Plumbing Preventative Maintenance: Annual Checklist for Homeowners

You never notice your plumbing—until you do. A dripping faucet at midnight, a cold shower on a frosty morning, or water pooling where it shouldn’t be. That’s when panic sets in and you’re searching for “emergency plumbing” at 2 AM.

But it doesn’t have to go that way. At Fergusons Plumbing, we’ve seen how a simple annual checklist keeps homes running smoothly, saves money, and buys peace of mind.

Why Regular Maintenance Matters 💧

Think of your plumbing as the arteries and veins of your home. Just like the body, even small blockages or leaks can lead to bigger, messier problems down the road. Ignoring routine plumbing care is like skipping oil changes for your car—eventually, you’ll pay the price.

Why bother with yearly checks?

• Cost savings: Catching leaks early prevents water damage that can cost thousands to fix.
• Comfort: Reliable hot water, steady pressure, and no surprise clogs.
• Safety: Early detection of gas leaks, backflow, or faulty water heaters protects your family.
• Property value: Well-maintained plumbing is a big plus for homebuyers.

A stitch in time really does save nine. The right maintenance routine now means fewer emergency plumbing calls later.

Annual Plumbing Checklist: What Every Home Needs

Grab a pen (or print this out) and walk through your home. Here’s what to look at, room by room, pipe by pipe.

1. Fixtures & Faucets

• Check for drips and leaks under sinks, around taps, and at hose bibs.
• Inspect handles and spouts for corrosion or water stains.
• Test shutoff valves—make sure they turn easily and fully close.

2. Pipes & Connections

• Look for signs of rust, green stains, or moisture on visible pipes.
• Feel for dampness in cabinets or along basement walls.
• Insulate any exposed pipes, especially in unheated spaces.

3. Drains & Toilets

• Fill sinks and tubs, then let them drain; listen for gurgling or slow flow.
• Flush all toilets. Watch for leaks around the base or phantom flushes.
• Pour a gallon of water into infrequently used drains (showers, floor drains) to keep traps full and odors away.

4. Water Heater

• Check for leaks at the base, especially if the heater is over 8 years old.
• Listen for popping or rumbling—could mean sediment buildup.
• Test the pressure relief valve (carefully) as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Set temperature to 120°F for safety and efficiency.

5. Sump Pump

• Pour water into the pit—does the pump start automatically?
• Clean out debris from the pit and check the discharge pipe outside.
• Consider a battery backup if your area loses power often.

6. Appliances

• Inspect hoses on washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators for bulges or cracks.
• Replace rubber hoses with braided stainless steel for extra security.

7. Specialized Equipment

• If you have a water filtration system, replace filters as directed.
• Test backflow prevention devices.
• Schedule gas safety checks for lines and appliances.

Pro Tip: Label your main water shutoff. Everyone in the house should know where it is and how to turn it off in an emergency.

Seasonal Tips for Plumbing Protection

Each season brings unique challenges for your pipes and appliances. Here’s what to watch for as the weather changes:

Winter

• Insulate pipes near exterior walls or in unheated areas to prevent freezing.
• Disconnect outdoor hoses and shut off exterior faucets.
• If you’ll be away, keep the heat on low and open cabinet doors under sinks.

Spring 🌱

• Check for leaks or damage caused by winter’s freeze-thaw cycles.
• Test your sump pump before the rainy season.
• Clean gutters and downspouts to direct water away from the foundation.

Summer

• Inspect sprinkler systems for leaks or broken heads.
• Watch for tree roots invading sewer lines—schedule a sewer line inspection if you notice slow drains.
• Check water pressure; high pressure can stress pipes and appliances.

Fall

• Drain and store outdoor hoses.
• Clean gutters to prevent water backup.
• Schedule a water heater flush to remove summer sediment.

When to Schedule Professional Inspections 🔍

Some things are best left to the pros—especially when it comes to the hidden arteries of your home.

Call Fergusons Plumbing for:

• Annual whole-home inspections: We catch what most eyes miss, from hidden leaks to gas line concerns.
• Backflow testing: Required in many areas for safety.
• Repiping or pipe installation near you: Especially if your home is older or you’ve had repeated leaks.
• Water heater maintenance: Sediment removal and safety valve testing.

How often?

• Once a year for most homes.
• Twice a year if you have mature trees, a history of leaks, or an older property.

Trust Fergusons: Your Partners in Prevention

At Fergusons Plumbing, we make it simple for homeowners to stay ahead:

• Maintenance plans: Annual reminders so you never forget an inspection.
• Friendly experts: Our team explains what we find, in plain language.
• 24/7 emergency plumbing: If you need us fast, we’re ready day or night.

We believe prevention beats panic every time. Think of us as your home’s plumbing pit crew—keeping things running so you can focus on what matters.

Your Printable Annual Plumbing Checklist

1. Inspect all faucets and shutoff valves for leaks
2. Check visible pipes for corrosion or dampness
3. Test all drains and toilets for proper flow
4. Examine and flush the water heater
5. Test and clean sump pump
6. Replace appliance hoses if cracked or old
7. Check water filtration systems and filters
8. Inspect outdoor plumbing before and after winter
9. Label the main water shutoff
10. Schedule your annual professional inspection

Tape this checklist inside your utility room. It’s your first line of defense against water surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I inspect my plumbing?

At least once a year. For older homes or if you’ve had past problems, twice a year is smart.

What’s the biggest sign I need emergency plumbing?

Water where it shouldn’t be, sudden drops in water pressure, or any gas smell. Don’t wait—these are urgent.

Can I handle all maintenance myself?

Basic tasks like checking for leaks or replacing hoses are DIY-friendly. But for water heaters, gas lines, or full inspections, call a licensed plumber.

Are there legal requirements for plumbing checks?

Some areas require backflow testing or gas safety certifications. Check with your local building authority or the International Plumbing Code for details.

Ready for Worry-Free Plumbing?

Don’t wait for a drip to become a disaster. Fergusons Plumbing has your back—whether you need pipe installation near you, water heater repair, or a thorough annual inspection.

Call Fergusons Plumbing now — or reach us anytime at  844-493-8438 .