A Seasonal Plumbing Maintenance Checklist for Homeowners

Most plumbing emergencies are preventable. Regular maintenance catches small issues before they become big problems, extends the life of your plumbing components, and helps you avoid the disruption and expense of emergency repairs. This seasonal checklist covers the key items every homeowner should address throughout the year.

Spring

Check all visible pipes in basements, crawl spaces, garages, and under sinks for signs of moisture, corrosion, or dripping. Inspect hose bibs and outdoor faucets for leaks or cracked housings. Test your main water shutoff valve — turn it off and on to ensure it operates smoothly. Clean pop-up drain stoppers in bathroom sinks and tubs, removing accumulated hair and soap residue. Run water through infrequently used drains, like guest bathroom sinks and basement floor drains, to refill dried-out traps that could allow sewer gas to enter the home.

Summer

Test your water pressure with a gauge at an exterior hose bib. Ideal residential pressure is 45 to 65 PSI. Pressure above 80 PSI stresses pipes, fittings, and appliances and should be addressed with a pressure regulating valve. Inspect washing machine hoses for bulging, cracking, or dampness and replace rubber hoses with braided stainless steel versions for added safety. Check your water heater for any signs of leaking, corrosion at fittings, or unusual operation.

Fall

This is the most important season for plumbing maintenance on the Peninsula. Before the rainy season, clean gutters and downspouts to prevent water pooling near the foundation. Clear outdoor drains and French drains of debris. Test your sump pump if you have one. Consider scheduling a professional drain cleaning for kitchen and main sewer lines to remove buildup before heavy rain increases system load.

If your home has an older sewer lateral or is surrounded by large trees, fall is a good time for a preventive sewer camera inspection. Identifying problems before the rainy season lets you make repairs on your schedule rather than during an emergency.

Winter

While freezing is uncommon on the Peninsula, rare cold snaps can affect uninsulated pipes in garages, crawl spaces, and exterior walls. If temperatures drop near freezing, let faucets drip slightly to keep water moving through vulnerable pipes. Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas if you have not already.

Flush your tank water heater to remove sediment. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank, open the valve, and let several gallons drain into a bucket or to an exterior drain. The sediment that comes out — sandy, gritty water — is the buildup that reduces efficiency and shortens tank life. This single annual task can extend your water heater's lifespan by years.

Year-Round Habits

Never pour grease, oil, or fat down any drain. Use drain screens in all showers. Do not use chemical drain cleaners — they damage pipes and provide only temporary relief. Address drips and minor leaks promptly rather than letting them run. Know where your main shutoff valve is and how to operate it. And keep a trusted plumber's number accessible so you can act quickly when something unexpected happens.