10 Annual Home Plumbing Maintenance Tips

Keeping your plumbing system in good shape can help prevent problems before they start. A smart way to do that? Schedule annual plumbing maintenance.

Staying on top of home plumbing maintenance can help you avoid surprise leaks, improve water efficiency, and extend the life of your plumbing system. From flushing your water heater to checking shutoff valves, a yearly plumbing checkup can make all the difference.

Here’s how to protect your home with just a few routine plumbing maintenance steps.

Why Annual Plumbing Maintenance Matters

A solid plumbing maintenance plan helps both old and new homes. When you perform routine plumbing maintenance, you’re more likely to catch small issues before they become major headaches.

Benefits of yearly maintenance include:

• Reducing the risk of emergency repairs
• Extending the life of pipes, appliances, and fixtures
• Improving water pressure and efficiency
• Identifying hidden leaks and corrosion early
• Saving money on your water bill

If you already follow a fall plumbing checklist or prepare your home with winter plumbing tips, adding an annual plumbing maintenance routine just makes sense. It keeps your whole system in check year-round.

10 Annual Plumbing Maintenance Tasks for Homeowners

Don’t be caught unawares. Use this plumbing maintenance checklist to monitor your plumbing and fixtures at least once per year.

1. Inspect for Leaks Around Toilets, Faucets, and Pipes

Small leaks can waste hundreds of gallons of water and drive up your utility bill. Look for:

• Puddles under sinks or behind toilets
• Corrosion around shutoff valves or pipe joints
• Mold or mildew smells in cabinets or walls

Fixing minor leaks early prevents major damage down the line. It's one of our most important bathroom maintenance tips.

2. Flush and Inspect Your Water Heater

Sediment builds up in water heaters over time. This can affect efficiency and lifespan. Here’s how to perform basic water heater maintenance:

1. Shut off the power or gas.
2. Drain a few gallons of water from the tank.
3. Check for debris or rust in the water.
4. Test the pressure relief valve.

If you’re unsure how to do this safely, a licensed plumber can handle it for you.

3. Test Water Pressure and Check for Inconsistent Flow

Low or high water pressure can signal plumbing issues. Use a pressure gauge to ensure your home falls between 40 and 60 psi. Signs of inconsistent pressure include:

• Water sputtering from faucets
• Changes in flow when multiple fixtures are used
• Slow-filling toilets or weak showers

4. Clean and Maintain Floor Drains

Floor drains — especially in basements or laundry rooms — can dry out or clog. To keep them working:

1. Pour a gallon of water into each floor drain.
2. Check for slow drainage or foul odors.
3. Remove debris or hair from grates.

If you need a refresher, here’s how to handle floor drain maintenance.

5. Check the Sump Pump and Backup Battery System (If Applicable)

If your home has a sump pump, make sure it’s working before you need it. These steps are some of our most important basement plumbing tips:

1. Test your sump pump by pouring water into the pit and make sure the pump activates.
2. Inspect the discharge line for blockages.
3. Test the backup battery if you have one.

6. Examine Exterior Faucets and Outdoor Plumbing

Freezing temps can cause cracked pipes or leaky outdoor spigots. Inspect for:

• Visible cracks or corrosion
• Water spraying from joints when the hose is on
• Damaged hose bibs or loose fittings

For more seasonal tips, check out our outdoor plumbing maintenance guide.

7. Review Laundry Room Connections and Hoses

Washing machine hoses wear out over time. Replace rubber hoses every 5 years or upgrade to braided stainless steel for longer life. Follow these laundry room maintenance tips to know when it's time to replace your hoses.

• Check for bulging or cracks
• Make sure the hose is tightly connected
• Inspect the drain line for clogs or slow flow

Our washing machine care guide has more washing-machine-specific tips you can follow.

8. Run Water in Unused Drains and Fixtures

If you have guest bathrooms or basement sinks that go unused, the water in the drain traps can evaporate, letting sewer gases into your home. Do this plumbing preventative maintenance to prevent that:

1. Run water for 30 seconds in each unused fixture.
2. Flush guest toilets.
3. Add a little mineral oil to the floor drains to slow evaporation.

9. Inspect Your Shutoff Valves and Main Water Line Access

Knowing where your main shutoff valve is can save your home in an emergency. Here are a few plumbing system maintenance tips to confirm it works:

1. Turn each valve off and back on to ensure it’s not stuck.
2. Clean around the valve to prevent rust buildup.
3. Label your main valve so it’s easy to find in a pinch.

10. Schedule a Professional Plumbing Inspection

Our best plumbing maintenance tip? Hire a professional plumber to inspect your home. A licensed plumber can spot issues the average homeowner might miss, including:

1. Hidden corrosion inside pipes
2. Slow leaks behind walls
3. Signs of root intrusion in main sewer lines

Maintenance plumbing services typically include a full inspection of your home’s system and suggestions for improvements or repairs. 

Partner With a Professional for Annual Plumbing System Maintenance

Protect your home with a smart plumbing schedule. It's the best way to keep your pipes healthy. Whether you do it yourself or call in a pro, a consistent plumbing maintenance plan keeps surprises to a minimum and savings to a maximum.

Want help with your annual plumbing maintenance? Contact Roto-Rooter today to get a customized plumbing maintenance plan specifically for your home.