10 Basic Plumbing Maintenance Tips for Homeowners
Keeping your home's plumbing in top shape doesn’t have to be complicated. A little routine maintenance can prevent costly repairs, water damage and unexpected emergencies.
From checking for leaks to knowing what not to flush, small actions can make a big difference in keeping your pipes and fixtures running smoothly. Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or new to plumbing upkeep, these simple tips will help you stay ahead of potential problems.
Taking a proactive approach ensures your plumbing system lasts longer, saving you time, money and hassle. Let’s get started on 10 easy ways to keep your home’s plumbing in great condition.
1. Regularly Check for Leaks
Small leaks might not seem like a big deal, but they can waste water, increase your bills, and even cause structural damage over time.
Regularly inspecting your plumbing can help you catch leaks early before they turn into major problems. Here’s what to do:
- Check under sinks and around pipes – Look for damp spots, mould or signs of water damage.
- Inspect taps and showerheads – A dripping tap may seem minor, but it can waste gallons of water over time.
- Monitor your water meter – If the meter keeps running when no water is being used, there may be a hidden leak.
- Test your toilet for leaks – Drop food colouring into the tank; if it seeps into the bowl without flushing, you know you have a leak.
Fixing small leaks early can prevent costly repairs down the line.
2. Avoid Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing problems, but they’re also one of the easiest to prevent. The key is to be mindful of what goes down your sinks, showers and toilets.
Hair, soap scum, grease and food scraps are major culprits that can build up over time, leading to slow drainage or complete blockages.
To keep your drains clear, use strainers in sinks and showers to catch debris before it goes down the pipes. Never pour grease or coffee grounds down the kitchen sink − dispose of them in the trash instead.
If a drain starts slowing down, try flushing it with hot water and baking soda before reaching for harsh chemicals. A little prevention goes a long way in avoiding costly plumbing headaches.
3. Test Your Water Pressure
Water pressure that’s too high or too low can cause plumbing problems over time. Checking your home’s water pressure regularly can help prevent damage to your pipes and fixtures. Here’s how:
- Use a pressure gauge – Attach it to an outdoor tap or hose bib and turn on the water. The ideal range is 40–60 PSI (pounds per square inch).
- Watch for signs of low pressure – Weak water flow in sinks or showers could mean clogged pipes, mineral buildup, or leaks.
- Beware of high pressure – If your water pressure is above 80 PSI, it can strain pipes and appliances. Consider installing a pressure regulator.
- Check for sudden drops – A sudden loss of pressure might signal a hidden leak or a problem with your water supply.
Keeping your water pressure balanced helps protect your plumbing system.
4. Know the Location of Your Shut-Off Valve
Do you know where your main water shut-off valve is? If a pipe bursts or a major leak happens, shutting off the water quickly can prevent serious damage to your home. Every homeowner should locate this valve and ensure it’s easy to access in case of an emergency.
Typically, the shut-off valve is found near where the main water line enters your home − often in a basement, garage, or outside near the meter. Test it occasionally to make sure it turns easily. If it’s stuck, a plumber can help loosen or replace it.
Knowing how to shut off your water can save you from costly repairs and water damage. It’s a small step that can make a huge difference when you need it most.
5. Insulate Pipes for Cold Weather
When temperatures drop, your pipes are at risk of freezing − and that can lead to expensive bursts and water damage. However, a little insulation goes a long way in protecting your plumbing during cold weather.
Start by identifying exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, garages and outdoor walls. Wrapping them in foam pipe insulation or heat tape helps keep them from freezing. For extreme cold, allowing a slow trickle of water to run from taps can prevent ice blockages.
Don’t forget outdoor taps − disconnect garden hoses and cover spigots with insulated covers. These simple steps can save you from major plumbing disasters when winter hits. A little preparation now means fewer headaches and costly repairs later.
6. Clean Showerheads and Taps
Over time, mineral deposits and limescale can build up on your showerheads and taps, reducing water flow and efficiency. Regular cleaning helps keep them in top shape. Here’s how to do it:
- Inspect for buildup – If water sprays unevenly or the pressure seems weak, mineral deposits may be clogging the holes.
- Use vinegar for cleaning – Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar, submerge the showerhead or tap, and secure it with a rubber band. Let it soak for a few hours or overnight.
- Scrub with a toothbrush – After soaking, use an old toothbrush to remove any remaining buildup.
- Rinse and test – Run water through the fixture to flush out loosened debris.
Regular cleaning keeps water flowing freely and extends the life of your fixtures.
