Built for Anaheim houses
Anaheim's hard water, older slab homes and mature trees shape what fails here. Scale builds in water heaters and fixtures, copper and galvanized lines wear with age, and roots work into clay and cast-iron laterals. The calendar puts extra attention on those three.
Adjust it to your house. A newer home in the hills has different weak points than a 1950s tract house near downtown, so skip what does not apply and add what does.
Month by month
| Month | Task |
|---|---|
| January | Test the main shutoff and water heater supply valve. Update the shutoff map. |
| February | Check washer hoses and toilet supply lines for cracks, bulges and drips. |
| March | Inspect the water heater: rust at the base, drips, strap in place, label age noted. |
| April | Clean faucet aerators and showerheads of hard water scale. |
| May | Run the water meter leak test with everything off. |
| June | Check irrigation lines and hose bibs for leaks before summer watering. |
| July | Look under every sink for slow drips and water stains. |
| August | Check the AC condensate line and pan if your unit is in the attic. |
| September | Ask about flushing a tank water heater or descaling a tankless unit. |
| October | Note any slow drains. Consider a sewer camera look if roots have been a problem. |
| November | Before holiday cooking, remind the household: no grease down the drain. |
| December | Restock the emergency kit and refresh your saved contact numbers. |
Every month
- Glance at the water heater and the floor around it.
- Listen for running water when the house is quiet.
- Check the water bill against last month.
- Note any slow drain in the symptom log.
Clearing a scaled aerator
Unscrew it
Wrap the aerator in a cloth and turn it counterclockwise by hand or with gentle pliers.
Soak it
Soak the parts in white vinegar to loosen mineral scale.
Rinse and refit
Brush off debris, rinse, and screw it back on hand-tight.
For a yearly plumber visit
- What is my water pressure, and is the regulator working?
- Is my water heater near the end of its life?
- Are my fixture valves and main valve worth replacing?
- Would a camera inspection make sense for my sewer lateral?
Common questions
Do I need to flush my water heater?
Many manufacturers recommend periodic flushing, and hard water makes sediment more likely. Check your heater's manual or ask a plumber.
Is a sewer camera inspection part of regular maintenance?
Not for every home. It is most useful in older houses with mature trees or a history of slow drains.
What if I skip a month?
Just pick up the next month. The point is regular attention, not perfection.
General information for Anaheim, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.