Maintenance
Seasonal plumbing maintenance checklist
Published by Prime Plumbing · Updated · How we write our guides
Short answer
Do a short plumbing check four times a year. In fall, protect pipes from freezing. In winter, keep heat on and watch exposed lines. In spring, test the sump pump and look for freeze damage. In summer, check outdoor faucets, irrigation and the water heater. Once a year, flush the water heater and test the main shutoff valve.
What should I do each season?
| Season | Tasks |
|---|---|
| Fall | Disconnect hoses, shut off and drain outdoor faucets, insulate exposed pipes, winterize sprinklers |
| Winter | Keep heat at 55°F or higher, open sink cabinets on outside walls in hard freezes, know where the main shutoff is |
| Spring | Test the sump pump with a bucket of water, check outdoor faucets for freeze cracks, look for leaks in the crawl space or basement |
| Summer | Check irrigation for leaks, clear the AC condensate drain, inspect washing machine hoses |
What should I do once a year?
- Flush the water heater to remove sediment (more often with hard water)
- Turn the main shutoff valve off and on so it does not seize
- Test the water pressure with a hose-bib gauge; it should be under 80 psi
- Put food coloring in toilet tanks to check for silent leaks
- Read the water meter with everything off to check for hidden leaks
- Look at exposed pipes for corrosion, stains and drips
How does local weather affect plumbing?
Our state and city pages describe the conditions that matter most where you live.
- Cold climates: frozen pipes, deep service lines and sump pumps working hard in the spring melt
- Hot, dry climates: hard water scale in water heaters and slab leaks in homes built on concrete
- Humid, wet climates: crawl space moisture, high water tables and sewer backups in heavy rain
- Warm climates with rare freezes: pipes in attics and exterior walls that are badly exposed when a freeze does arrive
Which checks need a plumber?
- A sewer camera inspection if the house has large trees and an older sewer line
- Replacing a seized main shutoff valve
- Fitting a pressure-reducing valve when pressure is over 80 psi
- Servicing or descaling a tankless water heater if you are not comfortable doing it
When should I call a plumber?
Call when a check turns something up: a meter that moves with everything off, a sump pump that does not start, pressure above 80 psi, a water heater older than 10 years that rumbles or leaks, or a shutoff valve that will not turn.
Common questions
How often should plumbing be inspected?
A homeowner check each season and a closer look once a year is enough for most houses. Homes over 40 years old, or with galvanized or polybutylene pipe, are worth a professional inspection every couple of years.
What is the most important plumbing maintenance task?
Knowing where the main water shutoff valve is and confirming it works. It limits the damage from almost every plumbing failure.
Further reading from official sources
- Frozen Pipes (American Red Cross)
- Fix a Leak Week (US EPA WaterSense)
- Lead Service Line Replacement (US EPA)
This guide is general information for homeowners, not a substitute for an on-site assessment. Plumbing codes and permit rules vary by city and state.