Your main shut-off valve is usually easy to find. It’s the place in the home where all water distribution begins, and it’s also the point at which you can control whether water flows into your house or not.

There are a few common causes for clogged drains—hair, soap scum and grease buildup, toilet paper or wipes. The pipe’s diameter is also a factor. Drains in the kitchen and bathrooms can get clogged with these common household items because of how often we use our sinks and showers. The best way to avoid a clogged drain is to prevent the things that cause it, but sometimes unfortunate accidents happen. One solution is to use hot water and dish soap, which will soften and break up the clog. Another is to use baking soda and vinegar, which will break up fats and grease in the clog.

Turning off your water before leaving for vacation is something that can save you from a major headache. Even a small leak will continue to pour water into your home for days or weeks. If you are going out of town for an extended period of time, turning off the water is recommended. It isn’t difficult, and it will prevent any major plumbing problems from causing damage to your home while you are away.

Frozen pipes can cause water damage to your home, and replacing burst pipes is incredibly expensive. To prevent your pipes from freezing this winter, make sure they’re properly insulated and keep the heat in your home at a consistent temperature. If you’re going away for an extended period of time, set the temperature in your home to around 55°—this will prevent any major drops in temperature and should keep your pipes from bursting.

Sometimes a leak can begin as a small drip in your bathroom or ceiling, without you noticing it. When this happens, the first sign might be when water finds its way through the floor into the light fixture. If you notice water coming through your light fixture, call us today at 516-506-1695!