Transform Your Home’s Plumbing Health with a Strategic Annual Maintenance Schedule That Protects Your Investment Year-Round
Living in the Midwest means dealing with extreme temperature fluctuations, harsh winters, and seasonal challenges that can wreak havoc on your home’s plumbing system. Most professional plumbers agree that plumbing maintenance should be done annually, but breaking this maintenance into monthly tasks throughout the year ensures your system stays in optimal condition while preventing costly emergency repairs.
January: Post-Holiday System Check
Start the year by inspecting all faucets for any drips or leaks and checking for any damage from holiday guests or winter weather. Run water for 30 seconds in each unused fixture and flush guest toilets to prevent sewer gases from entering your home through dried drain traps.
February: Winter Protection Mode
February’s frigid temperatures make pipe protection crucial. When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe – even at a trickle – helps prevent pipes from freezing. Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.
March: Spring Preparation
As winter thaws, inspect your home for any freeze damage and check washing machine hoses for wear, replacing rubber hoses every 5 years or upgrading to braided stainless steel for longer life. Test your sump pump by pouring water into the pit to ensure it activates properly before spring rains arrive.
April: Outdoor System Revival
Before winter hits, disconnect garden hoses and, if possible, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This may help prevent freezing of the short span of pipe just inside the house. In April, reverse this process by reconnecting outdoor fixtures and testing all exterior spigots for winter damage.
May: Comprehensive System Inspection
Spring is ideal for your annual professional inspection. Hire a professional plumber to inspect your home. A licensed plumber can spot issues the average homeowner might miss, including maintenance plumbing services typically include a full inspection of your home’s system and suggestions for improvements or repairs.
June: Water Heater Maintenance
You should flush and drain your water heater annually, and some plumbing maintenance agreements include this as part of their work. Draining and flushing help remove sediment buildup that causes corrosion and uneven heating inside this appliance. This task is perfect for early summer when hot water demand is typically lower.
July: Pressure and Flow Testing
Low or high water pressure can signal plumbing issues. Use a pressure gauge to ensure your home falls between 40 and 60 psi. Test all fixtures throughout your home and remove aerators from all faucets and soak them in a solution of vinegar and water to remove mineral deposits.
August: Drain and Disposal Care
Summer’s increased usage makes this the perfect time for drain maintenance. Floor drains — especially in basements or laundry rooms — can dry out or clog. Pour a gallon of water into each floor drain, check for slow drainage or foul odors, and remove debris or hair from grates.
September: Pre-Winter Preparation
Begin winterizing your system by disconnecting garden hoses and using an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. Wrap exposed pipes in good insulation and use faucet covers throughout the winter months.
October: Heating System Integration
Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
November: Final Winter Preparations
Know where your main shutoff valve is as it can save your home in an emergency. Turn each valve off and back on to ensure it’s not stuck. Ensure all family members know the location of shutoff valves for emergency situations.
December: Holiday Season Vigilance
With increased holiday usage and potential freezing temperatures, maintain vigilant monitoring. If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.
Professional Partnership for Peace of Mind
While homeowners can handle many maintenance tasks, partnering with a trusted local professional ensures comprehensive care. For residents in the St. Charles and Chicago suburbs area, flotek plumbing provides expert maintenance services with their team of licensed, bonded, and insured plumbers who understand the unique challenges of Midwest plumbing systems.
Staying on top of home plumbing maintenance can help you avoid surprise leaks, improve water efficiency, and extend the life of your plumbing system. When you perform routine plumbing maintenance, you’re more likely to catch small issues before they become major headaches.
By following this month-by-month schedule, Midwest homeowners can protect their investment, prevent costly emergency repairs, and ensure their plumbing system operates efficiently throughout the year. Remember, advanced plumbing repairs will cost you significantly more than they would on early detection, making consistent preventative maintenance the smart financial choice for any homeowner.