The Ultimate Plumbing Maintenance Checklist

Six or so weeks into the new year, and hopefully you've hit the ground running with those plans to get your plumbing system in good working order. If not, there's no time like the present to start, and a plumbing maintenance checklist makes for the perfect starting point.

Putting together and sticking to a detailed routine maintenance checklist helps you stay on top of common tasks. It’s the safest and easiest way to avoid costly repairs and unexpected plumbing emergencies.

Regular plumbing maintenance, from water leak checks to unblocking slow drains, keeps everything flowing smoothly. With a clear preventive maintenance schedule, and a 24-hour plumber in your contacts (just in case!) you can save money, protect your plumbing appliances and have constant water flow all year round.

Follow these plumbing checklist tips to ensure a safe, efficient and comfy home.

1. Inspect Your Plumbing System Regularly

Regular plumbing inspections are key to maintaining an efficient plumbing system and avoiding costly emergency repairs.

Start by examining visible plumbing pipes for signs of corrosion, leaks or damage. Check fixtures like taps and sinks for proper operation and water flow. Don’t forget the water hoses connected to washing machines and dishwashers; worn or damaged hoses can cause leaks.

Check for slow drains; they typically point to clogs or blockages in your plumbing system. Regular checks of drain connections and outdoor taps will help you identify issues early. Consistent plumbing maintenance checks keep your system efficient and reduce the risk of plumbing emergencies.

2. Check and Maintain Your Water Heater

Your hot water system is a vital part of your home plumbing, so regular maintenance is important to keep it functional and efficient for as long as possible.

If you have a storage water heater, be sure to check the tank for leaks or corrosion. It’s also well worth ensuring that the cold water inlet pipe and hot water exit pipe are in good condition. Flushing the tank every year removes sediment build-up which can affect water flow and heating efficiency. Check the temperature settings to prevent overheating and save energy.

Regular hot water system maintenance keeps your water heater running smoothly, provides reliable hot water and helps you avoid system malfunctions.

3. Monitor Your Water Pressure and Water Flow

Checking water pressure and flow throughout your house is an important part of your home’s plumbing system.

High water pressure can stress your pipes and cause plumbing leaks or damage. On the other hand, low pressure may mean blockages, pipe corrosion or issues with the water supply. So, just like Goldilocks’ adventures in the three bears’ house, you want to find your water pressure and flow to be just right.

The maximum water pressure for homes in Australia as per Australian Standard AS/NZS 3500.1 is 500 kilopascals (kPa). Use a pressure gauge to monitor your water pressure and, if it exceeds 500 kPa, call a plumber to install a pressure limiting valve (or replace your existing one).

As For Your Water Flow…

Each state and territory’s primary water authority aims to provide your home with a certain volume of water flow at the water meter. In South Australia, for example, SA Water endeavours to provide about 27 litres of water per minute.

Want to know how to check your water flow is at a suitable level? Follow these 5 simple steps:

1. Shut off every tap and water-using appliance or device in and around your home.
2. Find your water meter (it’s usually in your front garden) and open the lid.
3. Write down the last three red numbers on your water meter.
4. Turn on the tap in your front garden, in full, for 60 seconds.
5. Once that minute is up, turn off the tap and take another reading from the meter.

If that reading is at least 27 litres higher than it was 60 seconds prior, it means you have suitable water flow!

Monitoring your water flow consistently will help you identify underlying plumbing issues early. It’ll help you to prevent expensive repairs and keep your plumbing system running smoothly throughout your home.

4. Clear and Maintain Drains

Next on our ultimate plumbing maintenance checklist is keeping your drains clear and well-maintained. This is crucial to stop blockages from occurring and keep your plumbing system running smoothly. Follow these maintenance tips to keep your sink drains, shower drains and other connections in peak condition:

• Use natural solutions like baking soda and vinegar to clean drains regularly, don’t use chemical clog removal products that can damage pipes.
• Clean the kitchen sink drain regularly to prevent grease build-up and food blockages.
• Install strainers in sink and shower drains to catch hair and food particles.
• Run hot water through drains weekly to flush away minor build-up.
• Schedule professional drain cleaning for persistent clogs or slow drains.

