind the machine
• Dishwasher: Usually under the kitchen sink
• Water heater: Cold water inlet valve on top of the unit

2. Learn Basic Plumbing Vocabulary

You don't need to become a plumber, but knowing a few terms helps you describe problems and understand what's going on.

3. How to Handle Common Issues

Clogged Drains

The #1 plumbing issue. Before you call anyone, try these:

1. Plunger: Yes, they work on sinks too. Use a flat plunger for sinks, a flanged one for toilets. Create a seal and plunge vigorously.
2. Boiling water: For minor clogs (especially grease in kitchen drains), pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain.
3. Baking soda + vinegar: Pour 1/2 cup baking soda, then 1/2 cup vinegar. Let it fizz for 15 minutes, then flush with hot water.
4. Drain snake: For tougher clogs. Insert, rotate, pull out gunk. It's gross but effective.

When to call a pro: If DIY methods don't work, if multiple drains are slow (indicates a main line issue), or if you see sewage backing up.

Learn more about preventing clogged drains or see our drain cleaning services.

Running Toilet

That constant running water sound means money literally going down the drain. Usually, it's the flapper.

1. Take the lid off the tank (it's not gross, just water)
2. Flush and watch the flapper - does it seal properly?
3. If not, buy a replacement flapper at any hardware store (~$10)
4. It's a 5-minute swap - unhook old one, hook on new one

When to call a pro: If replacing the flapper doesn't fix it, or if the toilet runs AND leaks at the base.

Dripping Faucet

A dripping faucet can waste 3,000+ gallons per year. The fix depends on the faucet type:

• Compression faucets (two handles): Usually need a new washer or O-ring
• Single-handle faucets: Often need a new cartridge

This is fixable DIY if you're handy, but faucet repairs can be tricky if you've never done them. Consider calling a pro for your first one so you can learn.

Low Water Pressure

If water pressure drops suddenly or gradually:

• One faucet only: Clean the aerator (unscrew the tip of the faucet, soak in vinegar overnight)
• Shower only: Clean or replace the showerhead
• Whole house: Check if your main shutoff is fully open. If yes, could be a supply issue or a hidden leak - call a plumber

4. Things You Should NEVER Put Down Drains

Your drains are not garbage disposals (and even garbage disposals have limits). Avoid putting these down ANY drain:

• Grease, oil, or fat - Solidifies and clogs pipes
• Coffee grounds - They don't break down
• "Flushable" wipes - They lie. They don't break down like toilet paper
• Cat litter - Even "flushable" kinds cause problems
• Hair - Use drain screens to catch it
• Pasta/rice - Expands and causes clogs
• Egg shells - Despite myths, they don't sharpen disposal blades
• Paint - Especially oil-based. Dispose properly

5. Basic Maintenance That Prevents Big Problems

Monthly

• Pour hot water down each drain to flush minor buildup
• Check under sinks for leaks or moisture
• Test your sump pump (pour water in the pit, it should kick on)

Seasonally

• Clean drain screens and P-traps
• Run water in unused drains to refill P-traps
• Before winter: disconnect outdoor hoses, insulate outdoor faucets

Annually

• Flush your water heater to remove sediment
• Check water heater anode rod (if it's corroded through, replace it)
• Inspect visible pipes for corrosion or damage
• Have your sewer line inspected if you have mature trees near it

6. When to Call a Professional

Some things are beyond DIY. Call a plumber when you see:

• Multiple drains clogged at once - Main line issue
• Sewage smell or backup - Health hazard
• No hot water / water heater issues - Can involve gas or high voltage
• Visible pipe leak - Especially in walls or ceilings
• Water where it shouldn't be - Unexplained moisture, water stains
• Frozen pipes - Risk of bursting
• Anything involving the main water line
• DIY attempts made it worse - No shame, happens to everyone

7. Building Your Plumbing Toolkit

You don't need much, but these basics will handle most minor issues:

• Plunger (cup style) - For sinks and flat drains (~$10)
• Plunger (flanged) - For toilets (~$15)
• Drain snake / hair removal tool - For clogs (~$5-25)
• Adjustable wrench - For tightening connections (~$15)
• Plumber's tape (Teflon tape) - For sealing threaded connections (~$3)
• Bucket - For catching water during repairs
• Flashlight - To see under sinks

Total cost: Under $75, and you'll have everything you need for basic maintenance and minor fixes.

The Bottom Line

You don't need to become a plumber to own a home. You just need to:

1. Know where your water shutoffs are
2. Understand basic maintenance
3. Know what NOT to put down drains
4. Recognize when to call for help

That's it. That's the whole secret to being a homeowner who doesn't panic about plumbing. You've got this.