The Plumbing Maintenance Checklist
The Plumbing Maintenance Checklist: Protect Your Home and Your Wallet
Routine plumbing maintenance isn’t just about avoiding headaches — it’s about protecting your home, saving money, and extending the life of your entire plumbing system. Whether you’re preparing for winter in Chicago or just doing your spring check-up, this guide gives you a clear checklist to avoid major repairs and water damage.
Let’s break down the key plumbing maintenance tasks every homeowner should follow — and what could go wrong if you skip them.
✅ Plumbing Maintenance Tasks to Complete Before Winter or Spring
🧊 1. Prevent Freezing Pipes
- Shut off and drain outdoor faucets and spigots to avoid frozen water inside the pipes.
- Disconnect and store hoses in a dry area. If a hose has a leak, repair or replace it before next season.
- Turn off your irrigation system and winterize it to protect underground lines.
- Use pipe insulation in unheated areas (garage, crawlspaces, attics) to prevent bursts.
🔥 2. Protect Your Water Heater
- Drain your water heater at least once a year to remove sediment and prevent rust buildup.
- Consider slightly raising the temperature in winter for better performance — but never over 120°F.
🌀 3. Maintain Your Sump Pump
- Clean the sump pit and test the pump to ensure it works before heavy rains or snowmelt.
- If your sump pump hasn’t run in a while, test it by pouring water into the pit and confirming it activates.
🔎 4. Check for Leaks and Damage
- Inspect visible pipes for leaks, rust, or bulging.
- Fix small leaks immediately — temperature fluctuations can turn a minor leak into a pipe burst.
- If you're going on vacation, turn off the main water valve and leave one faucet dripping to reduce pressure.
💨 5. Seal Air Leaks and Drafts
- Seal exterior cracks to keep freezing air from reaching your pipes.
- Proper insulation also helps your HVAC system run more efficiently.
🛠️ 6. Keep Drains Flowing
- Use enzyme-based cleaners monthly to prevent buildup in kitchen and bathroom drains.
- Watch for signs of clogs: slow drains, bubbling sinks, or weak toilet flushes.
⚠️ What Happens If You Skip Maintenance?
Without a plumbing maintenance routine, you could face:
- Frequent drain clogs and slow water flow
- High water bills from hidden leaks
- Loss of hot water for bathing, cooking, and cleaning
- Water damage to walls, flooring, and belongings
- Lower property value if water damage or outdated systems are discovered during a sale
- Increased risk of contaminated drinking water
What starts as a slow drip could become a costly flood — literally.
💡 The Benefits of Routine Plumbing Maintenance
Here’s what you gain when you follow this checklist:
- More reliable access to hot water on demand
- Lower water and energy bills
- Longer lifespan for fixtures, appliances, and pipes
- A safe, up-to-code plumbing system that supports home resale value
- Peace of mind knowing your family’s water is safe and your home is protected
🗣️ “How often should I do plumbing maintenance?”
At minimum: once before winter, and once before spring.
Keep Your Plumbing in Peak Condition
At Quality Plumbing Services Inc., we help Chicago-area homeowners stay ahead of leaks, bursts, and clogs with seasonal maintenance, expert inspections, and honest plumbing advice.
📞 Call us today to schedule your annual plumbing inspection or to ask about our preventative maintenance plans.
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