At South West Plumbing, we know that many plumbing emergencies can be avoided with simple seasonal maintenance. Seattle’s weather brings heavy rain, shifting temperatures, and long stretches of moisture, all of which place stress on your home’s plumbing. A seasonal checklist helps prevent leaks, clogs, sewer problems, and water damage while also extending the life of your fixtures and appliances.
Below is a practical guide that homeowners throughout Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, and the surrounding communities can follow to keep their plumbing systems in good condition all year long.
Spring Plumbing Maintenance Checklist
Spring is the ideal time to look for signs of winter damage and prepare for increased warm-weather water use.
Inspect for Leaks Around Fixtures and Appliances
Check under sinks, behind toilets, around your dishwasher, and near your washing machine. Winter can loosen fittings and create small leaks that go unnoticed until spring.
Test Shut-Off Valves
Turn each valve gently to make sure it still works. A stuck valve can cause major damage during an emergency, so confirming that these valves move smoothly is an important spring task.
Flush Your Water Heater
Sediment buildup reduces efficiency and shortens the life of the tank. Flushing the water heater each spring helps maintain steady hot water and lowers energy usage.
Clear Slow Drains
Seattle homeowners often deal with slow drains after winter due to increased indoor activity. Run hot water through drains and schedule a professional cleaning if water lingers.
Check Outdoor Faucets and Hose Bibbs
Turn outdoor spigots on slowly and look for leaks inside and outside the home. Freezing temperatures sometimes cause cracks in exterior plumbing.
Summer Plumbing Maintenance Checklist
Summer tends to bring heavier water use, outdoor projects, and greater strain on plumbing systems.
Inspect Washing Machine Hoses
More frequent laundry can stress old hoses. Look for bulges or cracks and replace hoses that show signs of wear.
Clean Faucet Aerators and Showerheads
Mineral deposits reduce water pressure and increase strain on fixtures. Removing and rinsing aerators restores proper flow.
Check Irrigation and Sprinkler Systems
Leaks in outdoor lines can drive up water bills and weaken soil around the foundation. Make sure sprinkler heads are positioned correctly and not spraying the home.
Monitor the Sewer System for Early Warning Signs
Warm weather encourages root growth. Slow drains, gurgling noises, or sewer odors may indicate that roots are affecting older sewer lines.
Look for Unexpected Moisture Around the Home
Pipes expand in warmer temperatures. If you hear dripping or see puddles near plumbing lines, schedule an inspection before the issue gets worse.
Fall Plumbing Maintenance Checklist
Fall is the most important season to prepare your plumbing for the cold and wet winter ahead.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Pipes in garages, crawl spaces, basements, and exterior walls are vulnerable to freezing. Adding insulation helps prevent burst pipes when temperatures drop.
Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses
Leaving hoses attached can cause water to freeze inside the faucet line. Disconnecting hoses protects both the hose bib and interior plumbing.
Check Your Sump Pump
Seattle’s rainy season can overwhelm older sump pumps. Pour water into the pit to make sure the pump activates and drains correctly.
Schedule Hot Water Heater Maintenance
Water heaters work harder in cold weather. A fall tune-up ensures the system runs efficiently and safely through winter.
Inspect Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged gutters can cause water to pool around the home and enter crawl spaces. Clearing them allows heavy fall rain to drain properly.
Winter Plumbing Maintenance Checklist
Winter is the season when plumbing issues become most urgent. Freezing temperatures and increased water demand can create problems quickly if plumbing is not protected.
Keep the Home Warm Enough to Protect Pipes
Even if you travel, maintain a safe indoor temperature. Cold interior walls can cause pipes to freeze.
Open Cabinet Doors During Freezing Weather
Allowing warm air to reach pipes under sinks can prevent freezing in kitchen and bathroom cabinets.
Let Faucets Drip Slowly During Extreme Cold
A small drip relieves pressure in pipes and reduces the risk of cracks.
Watch for Signs of Frozen Lines
Low water pressure, unusual noises, or frost on pipes indicate trouble. Early attention can prevent a burst line.
Monitor the Water Heater
If you notice rumbling sounds, weak hot water, or leaks, call for service before the system fails completely.
Schedule a Plumbing Maintenance Visit with South West Plumbing
Seasonal maintenance helps protect your home, reduce repair costs, and keep your plumbing running smoothly throughout the year. If you want peace of mind or prefer a professional inspection, our team is ready to help. We are here to help Seattle homeowners prevent emergencies and stay protected in every season.
Contact South West Plumbing to schedule a seasonal plumbing check or a full home plumbing inspection!
