Through the year
Adjust to your house; the point is a steady rhythm, not exact dates.
- January
- Test the house main and fixture stops. Update your shutoff map.
- February
- Look under every sink for drips, stains or swollen cabinet floors.
- March
- Check washing machine and fixture supply hoses for bulges, cracks or rust at the ends.
- April
- Walk the yard over the sewer lateral and water service line for soggy or unusually green patches.
- May
- Inspect the water heater: strapping, venting, relief valve discharge pipe and any rust at the base.
- June
- Clean faucet aerators and shower heads, where hard water deposits collect.
- July
- Run the meter test with everything off to check for hidden leaks.
- August
- Check irrigation lines and backflow assemblies for leaks during heavy watering.
- September
- Flush or have the water heater serviced per the manufacturer's guidance.
- October
- Restock the emergency plumbing kit and replace flashlight batteries.
- November
- Before holiday cooking, remind everyone to keep grease out of the kitchen drain.
- December
- Review the year's symptom log and book any work that kept coming up.
Longer-interval tasks
| Task | Why | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Replace supply hoses | Braided hoses can burst with age | Check the manufacturer's recommended life |
| Sewer lateral camera inspection | Roots and cracks in older clay or cast-iron laterals | Worth considering after recurring clogs or before buying a home |
| Pressure check | High pressure stresses pipes and fixtures | A plumber can test and inspect the regulator |
| Tankless descaling | Hard water scale builds inside heat exchangers | Follow the manual's interval |
Quick monthly glance
- Any new stains on ceilings or walls?
- Any toilet running between flushes?
- Any drain slower than last month?
- Any change in the water bill?
- Any new smell near drains or the water heater?
When a check turns up a problem
- IfA drip under a sinkClose that fixture stop and book a repair.
- IfRust or water at the base of the water heaterBook a licensed plumber soon; a leaking tank cannot be repaired.
- IfSoggy yard over the sewer lineKeep an eye on drains and consider a camera inspection.
- IfGas odor near any applianceLeave and call 911 or SoCalGas from outside.
Keep it light
None of these checks takes more than a few minutes, and most need no tools. The goal is to notice a weeping hose or a rusty heater base in daylight, when you can choose who to call and when.
Clip this page inside a cabinet door near the water heater, and tick each month off as you go.
Common questions
- Do I need a yearly sewer inspection?
- Not necessarily. Many homeowners consider one after recurring clogs, before buying an older home or when large trees sit near the line.
- How do I know if my water heater is strapped correctly?
- Look for metal straps around the upper and lower portions of the tank anchored to the wall. A plumber or the City of Brea can confirm current requirements.
- Is flushing a tank heater safe to do myself?
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully, including turning off the energy source first, or have a plumber do it.
General information for Brea, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.