A few minutes of seasonal maintenance can reveal leaks, corrosion, and drainage problems while they are still manageable. Walk through this checklist at the start of spring and fall, and anytime your home has been through a hard freeze or extended period of heavy rain.

Check every visible fixture

Turn on each faucet and look beneath the sink while the water runs. Watch for moisture at supply lines, shutoff valves, and drain connections. A musty smell, warped cabinet floor, or mineral deposits can indicate a slow leak even when the area feels dry.

Flush each toilet and listen after the tank refills. Water that continues running often points to a worn flapper or fill-valve problem. Gently rock the bowl; movement at the floor should be evaluated because it can damage the seal below.

Test drains and disposals

Sinks, tubs, and showers should drain steadily without gurgling. Slow drains in one fixture are often local. Several slow drains at once can indicate a larger drain-line issue.

Never use your hands to clear a garbage disposal. Turn off power at the switch and breaker before inspecting it, and call a professional if it hums, leaks, or repeatedly trips its reset.

Inspect the water heater

Look around the base for moisture, rust, or white mineral buildup. Check exposed connections and the temperature-and-pressure relief valve for signs of dripping. Keep stored items away from the unit so leaks are easier to spot and combustion appliances have proper clearance.

Water-heater maintenance varies by equipment and water quality. Have a licensed plumber advise you before flushing a tank or operating a relief valve if you are unfamiliar with the procedure.

Walk the exterior

  • Disconnect garden hoses before freezing weather.
  • Check outdoor faucets for drips and freeze damage.
  • Keep gutters and downspout outlets clear.
  • Look for unusually wet soil or greener patches near buried water or sewer lines.
  • Make sure your home’s main water shutoff is accessible and everyone knows where it is.

Know when to call

Contact a licensed plumber for recurring clogs, unexplained increases in water use, low water pressure throughout the home, sewage odors, active leaks, or water stains that continue to spread. If a pipe is leaking rapidly, close the main shutoff when it is safe to do so and arrange service promptly.

Routine observation is the goal—not taking apart equipment you are not trained to repair. Catching a change early gives your service professional better information and can limit damage to your home.