DIY Plumbing Checklist: 8 Must-Do Maintenance Tips for a Smooth Season

DIY Plumbing Maintenance Tips

By Bailey Bros. Plumbing & Drain

Spring Plumbing Maintenance

Warm weather is here and that includes your plumbing! After a long, cold winter, your home’s pipes, drains, and fixtures may need a little TLC to stay in top shape. At Bailey Bros. Plumbing & Drain, we know that a few preventative steps each spring can help you avoid costly problems later on.

Whether you're a new homeowner or a seasoned DIYer, here’s your go-to guide for DIY plumbing maintenance.

1. Check for Leaky Faucets and Fixtures

Drips aren’t just annoying—they waste water and money. Take a tour around your house and test:

• Kitchen and bathroom faucets

• Outdoor spigots

• Showerheads

• Utility sinks

If you hear a slow drip or see signs of corrosion, it’s time to tighten, replace, or call in a pro.

 

2. Test Your Outdoor Faucets and Hoses

If you winterized your outside water lines (or forgot to), now’s the time to test them:

• Remove any faucet covers or insulation

• Turn the water on slowly

• Look for leaks, weak pressure, or strange noises

A leaky spigot could mean a burst pipe inside the wall—better to catch it now than in July!

3. Inspect Toilets for Silent Leaks

Toilets can leak without making a sound. Here’s a quick test:

• Drop a few drops of food coloring into the toilet tank

• Wait 15–30 minutes (without flushing)

• If the bowl water changes color, you’ve got a leak

Fixing a flapper or float valve is a simple, water-saving solution.

4. Clear Out Your Gutters and Downspouts

Okay, this isn’t strictly "plumbing"—but clogged gutters can cause serious drainage problems around your foundation and sump pump system. Make sure water is flowing freely away from your home.

 

5. Clean Slow Drains

If your sinks, tubs, or showers are draining slowly, don’t wait for a full clog. Clear hair and buildup now or use a safe enzyme-based drain cleaner. Still sluggish? We’ll snake it for you.

 

6. Flush Your Water Heater

Over time, sediment builds up in your water heater, making it less efficient. Flushing it out in the spring helps:

• Improve performance

• Extend its lifespan

• Lower energy bills

Not sure how to do it safely? Call Bailey Bros.—we can handle it!

 

7. Test Your Sump Pump (Before the Rain Hits)

Spring showers can flood your basement fast if your sump pump isn’t working. To test:

• Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit

• Listen for the pump to activate and drain the water

No response or strange noises? Let us take a look before the next storm rolls in.

 

8. Schedule a Plumbing Inspection

For peace of mind, a full-home plumbing inspection each spring can help catch:

• Small leaks

• Hidden corrosion

• Outdated fixtures

• Drainage issues

Bailey Bros. offers professional plumbing inspections to keep your home running smoothly all year.

 

Spring Forward with Confidence

Just like you swap out your wardrobe or clean your garage, your plumbing deserves seasonal attention too. These simple steps help prevent emergencies, lower your water bill, and keep your systems efficient.

Need a hand with your spring plumbing maintenance? Call Bailey Bros. Plumbing & Drain at 443-787-5995.