When it comes to plumbing systems, there are five basics every owner should know:

• The location of the shut off valve.
• How to maintain hose bibs (outside faucets) during the winter months.
• How to flush out a water heater.
• The location of the floor drains.
• How to check sump pump operation.

1) The location of the shut off valve.
You need to know where the shut off valves are located for your gas and water in case of emergency. The next time there's a Nixco Plumbing professional at your house, ask him/her to locate and tag your valves.

2) How to maintain hose bibs (outside faucets) during the winter months.
Most hose bibs installed today are frost proof or anti freeze, which means that the water shut off for the valve is still inside the house. You should never leave a hose connected to you hose bib in the winter. This is the most common mistake that we find.

3) How to flush out a water heater.
Tank-less water heaters need to be flushed out annually. Gas and electric water heaters should have a couple of quarts of water drained through the drain valve every month (according to manufacturers' maintenance specs). This will help to remove the solids that are suspended in the water that tend to eventually settle at the bottom of the water heater.

4) The location of the floor drains.
Our technicians suggest that owners locate their floor drains and keep them open and visible. Much of the time, we find them with clothes or boxes stacked over them. This will keep them from draining properly in case of an emergency.

5) How to check sump pump operation.
Check your sump pumps every couple of months and before heavy rains. Take the lid off of your sump pit and fill a five gallon bucket with water. Simply pour the water slowly into the pit and watch to see that the float rises and that the pump turns on. Then you will want to watch as the pump evacuates the pit to make sure the pump shuts off after the water level has been pumped down.

To check your battery back up pump, just unplug the main pump and repeat the process. You should notice that there is a hole in the pipe about 2" to 4" above the pump. This is called a weep hole and is installed in the line to prevent the pump for what is called "air lock," a condition where the pump runs but will not pump out any water. Simply put the lid back on and you are done.

Batteries for battery back ups need to be checked monthly. You should also check the water level in the batteries.

Looking to get more ? Make sure to check out our frequently asked questions or Ask the Pro yourself!