Through the year
Seasons in Fullerton are mild, so this calendar is built around rain, irrigation demand and the household routine rather than freezing weather.
- Early fall
- Before the rainy season, walk the slope and check drains, retaining wall weep holes and the area along the main water line for wet spots.
- Late fall
- Take a static pressure reading and compare it with last year's baseline. Test the main shutoff.
- Winter
- After heavy rain, check the sewer cleanout area and lowest drains for slow draining or gurgling, which can mean a lateral problem.
- Early spring
- Inspect the water heater: seismic straps, relief valve discharge line, expansion tank and signs of leaks at the base.
- Late spring
- Start irrigation season: run each zone, look for misting heads and broken drip lines that suggest high pressure.
- Summer
- Clean aerators and shower heads; check toilets for silent running with a few drops of food coloring in the tank.
Every season
Yearly record
| Task | Date done | Result or reading | Follow-up needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Static pressure reading | |||
| Main shutoff test | |||
| Expansion tank check | |||
| Water heater strap check | |||
| Meter leak test | |||
| Irrigation zone walk | |||
| Slope and wall drainage walk |
Baselines worth recording once
- Static pressure
- Your normal reading at the regular hose bib
- Regulator set point
- From the plumber, if it has been set
- Water heater age
- From the label or serial number
- Lateral material
- From a camera inspection, if one has been done
Questions for an annual plumber visit
- Is my regulator holding its setting?
- Is the expansion tank still charged?
- Does the water heater need flushing given our hard water?
- Would a camera inspection of the lateral be worthwhile, given our trees?
Common questions
Do I need a plumber every year?
Not necessarily. Many of these checks are homeowner tasks. Bring in a licensed plumber when readings change or something looks wrong.
Why check the slope before rain?
Saturated soil from a leak plus heavy rain is a bad combination on a slope. Finding a leak in dry weather is easier.
How do I check a toilet for silent leaks?
Add a few drops of food coloring to the tank and wait without flushing. Color in the bowl means water is leaking past the flapper.
General information for Coyote Hills, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.