Small checks, spread out
No one wants a weekend-long plumbing project. Breaking the checks into one short task per season makes it realistic, and each task targets a common cause of local breaks: seized valves, aging hoses, high pressure, hard-water wear on the water heater and slow hidden leaks.
Pick a recurring date, such as the first weekend of each season, and put it on your calendar.
The year at a glance
- Winter
- Exercise the main shutoff and water heater inlet. Check exposed outdoor pipes and hose bibs, and insulate exposed lines before a rare cold snap.
- Spring
- Inspect washer hoses and every sink and toilet supply line. Replace any with bulges, rust at the crimps or cracked nuts.
- Summer
- Test house water pressure with a gauge on a hose bib. Check the regulator and look over irrigation lines as watering increases.
- Fall
- Look over the water heater: connectors, relief valve discharge pipe, seismic straps and any water in the pan. Do a full meter leak test.
Quarterly quick check
Every three months, in about fifteen minutes.
- Meter leak indicator still with all water off
- No new stains on ceilings under bathrooms
- Cabinet floors under sinks dry
- Floor around the water heater dry
- No banging pipes when appliances shut off
- Water bill in line with the same period last year
Parts that wear out
| Part | Why it fails | Replace when |
|---|---|---|
| Washer fill hoses | Rubber ages under constant pressure | Following the hose maker's guidance, or at any sign of wear |
| Sink and toilet supply lines | Plastic nuts crack, inner hose ages | Any rust, kinks or cracked nuts |
| Angle stops | Hard-water scale seizes them | They will not close or drip at the stem |
| Pressure regulator | Internal parts wear | Pressure reads high or creeps up |
| Water heater connectors | Corrosion at fittings | Green or white crust or any drip |
Questions to ask at your next plumber visit
- Is my main shutoff in good condition?
- What is my static water pressure?
- Do I need an expansion tank?
- Are any supply lines or connectors due for replacement?
- What material are my supply pipes, and how do they look?
Common questions
Do I need to winterize pipes in Fullerton?
Freezing is uncommon here, but insulating exposed outdoor pipes is cheap protection during the occasional cold night.
Can I do the pressure test myself?
Yes, with an inexpensive hose-bib gauge. Ask a plumber to interpret a reading that seems high.
Should I flush my water heater?
Hard water leaves sediment, and the manufacturer's instructions usually cover flushing. If you are unsure, ask a plumber to do it.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.