Congratulations on your new Riverside County home! Whether you’re in Murrieta, Temecula, Menifee, Perris, Lake Elsinore, or anywhere in the region, here are 10 essential plumbing facts every new homeowner should know — from Davis Plumbing and Heating Inc., your local plumbing and HVAC experts.

1. Know Where Your Main Water Shutoff Is

Before a leak emergency hits, find your main water shutoff valve. It’s typically at the water meter (near the street) or where the main supply line enters your home. Know how to turn it off — you may need to do it at 2 AM with water spraying everywhere.

2. Test Your Water Heater’s Pressure Relief Valve Annually

Lift the test lever on your water heater’s T&P relief valve once per year. It should release water briefly and snap back. If it’s stuck or continues dripping, have it replaced — it’s a critical safety device.

3. Replace Your HVAC Filter Every 1-3 Months

In Riverside County’s dusty, high-pollen environment, filters clog faster than the national average. Mark your calendar. A clogged filter makes your system work harder and reduces its lifespan.

4. Riverside County Has Very Hard Water — Take Action

With TDS levels often 300-600 ppm, Riverside County water is “very hard.” Over time, this damages water heaters, clogs showerheads, corrodes pipes, and leaves scale on appliances. Consider a water softener — it’s an investment that pays dividends across your entire home’s plumbing.

5. Don’t Pour Grease Down the Drain

Cooking grease solidifies in pipes at room temperature and is a leading cause of kitchen drain clogs. Collect cooled grease in a container and dispose of it in the trash.

6. Know Your Water Heater’s Age

The manufacture date is encoded in the serial number on the label. Most water heaters last 8-12 years. If yours is over 10, start budgeting for replacement and have it inspected annually.

7. “Flushable” Wipes Aren’t Flushable

Despite marketing claims, wipes — including “flushable” ones — do not break down in sewer lines. They cause significant clogs and sewer backups. Dispose of all wipes in the trash.

8. Check Your Home for Leaks Monthly

Open cabinet doors under all sinks and look for moisture or drips. Feel around the toilet base and water heater. Run through the toilet food-coloring test. Caught early, leaks cost far less to fix.

9. Your AC Condensate Drain Needs Attention

Your air conditioner drains condensate (up to 20 gallons per day in hot weather) through a small PVC drain line. If this line clogs, water backs up into the air handler and can leak into your ceiling or walls. Have it cleaned annually as part of your AC tune-up.

10. Davis Plumbing is Your Local Resource

As a Riverside County homeowner, you’ll need plumbing and HVAC service at some point. Save our number now: (951) 657-0393. We serve all of Riverside County and provide honest, professional service backed by decades of local experience. You can also contact us online anytime.