PLUMBING & WATER
Know how water enters, moves through, and leaves the home.
A useful plumbing plan begins with the main shutoff and water meter, then adds routine leak checks, fixture care, water-heating equipment, drainage, and any well, septic, pump, or treatment systems.
Start with the shutoff and meter
Identify the main water shutoff and meter before an emergency. Label them clearly and keep the utility or plumber contact nearby. If a valve is corroded, leaking, inaccessible, or unfamiliar, have it assessed instead of forcing it.
Use both visual checks and water use
Look under sinks, around toilets, at appliance supply connections, near the water heater, and in lower levels for moisture, corrosion, staining, or musty odor. EPA WaterSense recommends reading the water meter during a period when no water is being used and checking it again two hours later; movement probably indicates a leak.
Build around the systems you actually have
Municipal water and sewer require a different plan from a private well or septic system. Add sump pumps, water treatment, irrigation, pools, and exterior plumbing only when present. Follow local winterization guidance and product instructions for components exposed to freezing conditions.
- Save repair invoices, the affected location, photos before and after, and the date the issue was resolved.
- Track repeated symptoms such as pressure changes, slow drains, recurring clogs, running toilets, or unexplained water-bill increases.
Sources and scope
This page does not diagnose plumbing, water-quality, sewage, mold, or structural problems. Use qualified help where appropriate.
- EPA WaterSense: Home Maintenance — leak, pressure, hot-water, fixture, appliance, and outdoor-system guidance.
- EPA WaterSense: Fix a Leak Week — meter checks and common leak clues.