Key Takeaways
- Routine plumbing maintenance prevents costly leaks, clogs, and water damage & and keeps your system working efficiently all year.
- Each season brings its own plumbing challenges, from frozen pipes in winter to high water usage in summer.
Why Year-Round Plumbing Maintenance Matters
At The Otter Guys, we believe prevention is the best protection for your home’s plumbing system. Small issues, like slow drains, leaky faucets, or water heater strain, often start quietly but can turn into emergencies if ignored. A few routine maintenance steps every season can make the difference between a smooth-running home and an unexpected flood.
As your local plumbing experts here in Charlottesville, VA, we’ve created this seasonal checklist to help you stay ahead of problems before they happen. Whether you’re preparing for freezing temperatures or summer humidity, these tips will help you avoid major repairs and costly damage.
Spring Plumbing Maintenance Checklist
Spring is the perfect time to inspect your plumbing after a long, cold winter. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can leave hidden damage behind.
1. Check for Leaks and Drips
Walk through your home and check all faucets, fixtures, and exposed pipes for leaks. Pay special attention to areas under sinks and near your water heater. Even a small drip can waste hundreds of gallons of water over time. If you discover a leak or suspect corroded pipes, our team can handle repiping services quickly and effectively.
2. Inspect Outdoor Faucets and Hoses
Winter freeze can crack outdoor spigots and supply lines. Turn them on and look for leaks or low water pressure, which may indicate a split pipe.
3. Test Sump Pumps and Drains
Heavy spring rains can overwhelm sump pumps or cause basement flooding. Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to ensure the pump activates correctly. If your drains are sluggish, we can help with professional drain cleaning to prevent backups.
4. Flush Sediment from Your Water Heater
Over time, minerals build up at the bottom of the tank, reducing efficiency. Flushing your water heater in spring removes sediment and helps extend its lifespan.
5. Schedule a Professional Inspection
A routine plumbing maintenance service ensures your pipes, fixtures, and water pressure are all working properly before summer heat arrives.
Summer Plumbing Maintenance Checklist
Summer brings increased water use, from outdoor sprinklers to showers and laundry. It’s also prime time for drain clogs and sewer line issues.
1. Watch for Slow Drains and Strange Odors
If your kitchen or bathroom drains are slow, don’t ignore them. Clogs tend to worsen quickly during warm months. We offer expert drain clog removal that’s safe for your pipes and eliminates foul smells.
2. Inspect Sewer Lines
Tree roots can invade sewer lines during summer, especially after heavy rain. If you notice gurgling noises or recurring backups, schedule an inspection. Our team handles full sewer replacement and repair for long-term peace of mind.
3. Check Sprinklers and Outdoor Lines
Sprinkler heads and irrigation lines often leak underground, wasting water and affecting pressure inside your home. A quick test early in the season can prevent surprises on your utility bill.
4. Look for Signs of Water Pressure Problems
Sudden drops in water pressure can indicate a leak in the main supply line. If this happens, shut off the main valve and call an emergency plumber in Charlottesville, VA.
5. Inspect Washing Machine Hoses
High laundry loads can stress rubber hoses. Replace them with braided stainless steel for better durability and leak protection.
Fall Plumbing Maintenance Checklist
Autumn is all about preparation. As temperatures begin to drop, this is the best time to get your plumbing ready for winter.
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Pipes in unheated spaces, like garages, crawl spaces, and basements, are most at risk for freezing. Use foam insulation sleeves or heat tape to protect them.
2. Disconnect Outdoor Hoses and Shut Off Outdoor Faucets
Leaving hoses attached allows water to freeze and expand back into your plumbing system. Disconnect and drain all hoses, then turn off outdoor water valves.
3. Flush the Water Heater Again
Sediment buildup increases during summer due to high usage. A fall flush keeps your system efficient during colder months, when you rely more on hot water.
4. Test Your Water Shut-Off Valve
Knowing your valve works properly ensures you can act quickly in case of a burst pipe or leak.
5. Schedule Professional Maintenance
Before winter hits, we recommend a full inspection of your water heater, main line, and drain systems. Contact our Charlottesville plumbing services team for a pre-winter tune-up.
Winter Plumbing Maintenance Checklist
Winter is the toughest season for plumbing in Virginia. Frozen pipes and burst lines are among the most common emergencies we handle.
1. Keep Indoor Temperatures Consistent
Even if you’re away, don’t let your thermostat drop below 55°F. Cold air inside walls can cause hidden pipes to freeze.
2. Let Faucets Drip on Frigid Nights
A slow trickle of water helps relieve pressure and prevent freezing in vulnerable pipes.
3. Open Cabinet Doors
Allow warm air to circulate around kitchen and bathroom pipes, especially those near exterior walls.
4. Check for Ice on Pipes or Water Pressure Drops
If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, your pipes may be frozen. Shut off the main valve and call our emergency plumbing team in Charlottesville, VA.
5. Know When to Call for Help
If a pipe bursts, don’t wait. Water damage spreads fast, and quick action can save your flooring, drywall, and possessions. The Otter Guys are available 24/7 for emergency repairs, just give us a call or contact us online.
Proactive Tips for Long-Term Plumbing Health
Year-round maintenance isn’t just about preventing emergencies—it’s about protecting your home’s comfort and efficiency.
- Avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners that can corrode pipes.
- Install water softeners or filtration systems to reduce mineral buildup and extend pipe life.
- Have older homes inspected for corrosion or outdated materials; we specialize in repiping for long-term safety.
- Check your water pressure annually to catch hidden leaks early.
Why Choose The Otter Guys
We’re not just plumbers, we’re your neighbors. Our team takes pride in delivering reliable service, honest advice, and long-lasting solutions for every customer. From routine maintenance and repairs to full sewer replacements, we handle every job with care and precision.
If you ever face a burst pipe, leak, or sudden backup, you can count on The Otter Guys for fast, 24/7 emergency plumbing in Charlottesville, VA.
Ready to protect your home year-round? Contact us today to schedule your plumbing maintenance service or request an emergency visit.
