What should you know before anything breaks?
Find your main water shutoff and the shutoffs under each sink, toilet and appliance. Test them once a year so they are not stuck when you need them. Show every adult in the house where they are and how they work.
If you have a well, find the pressure tank, the pump switch and the breaker that powers the pump. Learn how your water system is arranged, and keep the contact details of a licensed plumber and a well contractor where you can find them at night.
Write the location of each shutoff on a card and keep it near the fuse or breaker panel.
- Main shutoff and fixture shutoffs
- Well pump breaker and pressure tank, if you have them
- Water heater shutoff and drain
- Phone numbers for a plumber and well contractor
How do you deal with a leaking faucet or toilet?
A dripping faucet usually means a worn washer, cartridge or seal inside. Shut the water off at the fixture, plug the drain so small parts do not fall in, and take the old part to a supplier to match it. Manufacturers often publish repair guides for their models.
A toilet that runs on usually has a worn flapper or fill valve. These parts are inexpensive and often simple to replace. Turn off the supply and flush to empty the tank before you start.
Keep a simple home maintenance log of repairs, dates and parts. It helps when you call a plumber and when you sell the house.
How do you handle a clogged drain?
Try a plunger first, with enough water to cover the cup. A drain snake can clear hair and many other blockages. Chemical drain cleaners can damage pipes and are a hazard to skin and eyes, and they can harm a septic system, so use them sparingly and read labels.
If several drains back up at once, or if sewage appears in a tub or floor drain, stop using water and call a professional. That can point to a problem in the main line or the septic system.
What about septic and well considerations?
A septic system treats household wastewater on your property, and what you flush and pour down drains affects it. Wipes, grease, paint, solvents and large amounts of bleach can harm it. Avoid heavy water use in a short time when a system is struggling.
If your water changes in taste, color or smell, or if the pump behaves oddly, contact a licensed well contractor and your county health department about water testing. The EPA has general information on private wells and septic systems, and your state or county can tell you what applies locally.
- Avoid wipes, grease and solvents in drains
- Spread out heavy water use
- Call the county health department about water changes
How do you prevent and respond to frozen pipes?
Insulate exposed pipes in unheated spaces, seal drafts around them, and let faucets trickle on very cold nights if your local guidance suggests it. Know where the main shutoff is before a freeze, so you can stop a flood fast.
If a pipe freezes, shut off the water and thaw it slowly using safe heat, such as warm air. Never use an open flame. If a pipe bursts, shut off the water at the main shutoff and call a plumber.
When should you call a licensed plumber?
Call for gas lines, water heater problems, main line leaks, sewage backups, pressure problems and any work that needs a permit. Many places require licensed work or permits for some plumbing jobs, and your county building department can tell you.
A small repair done wrong can cause a large leak while you are away. When in doubt, ask for help before you start.
- Gas appliances and gas lines
- Sewage backups
- Water heater trouble
- Anything involving permits
What tools and habits help?
A small kit with an adjustable wrench, pliers, a plunger, pipe tape, a drain snake, a flashlight and a bucket will cover most small jobs. Keep spare washers, a few common fittings and a flapper on a shelf.
Check under sinks and around the water heater every few months for dampness. Small leaks do the most damage when no one notices them.
Key takeaways
- Know where every shutoff is and test them yearly.
- Most faucet and toilet repairs are simple, but clogs in several drains can signal a bigger problem.
- Be careful what goes into a septic system and avoid heavy chemical cleaners.
- Call a licensed plumber for gas, sewage, water heaters and permit-required work.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Rural Farm Life Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.