Knowledge is power—but it’s even better when it’s shared.
That’s why I’ve created Taylor’s Tips—to empower you with practical advice and preventative tips to care for your home’s plumbing and heating systems. With a focus on keeping things simple and actionable, these insights are here to help you make informed decisions, protect your home, and extend the life of your systems. Let’s keep your home running smoothly, together!
Know Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve – Because Every Second Counts
As a homeowner, one of the single most important pieces of knowledge you can have is: where your main water shut-off valve is located — and how to operate it.
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What you should do today:
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Locate it – Typically the main shut-off is where the water line enters your house: basement, garage, utility room, or near the water-meter. If you have a crawlspace or slab-on-grade, it may be less obvious — go look now.
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Mark it clearly – Use a tag, sticker, or tape so you and anyone else (family, property manager, repeating contractor) can find it in a hurry.
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Test it – Once you’ve found it, turn it off briefly (with no one else using water) and then turn it back on. Make sure it operates smoothly and stops the water flow. If it’s stiff or leaking, call us before there’s an emergency.
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Share the info – Inform everyone in your household where the valve is and ensure they know how to operate it. In a rental or shared space, make sure your tenants or property manager know too.
Check Under Your Sinks — A Quick Look Can Save You
Here’s what to do:
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Look and feel – Open your sink cabinets once a month. Run your hand along the pipes and bottom surface for any dampness or discoloration.
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Check connections – If you see corrosion, mineral buildup, or cracking hoses, it’s time to replace them.
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Keep it clear – Avoid overcrowding the cabinet — stored items can bump pipes and loosen fittings over time.
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Pro Tip: If you spot moisture, place a paper towel under the pipes and check it after a few hours. If it’s wet again — call a plumber (I know a good one 😉).
Test Your Sump Pump Before the Rain Hits
Your sump pump is your home’s last line of defense against basement flooding — but only if it’s working.
Once every few months (and especially before a big rain), pour a bucket of water into the pit. The pump should turn on automatically and drain the water quickly.
If it hesitates, makes unusual noises, or doesn’t activate, don’t wait — get it checked. A quick test today can save you a soaked basement tomorrow.
— Taylor
Disconnect Outdoor Hoses Before the Freeze
When temperatures drop, water left inside outdoor hose lines can freeze and burst the pipe inside your wall.
Before the first frost:
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Disconnect and drain all garden hoses.
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Shut off the outdoor water supply from the inside.
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Open the exterior tap to let any remaining water drain out.
It’s a five-minute task that prevents one of the most common winter plumbing disasters.
— Taylor
