Annual Plumbing Maintenance Checklist for Homeowners

Most plumbing problems do not happen without warning. A water heater that fails suddenly usually showed signs of decline for months. A pipe that bursts was often running at elevated pressure or showing corrosion. Sewer line blockages build up gradually before causing a backup.

An annual walkthrough of your home's plumbing — checking the things you rarely think about — is one of the most cost-effective forms of home maintenance you can do. This checklist covers the basics that every homeowner should check at least once a year.

Water Heater

• Check the age of the unit. If it is within two years of its expected end of life (typically 10 to 12 years for tank units), schedule an evaluation with a plumber.
• Look for rust, corrosion, or moisture around the base of the tank, around the fittings at the top, and around the T&P relief valve.
• Listen for rumbling, popping, or banging sounds when the heater is running, which indicate sediment buildup.
• Test the temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve annually by lifting the test lever slightly and releasing it. You should hear a brief rush of water or steam. If it does not release or if it fails to close fully after testing, the valve needs replacement.
• Confirm the water temperature setting. 120°F (49°C) is the recommended setting for most households — hot enough to be effective and kill pathogens, low enough to reduce scalding risk and slow mineral buildup.

All Faucets and Fixtures

• Check each faucet for drips from the spout when closed. Even a slow drip wastes hundreds of gallons per year.
• Check underneath sinks for moisture, staining, or mineral deposits around the P-trap, the supply lines, and the drain connections.
• Check sink supply line hoses — the flexible braided lines under your sink — for bulging, cracking, or corrosion at the fittings. These lines fail more often than most homeowners expect and are inexpensive to replace proactively.
• Look for moisture or staining around the base of each toilet.
• Confirm each toilet flushes cleanly and that the tank refills and stops promptly.

Drains

• Run water in each fixture and observe the drain speed. Slow drains should be addressed before they become blocked drains.
• Pour a cup of water into floor drains and any seldom-used sinks or fixtures to maintain the P-trap water seal and prevent sewer odors.
• Check basement floor drains for any signs of backup or overflow — particularly rust staining or mineral deposits around the drain ring.

Water Pressure

• If you have access to a pressure gauge, test your home's water pressure at an outdoor hose bib. Normal residential pressure is 40 to 80 psi. Above 80 psi can stress pipes and fittings and shorten fixture lifespans. Below 40 psi may indicate a supply issue.
• If you have a pressure regulator, it should be inspected every five years or so. If you notice whole-house pressure changes, the regulator may be due for service.

Water Shutoffs

• Locate and confirm the operation of your main water shutoff valve. Make sure it turns freely and shuts off flow completely.
• Check and exercise the individual shutoff valves under each sink and behind each toilet. Valves that are never operated for years can seize in the open position and fail when you need them. Turn each valve off and then back on to confirm it operates freely.
• Check outdoor shutoff valves (where applicable) for the hose bibs before winter.

Visible Pipes

• Inspect any exposed pipes in the basement, crawl space, or utility areas for corrosion, rust, moisture, or green discoloration around copper fittings (which indicates a slow leak).
• Check pipe insulation in unheated areas. Replace any insulation that is deteriorated, missing, or damaged before winter.
• Look for pipes that appear to have been repaired with tape, clamps, or makeshift patches — these are temporary fixes that eventually need proper repair.

Washing Machine and Dishwasher

• Inspect the supply hoses behind your washing machine. Rubber hoses should be replaced every five years or sooner if cracking is visible. Braided stainless hoses last longer but should still be inspected.
• Check that the washing machine drain hose is properly secured in the drain standpipe.
• Check behind and under the dishwasher (if accessible) for any signs of moisture or water staining on the floor.

Sump Pump (If Applicable)

• Test the sump pump annually by pouring water into the sump pit until the float triggers. Confirm the pump activates, removes the water, and shuts off when the level drops.
• Check the discharge line to confirm it drains away from the foundation.
• If your pump is more than 7 to 10 years old, consider having it professionally evaluated.

When to Bring in a Plumber

Not every item on this checklist requires professional attention. But some findings — a water heater with corrosion, a pressure regulator that may need service, a sump pump that does not respond to testing, visible pipe corrosion — are worth a call to a plumber for evaluation.

Scheduling a professional plumbing inspection every two to three years is also a sound investment. A plumber can assess things that are not visible in a homeowner walkthrough and identify issues in the making before they become emergencies.

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The goal of annual maintenance is not to create worry — most homes will check out fine. It is to catch the minority of issues that are developing quietly before they become costly surprises. An hour of attention once a year is good stewardship of one of your most significant investments.