Buying your first home in Amarillo is one of life’s biggest milestones. It feels like Christmas morning, your birthday, and winning a prize all rolled into one. But pretty soon, real-life stuff kicks in, like bills, yardwork, and yep, plumbing problems.
At Plumbing Amarillo TX, we’ve helped a lot of new homeowners get the hang of plumbing basics. So today, we’re sharing the tips we wish someone had told us when we bought our first homes.
Need a trusted plumber? Call Plumbing Amarillo TX for fast & reliable service.
Find and Test Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve
Picture this, you’re making tacos in the kitchen when suddenly water starts spraying from under the sink like Old Faithful.
First move? Turn off the water fast. Your home’s main shut-off valve controls all the water coming into the house. In Amarillo homes, it’s usually in the garage, outside by the foundation, or near the water meter at the curb.
Don’t just find it, test it. Turn it off and on a few times. You don’t want the first time you touch it to be during a full-blown flood!
Tip: Some older valves get stuck. If it’s hard to turn, give us a ring at Plumbing Amarillo TX. We’ll check it out before it becomes a bigger issue.
By the way, understanding why a main water shut-off valve is critical during emergencies could save you a lot of stress.
Learn What Not to Flush
Toilets are for three things, number one, number two, and toilet paper. That’s it. You’d be amazed what people try to flush, wipes (even the ones that say “flushable”), cotton balls, diapers, kitty litter, and even socks. (True story.)
When you flush the wrong stuff, you’re basically asking your pipes to clog. And trust me, nothing ruins a Saturday morning like a flooded bathroom.
Golden Rule: If it didn’t come from you or it’s not regular toilet paper, throw it in the trash, not the toilet.
Baby Your Garbage Disposal
A garbage disposal isn’t a magic food-destroying machine. It’s more like a handy little helper that needs a light touch. If you shove big chunks of food, grease, or bones down there, it’s going to break faster than a toy at a toddler’s birthday party.
Here’s a quick list of no-nos for your disposal:
- Grease and oil
- Coffee grounds
- Eggshells
- Potato peels
- Pasta and rice (they expand!)
Instead, scrape your plates into the trash first, then rinse the little bits down.
Quick Tip: Run cold water while using the disposal. It helps keep the motor cool and pushes waste down the line.
Not sure what’s safe for your disposal? This helpful list of garbage disposal do’s and don’ts might save your motor.
Get in the Habit of Checking for Leaks
Plumbing leaks can be sneaky, and expensive if you don’t catch them early. Once a month, walk around and check:
- Under sinks
- Around toilets
- Behind the washing machine
- Outside hose bibs
Look for puddles, wet spots, or mildew smells. If you spot something, don’t just toss a towel on it and hope for the best. Small leaks can turn into big repairs faster than a snowball rolling downhill.
Fun Fact: Fixing a tiny leak early can save you up to 10% on your water bill each month. That’s more money for tacos.
More Reading:
- What Is a Plumbing Vent and Why It Matters in Amarillo?
- How to Get Rid of That Rotten Egg Smell in Water?
Watch Your Water Pressure
We all love a nice strong shower, but too much water pressure can stress your pipes. If it feels like you’re getting blasted by a fire hose, it’s time to check it.
Home pressure should be between 40 and 60 psi. Anything higher can cause leaks, busted pipes, and damage to your appliances.
You can buy a simple pressure gauge at the hardware store, or call us. We’ll test it for you and install a pressure-reducing valve if needed.
Keep Your Water Heater Happy
Nobody thinks about their water heater, until the water’s ice cold. Most Amarillo homes have traditional tank-style heaters. These tanks get sediment buildup over time, especially with our hard water.
If you don’t flush the tank once a year, it’ll work harder and wear out faster, like running a marathon with rocks in your shoes.
Simple Water Heater Checklist:
- Flush it yearly to remove sediment.
- Check the temperature setting (120°F is perfect).
- Look for signs of rust or leaks.
Need help? No worries. Our crew can handle it while you kick back with a sweet tea.
Insulate Your Pipes (Especially in Amarillo Winters)
Sure, Amarillo doesn’t get as cold as Alaska, but every winter we get a few freezes that can wreck unprotected pipes. Frozen pipes aren’t just a nuisance, they can burst and cause thousands of dollars in damage.
Here’s what you can do:
- Wrap exposed pipes with foam insulation.
- Disconnect and store garden hoses before the first freeze.
- Let faucets drip during freezing nights to keep water moving.
Wondering how winter really messes with plumbing? You’ll nod along with this warning about the dangers of frozen pipes.
Know Your Limits
YouTube videos make plumbing repairs look easy. Sometimes they are. Other times, you end up knee-deep in water wondering where it all went wrong.
If you ever feel unsure, or just don’t want to risk it, call in the pros. We’ve been helping Amarillo homeowners for years, and we’re always happy to help without making you feel silly.
Remember: No job is too big, too small, or too weird for us. (And yes, we have pulled out wedding rings, cell phones, and even a remote control car from toilets!)
Final Thoughts
Owning your first home comes with a learning curve, no doubt about it. But with these simple plumbing tips, you’ll be way ahead of the game.
Just remember:
- Know where to shut off the water
- Treat your toilets and sinks with care
- Keep an eye out for leaks
- Stay ahead of freezing weather
- Don’t be afraid to call for help
And if you ever find yourself stuck, stressed, or just plain confused about your plumbing, Plumbing Amarillo TX is just a phone call away. We’ll treat you like a neighbor, because around here, that’s exactly what you are.
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