Preventative Plumbing Maintenance Checklist for Every Season

Is your plumbing ready for whatever the year throws at it? Most homeowners don’t think about pipes, drains, or water heaters—until water is running where it shouldn’t be. At Aaton Plumbing, we’ve seen it all: basements awash after storms, pipes frozen solid, and leaks that started as a drip and ended with soaked floors. One thing’s always true—prevention is easier (and far less stressful) than frantic midnight calls for emergency plumbing.

Here’s a straightforward, season-by-season plumbing checklist. Print it out. Stick it on your fridge. With a few regular checks, you’ll dodge most disasters, save money, and keep your home running smoothly.

Spring Plumbing Tasks 🌱

Spring is the wake-up call for your plumbing. As the weather warms, hidden winter damage can start to show. Now’s the time to get ahead of leaks, clogs, and backed-up sewer lines.

Spring Checklist

• Inspect for Leaks: Check under sinks, behind toilets, and around your water heater for damp spots or puddles. Small drips can balloon into major repairs.
• Test Sump Pump: Pour a bucket of water into the pit. It should kick on quickly and pump water out. If not, it’s time for sump pump repair.
• Clear Outdoor Drains: Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts. Water should run away from your foundation.
• Examine Exposed Pipes: Look for cracks or bulges, especially where pipes run along exterior walls.
• Flush Water Heater: Sediment builds up over winter. Draining a few gallons can boost efficiency and extend life.
• Check Outdoor Faucets: Turn them on and off. If water leaks inside when the faucet is on, you may have a burst pipe.

Pro Tip

If you live in a flood-prone area, consider a sewer line inspection each spring. Tree roots love growing into pipes just as everything else starts sprouting.

Safety Note

Always shut off the main water valve before tackling repairs. Not sure where it is? Find it now—don’t wait until water’s gushing.

Summer Flood Prevention ☀️

Summer storms can overwhelm even sturdy plumbing. Heavy rain and high humidity mean your sump pump, drains, and sewer lines must be in top shape.

Summer Checklist

• Test Sump Pump Again: Summer thunderstorms are notorious for sudden flooding. Quick tests can save your basement.
• Backflow Valve Check: If you’ve had backflow prevention installed, test it or have it checked—especially in older homes.
• Inspect Foundation Vents: Blocked vents trap moisture, inviting mold and wood rot.
• Look for Sewer Smells: A sudden odor in the basement or yard could signal a cracked line. Sewer line repair or inspection may be needed.
• Monitor Water Pressure: When sprinklers and hoses run, weak pressure can mean hidden leaks or buildup.

Pro Tip

Install water alarms near the sump pump and water heater. Like a smoke alarm, they alert you early to leaks.

Safety Note

Never wade into standing water in your basement after a storm. It could hide live electrical currents. Call for emergency plumbing help immediately.

Fall Pipe Prep 🍂

Leaves fall, temperatures drop, and it’s time to tuck your plumbing in for the cold months. Prevention now thwarts costly winter emergencies.

Fall Checklist

• Disconnect Hoses: Outdoor hoses left attached can freeze and burst pipes inside the wall.
• Drain and Shut Off Outdoor Faucets: Use the shut-off valve inside, then open the faucet to drain.
• Clean Gutters and Downspouts: Leaves clogging gutters send water down your walls, not away from your home.
• Insulate Exposed Pipes: Foam sleeves or heat tape keep pipes warm in crawl spaces and basements.
• Check Sump Pump Discharge: The pipe should drain away from the foundation, not pool at the base.

Pro Tip

A quick test: Hold your hand near basement or crawl space pipes on a cold day. If they’re icy, add extra insulation.

Safety Note

When using heat tape, follow manufacturer’s instructions and local building code. Improper use is a fire risk. The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) offers guidance.

Winter Freeze Protection ❄️

When temperatures plummet, pipes are at their most vulnerable. Frozen pipes can burst with the force of a small geyser.

Winter Checklist

• Open Cabinets: On freezing nights, open bathroom and kitchen cabinets to let warm air reach pipes.
• Let Faucets Drip: A tiny stream of water keeps pressure from building up in the line.
• Seal Drafts: Caulk cracks around doors and windows near plumbing.
• Check Boiler and Water Heater: Schedule water heater and boiler repair before a cold snap.
• Know Your Emergency Valve: If a pipe bursts, shutting off water fast limits the damage.

