Plumbing Maintenance Checklist for Homeowners

A bit of regular plumbing maintenance catches small issues before they become expensive emergencies. Here’s a practical checklist worth working through periodically.

Monthly

• Check under sinks for any signs of dampness or slow leaks
• Test that all drains are running at normal speed
• Listen for running water when nothing’s switched on

Every 3-6 months

• Check your water meter reading against usage to catch hidden leaks early
• Clear visible debris from gutters and downpipes
• Check toilet cisterns for silent leaks (a few drops of food colouring in the tank that appear in the bowl without flushing indicates a leak)
• Test outdoor taps and irrigation connections

Annually

• Book a geyser service — sediment flush, anode check, pressure valve test
• Have a plumber check exposed pipework for corrosion or wear, especially in older homes
• Test your main stopcock to confirm it still turns freely
• Consider a drain camera inspection if you’ve had recurring blockages
• Check your PIRB compliance certificate is up to date if any geyser work has been done

Before winter

• Insulate exposed pipework
• Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and irrigation lines
• Have your geyser serviced before it has to work harder in colder weather

Why this is worth the effort

Most plumbing emergencies — burst pipes, geyser failures, major blockages — give some warning beforehand. A regular check catches that warning while it’s still a minor, inexpensive fix rather than an emergency call-out.