Maintenance
Home plumbing maintenance checklist
Updated · Editorial team; not yet technically reviewed
Short answer
A few minutes a month and a couple of hours a year prevent most plumbing emergencies: run unused drains and check for leaks monthly; flush the water heater, test the sump pump, exercise the main shutoff and check the pressure yearly; and prepare outdoor plumbing before freezes and storms.
Monthly
- Run water in guest bathrooms and basement drains to keep traps full.
- Look under sinks and around the water heater and toilets for drips.
- Glance at the meter leak indicator with everything off.
- Clean drain strainers.
Yearly
| Task | Why |
|---|---|
| Flush the water heater | Removes sediment; see water heater maintenance |
| Exercise the main shutoff | So it works in an emergency; see how to shut off your water |
| Test the sump pump | Pour water in before wet season |
| Check water pressure | Above about 80 psi strains fixtures |
| Inspect washer hoses | Replace cracked or bulging hoses |
| Backflow test, if required | Many utilities require annual or periodic tests |
Seasonal
- Before freezing weather: disconnect hoses, shut off and drain outdoor faucets, insulate exposed pipes.
- Before storm season: test the sump pump battery backup, clear downspouts.
- After a hard freeze: check for leaks as pipes thaw.
Keep a simple plumbing record
Write down the date and result of every task: when the water heater was flushed and how much sediment came out, the pressure reading at a hose bib, the meter reading after a leak test, and when the sump pump last ran on a test. A page taped inside the water heater closet or a note on your phone is enough. Trends matter more than single readings: pressure that creeps up year over year points to a failing pressure reducing valve, and more sediment each flush tells you the tank is near the end of its life.
Record the age and model of the water heater, softener, sump pump and well equipment too. Most tank heaters last roughly 8 to 12 years and sump pumps about 7 to 10, so knowing the install date lets you replace them on your schedule instead of after a failure. Keep receipts and permit cards with the record; they help with warranty claims, insurance questions and a future sale, and they tell the next plumber what was done and when.
If you rent out a property or own a second home, the same record gives a tenant or caretaker the shutoff location, the plumber's number and the dates that matter, which shortens any emergency.
Common questions
What should a monthly plumbing check include?
Running unused drains, looking under sinks and around the heater for drips, and a quick meter check.
What plumbing task belongs right after a hard freeze?
Checking for leaks as pipes thaw, since cracks only leak once ice melts.
How often should washing machine hoses be replaced?
Inspect them yearly and replace any that are cracked, bulging or old.
What water pressure is too high?
Above roughly 80 psi, a pressure reducing valve is generally recommended.
Do I need to test my sump pump?
Yes, before the wet season, by pouring water into the pit.
What should I do before winter?
Disconnect hoses, drain outdoor faucets and insulate exposed pipes.
General information; codes vary by location. See our editorial standards.