If you have never owned a house before, it is crucial to know that plumbing problems may happen quite soon after buying a new home. The most common places these problems pop up is in the kitchen or in the bathroom. Eventually, nearly every homeowner has to face one type of plumbing issue or another. Following is some advice to guide you when that occurs.

Don’t be afraid to call a professional. Don’t take on jobs to save money, if you aren’t sure how to fix them. Calling a professional plumber saves you money, the experience and know-how can fix your problem sooner and with less fuss.

If you have bad water pressure in the shower, the showerhead might be clogged. Take a plastic baggie, fill it with regular vinegar, and tie it to the showerhead so that the showerhead is covered. Leave it overnight. In the morning, take the baggie off and use a small toothbrush to scrub away any mineral deposits.

During the warm seasons, you will see that there will be many bird nests forming in and around your plumbing vent pipes. It is essential to clear these out, as they can have a devastating effect on the quality of your plumbing and the flow of water in your home.

Work with plumbers that offer flat rates. When a plumber is charging by the hour, they do not have an incentive to get the job done quickly. It is human nature to go just a little bit slower if it’ll mean extra money in our pockets. If you cannot find someone who charges per project make sure that you are vigilant in watching the clock and their work.

Beware of black water in your toilet tank. Chances are, the color is caused from too much magnesium or iron in your water. Although this is usually harmless, it can be annoying for some people. If it is iron or magnesium in your water, the only way to fix it is by filtering the water.

Use a product like BioBen if you are planning to leave your system shut off for a few weeks. Water will still remain in the pipes and could start smelling because it is not moving. This type of product will keep the water from stagnating and from smelling too bad.

Many people complain of low water pressure. While there are several things that can cause this, one must not be overlooked when starting your investigation. What kind of pipes do you have? If your piping is galvanized, you are better off just replacing your piping which will eliminate the issue.

Pick the drain cleaner you use carefully. Some drain cleaners contain chemicals that can hurt your pipes. Try to select a brand with less harmful chemicals. A plumbing system needs certain bacteria to stay clean, and some chemicals could be harmful to these bacteria or to you.

The worst thing you can do is to be unprepared when a plumbing problem arises. If you own your own home, you should know some basic plumbing skills, and have the tools ready to go. If you encounter a plumbing issue at some point, the tips provided here will assist you in handling it.