You notice a difference when you take the effort to educate yourself about plumbing. You will also feel proud of your work and will be able to have a well-kept home. That is a very admirable quality. Like with any other skill set, you can always add and improve. Below are some tips to help. If your pipes bang when you turn on the water, and all the pipes are anchored correctly, you should add some straps or cushion the pipes with a rubber blanket. There may be times when you will need to do both. Make sure that if you have copper pipes, you are not using galvanized straps. Avoid frozen pipes this winter! Keep a small trickle of water dripping from faucets, and wrap your uninsulated pipes with foam or newspaper. If possible, keep the doors open between unheated and heated rooms. In an unheated area such as a garage or laundry room, keep a small heater next to the pipes. Remember to do this before the first cold snap hits. Ensure that a septic tank is emptied approximately five yearly, a...