Pro Tip

Traveling for the holidays? Set your thermostat no lower than 55°F, even if the house is empty.

Safety Note

Don’t use open flames to thaw pipes. Use a hair dryer or call for emergency plumbing instead. The National Fire Protection Association warns that fires from pipe-thawing are more common than you’d think.

Why Maintenance Matters

A plumbing system is a lot like the circulatory system in your body. When one part clogs, leaks, or fails, the effects ripple outward. Ignoring maintenance is an invitation for trouble—unexpected repairs, water damage, or worse.

Routine checks help you:

• Avoid sudden emergencies
• Extend the life of pipes and fixtures
• Maintain healthy water quality
• Keep insurance claims to a minimum

And when you need help, a professional plumber can spot early warning signs that are easy to miss.

DIY vs. Call a Pro

Some plumbing tasks are perfect for a handy homeowner:

• Inspecting for leaks
• Flushing the water heater
• Insulating exposed pipes
• Clearing gutter debris

But others, like gas line installation, sewer line repair, and complex leak detection, call for a licensed plumber. Mistakes here can mean safety hazards or code violations.

If you ever smell gas, hear water running where it shouldn’t, or see wet patches on walls or ceilings, don’t try to fix it yourself. Call for emergency plumbing immediately.

What Pros Do On Arrival

When you call Aaton Plumbing, here’s what happens:

• We assess the immediate situation for safety.
• Shut off water or gas if needed.
• Pinpoint the problem using specialized equipment (like leak detectors or sewer cameras).
• Explain your options clearly and honestly.
• Handle repairs or recommend safe next steps.

We follow state and local codes, and our team is trained to keep your home and family safe every step of the way.

Prevention & Maintenance

Want to go the extra mile? Here’s how to keep your plumbing humming all year:

• Schedule annual plumbing inspections (especially for older homes).
• Install water filtration systems for cleaner, longer-lasting pipes.
• Regularly check for slow drains and signs of backflow.
• Keep an eye on water pressure—it should be steady, not pulsing or weak.
• Know the age of your water heater and schedule replacement before it fails.

Costs & Time Factors

Plumbing maintenance doesn’t have to break the bank. Many routine checks take less than an hour and can be done while you’re cleaning or doing yard work.

• Simple tasks: Leak checks, insulation, and water heater flushing—usually under an hour.
• Professional inspections: These typically take one to two hours.
• Repairs: Pipe or fixture repairs can take anywhere from a quick fix to half a day, depending on the severity.

Emergency plumbing services are always faster—but they’re also more stressful and costly. A little maintenance now means fewer surprises later.

When It’s an Emergency

Knowing when to call for emergency plumbing is key. Don’t wait if you notice:

• Water pouring out where it shouldn’t be
• Gas smells (rotten egg odor)
• Sewage backing up into sinks or tubs
• No water at all, especially during freezing weather

These are signs of serious trouble. Fast action limits damage and keeps your home safe.

FAQ

What if I find a small leak?

Small leaks rarely stay small. Place a bucket or towel to catch water and call for repair. Even slow drips can lead to mold and water damage over time.

How often should I test my sump pump?

At least twice a year—once in early spring, once before heavy summer storms.

Can I use chemical drain cleaners?

It’s best to avoid them. They can damage pipes and harm the environment. Try a plunger or call for drain cleaning if clogs persist.

Do I need backflow prevention?

If your home is in a flood-prone area, backflow prevention is essential to keep contaminated water from flowing backward into your plumbing.

Local & Seasonal Considerations

Freeze Zones

If you’re in an area with harsh winters, insulation and regular checks are a must. The American Red Cross recommends keeping interior doors open and letting faucets drip in freezing weather.

Storm-Prone Areas

Heavy rains? Make sure gutters, downspouts, and sump pumps are functioning. Install check valves to prevent sewage backflow if storms are common where you live.

Older Homes

If your house is more than 40 years old, schedule a sewer line inspection every couple of years. Pipes can corrode and tree roots can sneak in over time.

Take charge of your home's plumbing. A little attention now saves panic later. For questions, emergencies, or peace of mind, Call Aaton Plumbing now — or reach us anytime at  877-362-1997 .