Buying a home is exciting, but once the boxes are unpacked, many new homeowners quickly realize there’s a lot they don’t know about their house… especially the plumbing.
If you recently purchased a home in Wichita, Kansas, understanding your plumbing system can help you avoid expensive surprises, prevent water damage, and keep everything running smoothly from day one.
At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Wichita, we help new homeowners every week.
Here are six of the most important things every Wichita homeowner should know about their plumbing system.
1. Know Where Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve Is
This is one of the first things every homeowner should locate.If a pipe bursts, a leak starts, or your water heater fails, shutting off your home’s water quickly can dramatically reduce damage.
In many Wichita homes, the main shut-off valve is located:
- In the basement
- Near the water heater
- In your utility room
- Along an exterior wall
- Sometimes near the water meter
Take a few minutes to locate it before you actually need it. Not all valves look the same. Some are ordinary spigot handles, such as on a garden hose faucet. Others are metal flanges that blend into the water line, so look closely. And some valves require a pipe wrench or water key to be turned. If yours does, and it’s missing, it’s time to run to the hardware store so you have the supplies you need before an emergency.During your home inspection, it’s a good opportunity to learn more about your plumbing systems.
2. Know Where Your Other Water Shut-Off Valves Are Located
In addition to your main water shutoff, your main faucets, fixtures and appliances with water lines should have their own shut off valves. You can turn these off if plumbing repairs need to be made or there is a leak that is centralized to these areas, so you don’t lose full water to your whole house.
Sink Faucets
Two shut-off valves are located under the sink. The left knob is hot and the right is cold. Turn them clockwise to close. This isolates the water to this faucet only.
Toilets
Toilets only use cold water, so there is only a single valve located on the wall behind the tank. Simply follow the flexible supply line from the bottom of the tank down to the wall.
Showers and Tubs
Because these lines are behind walls, there is rarely an exposed valve. If a dedicated shut-off exists, it is usually behind an access panel or in the ceiling directly below the bathroom. Otherwise, you must use the home's main water shut-off before making repairs and the wall will need to be cut open for plumbing repairs.
Dishwashers
The valve is typically located under the kitchen sink near the sink's own shut-off valves. Look for the water supply line that runs through the cabinetry to the dishwasher and follow it back to the valve.
Refrigerators
Locate the copper or braided mesh water line. The shut-off valve is usually found directly behind the refrigerator, under the kitchen sink, or in the basement space directly underneath the kitchen.
Washing Machines
The valves (one hot, one cold) are located directly behind the machine. They will either be exposed on the wall or housed inside a recessed wall box alongside the drain pipe.
Water Heaters
Look for the two water lines at the top of the tank. The shut-off valve will be on the cold water inlet line (typically on the right). Some systems feature valves on both lines to completely isolate the water heater from the rest of the house.
3. Wichita’s Hard Water Can Affect Your Plumbing
Like much of Kansas, Wichita is known for having hard water, which contains minerals like calcium and magnesium.
Over time, hard water can cause:
- Mineral buildup inside pipes
- Reduced water pressure
- Shortened appliance lifespan
- Water heater sediment buildup
- Spots on dishes and fixtures
- Build up in hair and on skin
- Discolored or rough laundry
Many Wichita homeowners install water softeners or filtration systems to help protect their plumbing and appliances long-term. If you have a water softener, you’ll need to maintain it with a consistent routine of checking the salt levels and keeping it filled appropriately.
4. Older Wichita Homes May Have Aging Pipes or Sewer Lines
Wichita has many beautiful older neighborhoods like Riverside, College Hill, and Delano, but older homes can come with older plumbing.
Depending on the age of the home, you could encounter:
- Galvanized steel pipes
- Cast iron sewer lines
- Corroded plumbing
- Outdated shut-off valves
- Tree root intrusion in sewer lines
Even if your home inspection looked good, it’s smart to schedule a professional plumbing inspection if the home is older. Knowing about current issues or things that may become an issue in the future is the best way to protect your investment and make the necessary upgrades before an emergency plumbing disaster occurs.
5. Your Water Heater Needs Maintenance
Many new homeowners don’t realize water heaters require routine maintenance.
Sediment buildup, especially from Wichita’s hard water, can reduce efficiency and shorten the life of your unit.
A professional flush and inspection can help:
- Improve performance
- Lower energy costs
- Extend the life of the system
- Catch issues before they become emergencies
Most water heaters last around 8-12 years, so it’s important to know the age and condition of yours. When your water heater is inspected and tuned up, the plumbers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing will check the gas, electrical and water connections, safety valves and thermostat, as well as flushing sediment from the tank. We’ll also include a free whole-home plumbing safety inspection as well.
6. Small Plumbing Issues Usually Get Bigger
That dripping faucet or slow drain may not seem urgent right now, but small plumbing problems often become expensive repairs when ignored.
Watch for signs like:
- Low water pressure: this could be a clogged aerator or showerhead (usually fixable with some vinegar), but it could also be a clogged valve or pressure regulating valve, or a hidden leak somewhere underground or in your walls. The longer you wait, the bigger the problem can get.
- Slow drains: These can be caused by a partial clog or debris buildup. Depending on where the drain is, a clog can mean BIG flooding issues if not addressed. We don’t recommend the use of major drain clearing gels that you can purchase at big box stores as they can be harsh on your pipes and plumbing over time.
- Water stains: This means water is leaking or has leaked/dripped somewhere behind the wall.
- Musty smells: Whether it’s a sewer backup or slab leak, you have water somewhere it’s not supposed to be, and you’re smelling the mildew. Left too long, this can cause major mold infestation and hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage.
- Unexplained increases in your water bill: This could be a hidden leak, a flapper valve that isn’t sealing properly on a toilet, a dripping faucet or valve, or equipment malfunction.
Catching problems early is almost always cheaper than waiting until something fails.
Bonus Tip: Consider a Plumbing Inspection After Moving In
A general home inspection doesn’t always catch every plumbing concern.
A professional plumbing inspection can help identify:
- Hidden leaks
- Sewer line issues
- Water pressure problems
- Aging fixtures
- Water quality concerns
For many Wichita homeowners, it provides peace of mind during the first year of ownership. You may also benefit from a Club Membership Plan, with an annual plumbing health & safety check so you can have peace of mind as you learn the ropes of your new home!
Start Homeownership Off the Right Way
Owning a home comes with a learning curve, but understanding your plumbing system can save you time, stress, and money.
Whether you need a plumbing inspection, water heater service, leak repair, or water quality solutions, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Wichita is here to help new homeowners feel confident in their homes.
Proudly serving Wichita, Kansas and surrounding communities, and helping homeowners protect their plumbing systems year-round.
Related Reading For New Homeowners:
The Importance of Preventative Plumbing Maintenance for Wichita Homeowners
Buying A Home In Wichita This Spring? These 3 Neighborhoods Warrant A Home Plumbing Inspection
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