It's safe to say all homeowners will encounter plumbing problems at some point. It could be a clogged pipe, a dripping faucet, an overflowing toilet, low water pressure, or any other plumbing issue.

The good news is, some of these issues are preventable as long as you have basic knowledge about plumbing care. Here are four essential plumbing tips that every homeowner needs to know.

Locate Your Shut-Off Valve and Learn to Turn It Off

Almost every home has a main shut-off valve for the waterline, usually located in a crawl space, in the basement, under the kitchen sink, near the water heater, or outside your home. 

Finding the shut-off valve and knowing how to turn it off will come in handy when there is an emergency like a major pipe leak. Water cannot flow into your house when the valve is turned off, so no fixtures or appliances can output anything. This helps to stop the problem before seeking emergency plumbing repair services. 

Don't Ignore Small Leaks

Minor leaks and dripping faucets may seem harmless. But if ignored for long, they can turn into costly, more severe issues. The moisture from a leak could damage your sink fixtures, forcing you to spend a lot of money on replacements. Besides, a lot of water is wasted on leaks, so you'll see a significant rise in your water bills over time. 

Look for signs of water leaks, such as damp cabinets, small puddles, leaking water fixtures, rocking toilets and dripping refrigerators. If you notice an alarming sign, call a professional plumber and have the issue checked and addressed right away. 

Find Out What's Flushable

Some homeowners dump almost anything in their toilets. And since some of the materials are not flushable, they end up causing nasty clogs. After some time, your toilet starts to exhibit signs like slow drains, overflowing, gurgling sounds and foul smells, making your home uninhabitable.

As a rule of the thumb, the only two things that should be flushed down your toilet are human waste and tissue papers. Avoid dumping down things like baby wipes, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, and toys since they can back up the system. 

Save a Professional Plumber's Number on Speed Dial

Not every plumbing issue has a simple DIY fix. Unless you're a certified plumber yourself, it will be in your best interest to save a local plumber's number on speed dial. If a plumbing problem arises, you can always count on them to turn up and save the day. 

Licensed plumbers offer different plumber services, including drain cleaning, sewer main repair and installation, angle stops repairs, water heater services, toilet repairs, leak repair services, and gas piping. Whatever plumbing issue you're having, call them, and they will take care of it.