Understanding Your Home Systems

Plumbing System

How It Works

Your plumbing system has two main parts:

• Supply system: Brings fresh water into your home under pressure
• Drain-waste-vent (DWV) system: Removes wastewater and sewage using gravity

Key Components

• Main water shutoff valve
  Location: Usually where the water line enters the house (basement, crawl space, or near water heater). Turn clockwise to shut off all water to the house in emergencies.
• Water heater
  Tank or tankless unit that heats water. Located in basement, utility room, or garage. Check temperature setting (should be 120°F), flush annually to remove sediment.
• Fixture shutoff valves
  Small valves under sinks and toilets that control water to individual fixtures. Turn these off when repairing or replacing fixtures.
• P-traps
  U-shaped pipes under sinks that hold water to block sewer gases. Can be removed to clear clogs or retrieve dropped items.
• Vent stack
  Pipe extending through the roof that allows sewer gases to escape and maintains proper drainage pressure.

Common Issues & Solutions

• Running toilet: Usually a worn flapper valve ($5 fix)
• Dripping faucet: Replace washers or cartridge ($10-30)
• Slow drain: Clear P-trap or use drain snake
• Low water pressure: Clean aerators, check for leaks, or mineral buildup
• No hot water: Check water heater pilot light, breaker, or heating elements

Maintenance Tasks

• Flush water heater annually to remove sediment
• Test main shutoff valve annually (turn it off and on)
• Insulate hot water pipes in unheated areas
• Check for leaks under sinks monthly
• Clean sink aerators and showerheads every 6 months
• Pour water down floor drains quarterly to keep traps filled

Electrical System

How It Works

Electricity flows from the utility company through a meter into your main service panel, which distributes power throughout your home via circuits.

Key Components

• Main service panel (breaker box)
  Location: Usually in basement, garage, or utility room. Contains circuit breakers that control power to different areas of your home. Label all circuits clearly.
• Circuit breakers
  Safety switches that "trip" (shut off) when a circuit is overloaded or has a short. Reset by switching fully off, then on.
• GFCI outlets
  Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters with "test" and "reset" buttons. Required in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoors. Protect against electric shock near water.
• AFCI breakers
  Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters that detect dangerous electrical arcs. Required in bedrooms in newer homes to prevent electrical fires.
• Grounding system
  Safety system that directs excess electricity safely into the ground. Look for three-prong outlets and grounding wire in panel.

Common Issues & Solutions

• Circuit breaker trips: Unplug devices, reset breaker. If it trips again, call electrician
• Outlet not working: Check if GFCI tripped, reset it. Check circuit breaker
• Light flickering: Tighten bulb, check connections, may indicate loose wiring
• Two-prong outlets: Consider upgrading to grounded three-prong outlets
• Warm outlet or switch plate: DANGER - call electrician immediately

Safety Rules

• ALWAYS turn off power at breaker before working on electrical
• Test with voltage tester to confirm power is off
• Never work on electrical in wet conditions
• If unsure, hire a licensed electrician
• Never bypass or disable GFCI protection
• Replace any outlet or switch that sparks, buzzes, or feels warm

Maintenance Tasks

• Test GFCI outlets monthly (press test button, then reset)
• Test AFCI breakers quarterly
• Check for warm outlets or switches monthly
• Replace smoke detector batteries annually (or use 10-year sealed units)
• Inspect cords for damage regularly

HVAC System (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning)

How It Works

HVAC systems control temperature, humidity, and air quality in your home:

• Heating: Furnace (gas, electric, or oil) or heat pump warms air
• Cooling: Air conditioner or heat pump removes heat and humidity
• Distribution: Blower fan pushes air through ductwork to rooms

Key Components

• Thermostat
  Controls system operation. Set to 68°F in winter, 78°F in summer for efficiency. Programmable or smart thermostats save energy.
• Air filter
  Location: In return air duct or furnace cabinet. Replace monthly (basic filters) or every 3 months (pleated filters). Dirty filters reduce efficiency 5-15%.
• Indoor unit (furnace or air handler)
  Usually in basement, attic, or closet. Contains blower, heating elements or heat exchanger, and evaporator coil (for AC).
• Outdoor condenser unit
  Large metal box outside with fan. Releases heat from your home in summer. Keep clear of debris, vegetation should be 2+ feet away.
• Ductwork
  Metal or flex tubes that distribute air. Check for leaks, disconnections, and poor insulation. Seal leaks with metal tape or mastic.
• Condensate drain line
  White PVC pipe that drains moisture from AC. Pour 1/4 cup vinegar down quarterly to prevent algae clogs.

Common Issues & Solutions

• System not turning on: Check thermostat batteries, circuit breaker, and air filter
• Weak airflow: Replace dirty filter, check for closed vents, clean outdoor unit
• System runs constantly: Check filter, thermostat setting, outdoor unit for blockages
• Uneven temperatures: Balance dampers in ductwork, ensure vents aren't blocked
• Strange noises: Grinding, squealing, or banging requires professional service
• Ice on outdoor unit: Turn off system, check filter, may indicate low refrigerant

Maintenance Tasks

• Change air filter monthly (or per manufacturer recommendation)
• Clean outdoor condenser unit twice yearly (spring and fall)
• Clear condensate drain line quarterly
• Schedule professional tune-up annually (spring for AC, fall for heating)
• Keep vents and registers clear of furniture
• Check thermostat batteries annually

Water Heater

Types

• Tank water heater: 30-50 gallon storage tank keeps water hot
• Tankless (on-demand): Heats water only when needed, never runs out
• Heat pump water heater: Very efficient, uses electricity to move heat

Key Components

• Temperature/pressure relief valve
  Safety valve on top or side of tank. Test annually by lifting lever briefly—water should flow from discharge pipe.
• Drain valve
  At bottom of tank. Use to flush sediment annually by draining 2-3 gallons.
• Anode rod
  Sacrificial metal rod that prevents tank corrosion. Replace every 3-5 years to extend tank life.
• Thermostat
  Controls water temperature. Set to 120°F for safety and efficiency (default 140°F wastes energy).

Maintenance Tasks

• Set temperature to 120°F
• Flush 2-3 gallons annually to remove sediment
• Test T&P relief valve annually
• Insulate tank with insulation blanket if in cold space
• Insulate hot water pipes
• Check for leaks or corrosion regularly

Roof & Attic Ventilation

Why It Matters

Proper attic ventilation prevents ice dams in winter, reduces cooling costs in summer, and extends roof life by preventing moisture damage.

Key Components

• Soffit vents
  Under eaves, allow cool air to enter attic. Keep clear of insulation blocking them.
• Ridge vents or gable vents
  At roof peak or gable ends, allow hot air to escape.
• Attic insulation
  R-30 to R-60 recommended depending on climate. Should not block soffit vents.

Maintenance Tasks

• Check attic ventilation is not blocked by insulation
• Inspect attic for moisture, mold, or ice dams
• Ensure soffit vents are clear of debris
• Add insulation if levels are below recommendation

Emergency Shutoffs - Know These!

When to Call a Professional

DIY is OK:

• Changing air filters, light bulbs, batteries
• Unclogging drains with plunger or snake
• Resetting tripped breakers or GFCI outlets
• Replacing outlet covers, light fixtures (with power off)
• Basic caulking and weatherstripping

Call a Pro:

• Any work involving gas lines
• Electrical panel work or new circuits
• HVAC refrigerant issues
• Major plumbing repairs or rerouting
• Roof repairs or replacement
• Anything you're uncomfortable doing
• Anything that requires a permit