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Home Plumbing Maintenance 101:
The Seasonal Checklist That Prevents Expensive Repairs
Keeping your plumbing in good shape isn’t about luck—it’s about simple, consistent maintenance. This guide gives you a seasonal checklist plus quick room-by-room inspections so you can catch problems early, save on utilities, and avoid emergency calls at 2 a.m.
Tip: If you operate a rental or cottage, put these tasks on your calendar at turnover or season-open/close.
First things first: Know your system
Main water shutoff: Find it, tag it, and make sure it turns easily. Practice shutting water off in under 30 seconds.
Fixture shutoffs: Under sinks and behind toilets—turn them once a quarter so they don’t seize.
Water heater: Note fuel type, age, and last service date.
Sump pump & backwater valve (if present): Test twice a year.
Outdoor lines: Garden taps/irrigation need proper winterization in cold climates.
Spring checklist (thaw + heavy runoff)
Walk the basement: Look for foundation seepage, damp drywall, or musty smells.
Test the sump pump: Lift the float; confirm pump runs and discharge line is clear.
Inspect exterior hose bibs: Turn on, check for leaks inside the wall (a sign of freeze damage).
Clean gutters & downspouts: Move roof runoff at least 6–8 feet away to reduce basement moisture.
Check toilet stability: A rocking toilet can compromise the wax ring and cause hidden leaks.
Drain habits reset: Toss chemical drain cleaners; use enzyme cleaners or a mechanical auger.
Summer checklist (high usage + vacations)
Water pressure check: Ideal residential pressure is roughly 50–70 psi. Too high stresses pipes and appliances; install/adjust a pressure-reducing valve if needed.
Water heater flush: Drain a few gallons to remove sediment; full flush annually if you have hard water.
Laundry hoses: Replace bulging or rubber hoses with braided stainless steel; verify shutoffs work.
Irrigation audit: Fix leaking heads/lines; set smart timers to prevent over-watering near the foundation.
Vacation prep: Shut off water at the main and open a faucet to relieve pressure if the home will sit empty.
Fall checklist (freeze prevention)
Winterize outdoors: Disconnect hoses, drain hose bibs/irrigation, install insulated covers.
Pipe insulation: Add foam sleeves to pipes in unheated spaces (garages, crawlspaces, exterior walls).
Seal drafts: Cold air on a single section of pipe is what causes bursts—insulate and air-seal.
Test backwater valve: Ensure the flap moves freely; clean debris from the housing.
Service boilers & tankless units: Efficiency and life span both benefit from annual service.
Winter checklist (freeze season + heavy indoor use)
Keep heat consistent: Don’t let interior temps drop below ~15 °C (60 °F), even when away.
Open vanity doors on exterior walls: Let warm air reach supply lines during deep cold snaps.
Drip strategy: A pencil-thin stream at the farthest fixture can keep lines moving in extreme cold.
Condensation watch: Icy windows + high indoor humidity can drip into sills and walls—use exhaust fans and a dehumidifier if needed.
Emergency kit: Flashlight, towels, a real plunger (flanged for toilets, cup for sinks), a wet/dry vac, and plumber’s phone number.
Room-by-room quick checks (5 minutes each)
Kitchen
Look under the sink for dampness, swollen cabinet bases, or active drips.
Run the dishwasher and check for leaks at the supply and drain.
Clean the P-trap and use a mesh strainer to keep solids out.
Bathrooms
Dye-test toilets (a few drops of food colouring in the tank—if the bowl colours without flushing, replace the flapper).
Re-caulk tubs/showers if sealant is cracked or moldy.
Ensure fans vent outdoors and run them 15–20 minutes after showers.
Laundry/Utility
Verify floor drain is clear and trap is primed (pour a cup of water monthly).
Check the water heater: rust streaks, moisture around the base, or popping noises = service time.
Basement/Crawlspace
Scan for pinhole leaks on copper (green/white crust), corrosion on shutoffs, or sweating cold pipes.
Confirm the sump discharge isn’t frozen or blocked and terminates away from the foundation.
Red flags that deserve a pro
Intermittent hot water or rusty water: Possible heater anode or tank issue.
Repeated slow drains: Might be a venting or main line problem, not just a simple clog.
Ceiling stains below bathrooms: Hidden drain/wax ring failure—fix now to avoid mold.
Sewer smells: Dried traps, loose toilet flange, or a compromised vent—investigate promptly.
Water hammer/banging pipes: Add water-hammer arrestors and secure loose lines.
Smart upgrades that pay for themselves
Water-saving fixtures: Quality 4.8 L (1.28 gpf) toilets and EPA WaterSense faucets/showerheads.
Leak detection: Whole-home smart shutoff or point-sensors under sinks and near the water heater.
Pressure regulation: A PRV protects pipes and appliances; pair with an expansion tank for closed systems.
Backwater valve: Essential in areas prone to sewer backups; many insurers love them.
DIY vs. call a pro
DIY-friendly: P-trap cleaning, replacing supply lines, showerhead/fixture swaps, toilet flappers, basic caulking.
Call a pro for: Main shutoff replacement, gas water heaters/boilers, persistent clogs, sewer line issues, repiping, and anything behind walls you’re unsure about.
FAQ
How often should I flush my water heater?
Once a year for most households; twice a year in hard-water areas to reduce sediment and extend efficiency.
Is chemical drain cleaner safe?
Avoid it. Harsh chemicals can damage pipes, fixtures, and septic systems. Use a plunger, drain snake, or enzyme cleaner instead.
What’s “normal” water pressure?
About 50–70 psi at fixtures. If it’s over ~80 psi, install or adjust a pressure-reducing valve.
Why do my pipes bang when I shut a tap?
That’s water hammer—fast-moving water hits a sudden stop. Installing water-hammer arrestors and securing loose pipes usually solves it.
Simple printable checklist
Locate/label main shutoff & test
Test fixture shutoffs (quarterly)
Flush water heater (spring/summer)
Test sump pump & backwater valve (spring/fall)
Insulate vulnerable pipes (fall)
Winterize outdoor taps/irrigation (fall)
Check for leaks under sinks & around toilets (monthly)
Clean P-traps & strainers (quarterly)
Verify pressure 50–70 psi (summer)