Basic plumbing knowledge can go a long way when it comes to making sure your plumbing stays in good condition. When you know how to treat your plumbing right, it means fewer repairs because you won't do things around the house that can be problematic. When you are dealing with a plumbing emergency, knowing what to do can save you a lot of trouble. Here are things you should know.

Know where your shut-off valves are

There are water shut-off valves near the water sources, and you will also have a main shut-off valve. It's a good idea to learn where all these valves are as soon as you move into a home. This way, if there is ever a problem with the plumbing in one area, you can shut the water off there right away. However, if there is a major plumbing emergency, then you will also know where the main valve is, and it is the one that will be the hardest to find. It will generally be near the garage or in the yard. If you have problems locating any of your shut-off valves, a plumber can come to show you where everything is, and they can also give you more information on your plumbing; they can be a great source of information if you have them come out. 

Don't damage the pipes on accident

You have to keep your plumbing pipes in mind when you are doing things like tending to any renovations around the home or when you are cutting into the walls. Anytime you are using things like drills or saws around parts of the home where there are pipes, there is the chance that you will damage a pipe, and this can be big trouble. If you saw through a pipe or put a hole in one, then you want to act quickly when it comes to shutting off the water valve, so call a plumber to come out right away. Anytime water is in that pipe, it will pour into your home and can cause water damages. 

Understand what really can be flushed

It's important to understand just because marketing companies have labeled something as "flushable" doesn't mean that the item is really safe for your plumbing. Things like wipes and cat litter can have the word "flushable" on the package, but it's still a good idea to stick to the rule of throwing these things in the trash or compost. If you do flush the wrong things and your toilet starts to drain slower, have a plumber come out because they likely need to clean the pipes and get rid of blockages.

To learn more, contact a residential plumbing contractor.