If you’ve ever experienced an expensive plumbing emergency in your home, then you already understand the importance of plumbing maintenance. For those who have not yet endured a sewage backup, a burst pipe, or an unstoppable toilet leak, this guide is for you.
Welcome to BEST Air Conditioning Plumbing Repair’s essential plumbing checklist. In this article, we will outline best practices that you can implement to avoid catastrophic plumbing failures in your kitchen and bathrooms. When performed at strategic intervals, year-round preventative plumbing maintenance improves the life of your appliances and those who use them.
Let’s take a look at how and when to perform these essential home maintenance tasks.
Why Plumbing Maintenance Matters
Think of your home’s plumbing system as you think about your body’s circulatory system. It works behind the scenes to transport clean water into your home and carry contaminated waste away. Yet most homeowners don’t think about it until something goes wrong. Unfortunately, this reactive mindset only leads to expensive damage and unnecessary stress.
Consider this: a single dripping faucet, while not a visual nuisance, can waste up to 34 gallons of water per year. That’s 34 gallons worth of additional expenses in your water bill. And wasted water is just the beginning. Leaks in your walls silently rot wood, grow mold, and corrode your pipes.
More than preventative care, plumbing maintenance is about protecting your property investment, conserving natural resources, and safeguarding your family from sewage contamination. By catching small issues early, you can avoid expensive emergency repairs and keep your plumbing systems running efficiently.
Plumbing Maintenance Checklist — Daily Habits
Taking care of your plumbing system doesn’t require complex technical knowledge. It starts with developing healthy habits. Here are some of the everyday tasks you should incorporate into your plumbing checklist:
Daily Plumbing Maintenance In the Kitchen
Protect your sink by being mindful of what you put down its drain.
- Never pour cooking oils, grease, or fats down the drain, as they solidify in pipes and create stubborn blockages.
- When using your garbage disposal, always run cold water before, during, and at least 15 seconds after use.
- Avoid putting fibrous foods like celery, banana peels, or potato skins down the disposal, as they can tangle around the blades.
Daily Plumbing Maintenance In the Bathroom
Since it handles the most water flow in your home, your bathroom requires special attention.
- Install drain screens in your shower to catch hair and reduce clogs.
- Space out showers by about 10 minutes to maintain proper water pressure.
- Be selective about what goes down the toilet. Only human waste and toilet paper belong there.
- Avoid using harsh chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage your pipes.
Plumbing Maintenance Checklist — Weekly Habits
When it comes to your home’s plumbing, maintenance is key to preventing costly repairs or replacements down the road. Set aside 15 minutes each week to perform these simple but crucial checks:
- Inspect all cabinet bases and areas under sinks for any signs of moisture, including water spots, puddles, or musty odors. Even small leaks can lead to mold growth if left unchecked.
- Watch your drains in action—they should create a strong, consistent swirl as water flows down. If you notice bubbles or slow drainage, it’s time to address the issue before it escalates into a complete blockage.
- Don’t forget to test every faucet in your home, ensuring water only flows from the spout, not the handles or valves.
- Finally, clean your washing machine’s lint trap to prevent debris from entering your plumbing system.
Plumbing Maintenance Checklist — Monthly Habits
Your monthly plumbing maintenance habits should prioritize three main areas:
- Pipes
Examine all visible pipes for signs of corrosion or leaks, paying special attention to joints and connections.
- Water Heater
Test your water heater’s temperature and pressure relief valve by carefully lifting the lever. You should hear and see water flowing through the discharge tube.
- Sump Pump
If you have a sump pump, test it monthly, especially before rainy seasons to ensure it’s ready when you’ll need it most.
Plumbing Maintenance Checklist — Seasonal Habits
Fall Maintenance: Preparing for Winter
As temperatures begin to drop, focus on protecting your outdoor plumbing.
- Disconnect and store garden hoses, drain outdoor water lines, and insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas like garages and crawl spaces.
- Install foam covers on outdoor spigots to prevent freezing.
- Prepare your water heater for increased winter demand by flushing out sediment. It should be set to 120° Fahrenheit for optimal performance.
Winter Maintenance: Freeze Prevention
During the coldest months, preventing frozen pipes should be at the top of your plumbing checklist.
- Insulate both hot and cold water pipes, especially in vulnerable areas like crawl spaces and basements.
- Eliminate drafts near water supplies by sealing gaps around pipes in kitchens, bathrooms, and unheated spaces.
- Run water periodically from each valve during severe cold spells to prevent freezing.
Spring Maintenance: System Revival
As the weather warms, conduct a thorough inspection of your entire plumbing system.
- Test for hidden leaks by monitoring your water meter readings.
- Check all drains, including rarely used ones, and pour water down them to maintain proper trap seals.
- Inspect appliance hoses for signs of wear and replace any that show bulging or cracking.
- Don’t forget to test toilets for leaks using the food coloring method. Drop some food dye into the tank. If color appears in the bowl within 30 minutes, you’ve got a leak.
Summer Maintenance: The Perfect Time for Outdoor Plumbing
With its warm temperatures, summer is ideal for septic system maintenance and outdoor plumbing care.
- Have your septic system professionally inspected and pumped (if needed).
- If you have recurring issues with tree roots in your sewer line, consider regular maintenance snaking or evaluate problem trees for removal.
- Maintain your sprinkler system by cleaning sprinkler heads. Check for proper operation to prevent lawn damage.
Annual Professional Assessment
Some plumbing maintenance tasks require professional expertise. Schedule an annual professional inspection to evaluate your entire plumbing system, including water heaters, sump pumps, and backflow preventers. This comprehensive check ensures all components meet current plumbing codes and helps prevent major issues before they develop.
Common Plumbing Issues and Prevention
Your plumbing system faces several common challenges, most of which are preventable with proper care.
- Pipe Deterioration
Pipe corrosion often occurs due to water chemistry and system age. Using quality materials like copper or plastic piping can help resist deterioration.
- Leaks and Clogs
Leaks typically develop at joints or from high water pressure, while clogs usually result from improper disposal of grease and non-biodegradable materials.
- Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure and running toilets are other frequent issues preventable with routine plumbing maintenance, such as replacing worn toilet flappers.
When You’re Not Sure What’s Wrong or the Task Is Beyond Your Expertise
While many plumbing tasks can be handled by referencing the DIY maintenance tips outlined above, some situations require professional expertise. If you’re unable to locate a leak, need to upgrade to water-efficient fixtures, or you’re facing persistent plumbing issues despite your best repair efforts, it’s time to contact a licensed plumber.
A professional plumber will perform comprehensive system inspections, diagnose complex problems, and provide preventative plumbing maintenance that saves you from costly future repairs.
Call BEST for Any Plumbing Issues in Las Vegas
When your home plumbing maintenance checklist requires a professional touch, turn to the best in Las Vegas—contact BEST Air Conditioning Plumbing Repair. We’re Las Vegas Valley’s most trusted plumbing company, providing homeowners with a full line of plumbing maintenance and repair solutions:
Choose BEST Air Conditioning Plumbing Repair for reliable, professional plumbing services that keep your home or business comfortable year-round. Book an annual plumbing inspection and see for yourself the difference that comes with years of localized expertise and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction.
