Seasonal Plumbing Maintenance Checklist for Durham Region Homeowners

The cheapest plumbing repair is the one you never need. Many plumbing emergencies can be prevented with a few minutes of seasonal attention. Here is the checklist we give our own customers.

Spring (March to May)

• Test the sump pump. Pour a bucket of water into the pit and confirm it starts, clears the water and shuts off. See our spring sump pump guide.
• Check outdoor taps for frost damage before reconnecting hoses.
• Look for water staining on basement walls and floors after the melt.
• If you have a backwater valve, have it inspected. Debris on the flap stops it sealing during spring storms.
• Run rarely used fixtures such as basement showers and utility sinks for a minute so the traps do not dry out and let sewer gas in.

Summer (June to August)

• Flush the water heater to remove sediment. Hard water across Durham Region makes this worthwhile. See how to flush your water heater.
• Look under sinks and behind toilets for moisture or staining.
• Clean tap aerators and showerheads if flow has dropped.
• Walk the yard and look for unusually lush green patches, a possible sign of a leaking sewer lateral.
• If you have a water softener, check the salt level.

Fall (September to November)

• Disconnect hoses before the first hard frost, shut off the indoor valve to each outdoor tap and drain the tap.
• Insulate exposed pipes in the attic, crawlspace and garage.
• Test the sump pump again before the fall storms.
• Schedule annual descaling if you have a tankless water heater.
• Confirm your main water shut-off valve still turns freely.
• Work through our fall drain maintenance checklist.

Winter (December to February)

• During cold snaps, open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls.
• Let a small trickle run from taps on exterior walls during deep cold.
• Keep the house heated to at least 13 degrees Celsius even when you are away.
• Watch for unexplained increases on the water bill, a sign of a hidden leak.
• Listen for running water when nothing is on.

Once a year: a professional look

An annual visit from a licensed plumber catches problems before they become emergencies: a water heater near the end of its life, a sump pump that is losing capacity, a slow drain that points to roots in the lateral. Hayes Plumbing has served Durham Region since 1961, and booking a scheduled visit during office hours keeps costs predictable, because emergency calls outside regular business hours may carry additional charges. Book through our contact page or call (905) 576-3043.