Home Plumbing Maintenance
Checklist
Monthly, seasonal, and annual plumbing tasks for BC homeowners. Preventive maintenance prevents costly emergency repairs and extends the life of your plumbing systems.
Hippo Plumbing & Heating
Technically reviewed by Kevin, Licensed Plumber — TSBC Licence LGA 0209268
Plumbing problems rarely appear from nowhere. Most failures — burst supply lines, water heater leaks, backed-up drains — give warnings weeks or months before they become costly emergencies. Regular maintenance lets you catch these early. Use this checklist as a practical guide, not a substitute for professional inspection where noted.
M Monthly Checks
Quick visual inspections — takes about 10 minutes per month.
Check under all sinks for drips, damp cabinet floors, or discolouration
Why: Slow drips cause mould and wood rot quickly
Test all toilet flush valves — listen for running water after the tank refills
Why: A running toilet can waste thousands of litres per month
Run water briefly in rarely used sinks, showers, and floor drains
Why: Prevents P-trap evaporation which allows sewer gas to enter the home
Check visible supply lines under sinks and behind toilets for corrosion or bulging
Why: Braided supply lines can fail suddenly after 5–8 years
Clean sink and tub drain stoppers
Why: Hair and soap accumulation slows drainage and creates blockage risk
S Spring Checklist
Run through these in March–April before heavy outdoor use.
Reconnect and test outdoor hose bibs (frost-free bibs are standard in BC)
Why: Confirm no winter freeze damage before heavy use
Inspect visible exterior pipes for cracking or frost damage
Why: Winter temperature swings can stress pipe joints
Test your sump pump if your home has one — pour water into the pit to trigger the float
Why: Confirm it functions before spring rain season
Check washing machine supply hoses for bulging, cracking, or kinks
Why: Washing machine hose failures are a leading cause of home water damage in BC
Flush the water heater to remove accumulated sediment
Why: Sediment reduces efficiency and shortens tank life
Test all shut-off valves throughout the home by turning them off and back on
Why: Valves that have not been operated in years can seize and fail when needed most
F Fall / Pre-Winter Checklist
Complete by October before the first hard frost in inland Lower Mainland areas.
Disconnect all garden hoses from hose bibs
Why: A hose left connected can cause a frost-free bib to freeze internally
Locate and test any outdoor shut-off valves for hose bibs and irrigation
Why: Preparedness for hard frosts
Check insulation on exposed pipes in crawl space, garage, or exterior walls
Why: BC coastal winters are mild but inland and elevated areas do freeze
Have furnace/heating system serviced before heating season begins
Why: Heating failure during BC winter is an uncomfortable and expensive emergency
Check water heater temperature setting — 49°C (120°F) balances safety and efficiency
Why: Sediment and thermostat drift can cause temperature changes over time
Inspect gutters and downspouts — ensure they direct water away from foundation
Why: Foundation drainage directly affects basement and crawl space moisture levels
A Annual Checks
Some of these require professional service — noted where relevant.
Inspect the water heater anode rod and replace if significantly depleted
Why: The anode rod protects the tank from internal corrosion — neglect shortens tank life considerably
Test the pressure relief valve on your water heater
Why: PRV failure creates an unsafe pressure buildup risk
Check water pressure at an outdoor hose bib with a gauge — normal range is 40–80 PSI
Why: High pressure (above 80 PSI) accelerates wear on fittings, appliances, and water heater tanks
Inspect all visible pipe for corrosion, mineral deposits, or joint seepage
Why: Catching early corrosion prevents costly emergency repairs later
Consider a plumbing camera inspection for homes over 30 years old
Why: Drain lines degrade from the inside — tree root intrusion and joint separation are often invisible without a camera
Check for signs of slow leaks inside walls — soft spots, staining, peeling paint or wallpaper
Why: Long-term slow leaks cause structural damage and mould
Inspect dishwasher supply and drain connections
Why: Common source of under-counter water damage
Check dryer vent ducting for lint accumulation
Why: Lint blockage is a fire risk and reduces dryer efficiency
Emergency Preparedness — Know Before You Need It
Locate your main water shut-off valve and confirm it operates freely
Why: Essential knowledge for every adult in the household
Locate the individual shut-off valves for toilets, sinks, and the water heater
Why: Allows quick isolation of a specific problem without shutting off the whole house
Know where your gas shut-off is and how to operate it (but only shut off for emergencies)
Why: Gas shut-off is a critical piece of emergency knowledge
Have FortisBC (1-800-663-9911) and BC Hydro (1-888-769-3766) numbers accessible
Why: Gas and electrical utility contacts are needed in specific plumbing emergencies
Keep Hippo Plumbing & Heating's number saved: (604) 365-0812
Why: 24/7 emergency response — a real licensed plumber answers every call
Coquitlam & Tri-Cities
Notice Something During Your Checklist?
If you spot a drip, a slow drain, a running toilet, or anything else — call Hippo Plumbing & Heating. Small issues are much cheaper to fix early.