7. Maintain Your Water Heater
Your water heater works hard every day, so a little maintenance can go a long way in keeping it efficient and lasting longer.
One key task is flushing the tank once a year to remove sediment buildup, which can reduce efficiency and cause unexpected breakdowns. Simply drain a few gallons from the tank or flush it completely to keep it running smoothly.
Check the temperature setting, too − keeping it around 50°C helps prevent overheating and saves energy (however, water inside the tank must be kept at 60°C to prevent the growth of dangerous bacteria). Also, inspect the anode rod every few years; this small but essential part prevents rust from damaging your tank.
Regular maintenance ensures your water heater provides hot water when you need it while preventing costly repairs or premature replacements. A little effort now can save you big in the long run.
8. Be Mindful of What You Flush
Your toilet is not a trash can. Flushing the wrong items can lead to stubborn clogs, plumbing damage and even sewer backups. To keep your pipes flowing smoothly, follow these simple rules:
- Flush only toilet paper – It’s designed to break down easily, unlike wipes, paper towels or tissues.
- Avoid “flushable” wipes – Despite the label, these don’t break down as quickly and can cause blockages.
- Keep hygiene products out – Tampons, pads, and cotton swabs expand in water and don’t dissolve.
- Dispose of grease and food waste properly – Even small amounts of fat and scraps can harden and clog your pipes.
- Teach your household – Make sure everyone, including kids, knows what should and shouldn’t go down the toilet.
A little caution can save you from major plumbing headaches.
9. Check for Signs of Sewer Line Issues
A problem with your sewer line can turn into a messy, costly disaster if ignored. Luckily, there are early warning signs that homeowners can watch for.
If you notice slow drains, frequent clogs, gurgling noises from your pipes or foul odours coming from sinks or toilets, your sewer line might be struggling.
Tree roots, grease buildup, or even collapsed pipes can cause blockages. To prevent major issues, avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper and be mindful of what goes down your drains. If multiple drains in your home are backing up at once, it’s time to call a professional.
Routine sewer inspections can catch minor problems before they become major repairs. Staying alert to these warning signs can save you from an expensive and unpleasant plumbing emergency.
10. Schedule Routine Plumbing Inspections
Even with regular DIY maintenance, some plumbing issues can go unnoticed. Scheduling a professional inspection can help catch hidden problems before they become costly repairs. Here’s why it’s important:
- Detect hidden leaks – A plumber can identify slow leaks behind walls or under floors that may be causing unseen water damage.
- Check water pressure – Ensuring your water pressure is within the ideal range helps prevent pipe strain and appliance damage.
- Inspect water heaters and pipes – Professionals can flush your water heater, check for corrosion, and ensure pipes are in good condition.
- Prevent major blockages – A plumber can use specialised tools to detect and clear potential sewer line clogs.
- Save money in the long run – Catching minor issues early helps prevent expensive emergency repairs.
A yearly plumbing check-up keeps your system running smoothly.
A Little Effort Goes a Long Way
Taking care of your home’s plumbing doesn’t have to be difficult. With a little attention and routine maintenance, you can prevent costly repairs, improve water efficiency, and keep everything running smoothly.
Simple steps like checking for leaks, avoiding clogs, and maintaining your water heater can make a big difference. Knowing where your shut-off valve is and scheduling routine inspections also help you stay ahead of potential problems.
By following these basic plumbing maintenance tips, you’ll save money, reduce stress and extend the life of your plumbing system. A little effort now goes a long way in keeping your home hassle-free.
Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See Cyber Plumbers’ Terms & Conditions here.
FAQs About Plumbing Maintenance
Do you have any questions about plumbing maintenance? Keep reading for the answers.
It’s a good idea to inspect your plumbing for leaks at least once a month. Check under sinks, around taps and near appliances like dishwashers and washing machines. Also, keep an eye on your water meter – if it keeps running when no water is being used, you might have a hidden leak. Catching small leaks early can prevent expensive water damage and high utility bills.
To keep your drains flowing smoothly, avoid putting grease, food scraps, hair, and hygiene products down the sink or toilet. Use drain strainers to catch debris, and flush your drains with hot water and baking soda occasionally. If you notice slow drainage, address it early before it turns into a bigger issue.
Flushing your water heater once a year helps remove sediment buildup that can reduce efficiency and cause heating problems. If you have hard water, you may need to flush it more often. Regular maintenance keeps your water heater running efficiently and extends its lifespan, saving you money on repairs and energy costs.