Consistently caring for your floor drains reduces the risk of plumbing issues and keeps everything running smoothly.

5. Check Toilets and Taps

Regularly checking your toilets and taps is important to keep your plumbing system running smoothly. Check the cistern/toilet tank for leaks, wear or issues with the fill valve; they can cause water wastage and higher bills. Inspect the toilet bowl for cracks or stains as these can point to deeper problems within the system.

Make sure you have no drips or leaks coming from your bathroom or kitchen taps; even minor issues can waste a lot of water over time. Check outdoor taps and garden hoses too, especially after seasonal changes.

Regular inspections and basic plumbing maintenance will help you catch issues early and keep your plumbing fixtures in good shape.

6. Sewer System and Main Sewer Line Care

Looking after your sewer system and main sewer line will go a long way toward avoiding messy plumbing issues and expensive repairs. Keep an eye out for signs of trouble such as:

• slow drains
• foul odours
• gurgling sounds from your pipes

Tree roots are a common culprit for blocking the main sewer line so keep an eye on nearby vegetation. Regular maintenance like professional drain cleaning can remove build-up and keep your sewer system flowing smoothly. Adding sewer line inspections to your maintenance list helps you to catch potential problems early. In the long run, it will save you money and prevent disruptions to your home’s plumbing system.

7. Regularly Inspect Your Pipes and Plumbing Fixtures

Your plumbing pipes and fixtures are a simple yet essential part of our home plumbing system, so regular inspections are an important part of keeping them in peak working condition.

Look for signs of wear, water leaks or pipe corrosion as these can lead to expensive repairs if left unchecked. Pay attention to the cold water inlet pipe, hot water exit pipe and visible water supply lines. Even small plumbing leaks can turn into big plumbing problems, such as burst pipes, that affect your water flow and efficiency.

Adding pipe and fixture inspections to your plumbing maintenance checklist helps you catch potential issues early and keeps it all in great shape.

8. Always Call a Licensed Plumber When Necessary

Many tasks on your plumbing maintenance checklist will be relatively simple things that you’ll be able to complete with ease. However, some plumbing issues require the expertise of a licensed plumber to ensure they are fixed safely and correctly.

If have major plumbing issues like a persistent blocked drain, a leaking water heater tank or sewer system repairs, major DIY plumbing repairs can be against the law. They can also make the problem worse and potentially even void manufacturer warranties.

Licensed plumbers have the training and tools to do complex plumbing work, ensure compliance with Australian Standard AS/NZS 3500 (Plumbing and Drainage Standards) and avoid costly mistakes. They can also find hidden issues during plumbing inspections and prevent future emergencies.

Quick Plumbing Maintenance Tips

Quick preventive maintenance tips can keep your home’s plumbing system in great shape and prevent expensive repairs. Follow these simple steps:

• Check drain connections for leaks and tighten fittings.
• Inspect garden hoses and water hoses for cracks or wear.
• Clean the washing machine filter regularly to prevent blockages.
• Use baking soda to freshen sink drains and prevent slow drains.
• Don’t flush anything but human waste and toilet paper to reduce the risk of clogged drains.
• Monitor water pressure to catch potential plumbing problems early.

Include these in your plumbing maintenance checklist and you’ll have a trouble-free plumbing system.

Keep Your Plumbing System Flowing

A well-maintained plumbing system means a comfortable, efficient and worry-free home.

Putting together a comprehensive plumbing maintenance checklist will help you prevent costly repairs, avoid plumbing emergencies and prolong the life of your plumbing appliances. Regular inspections, regular drain cleaning and looking after your water heater all add up to a healthy plumbing system. When you have a complex issue don’t hesitate to call a licensed plumber.

Looking after your plumbing with preventive maintenance saves you money and keeps your home safe and your flow uninterrupted.

Please note: Thanks for reading our blog “The Ultimate Plumbing Maintenance Checklist”. 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 our Terms & Conditions here.