8 Plumbing Maintenance Tips for New Homeowners

By Melanie Dawn

December 22, 2025

Your plumbing is one of the most important systems in your home. If you’re like most homeowners, you probably don’t give it much thought until the toilet overflows or you’re dealing with a constant leak.

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The good news is that regular maintenance can prevent many issues from happening, and you don't need a plumbing license to handle these basic tasks. With a few plumbing maintenance tips, you can keep your pipes and fixtures in good shape and keep your home’s water system flowing smoothly without calling a plumber.

What Are Some Preventive Plumbing Maintenance Tips New Homeowners Should Know?

For most plumbing repairs, it’s best to call a licensed plumber who has the tools and skills to do the job correctly. However, knowing how your system works, including what you can and can’t flush, can help reduce the need for a professional. The following are eight regular plumbing maintenance tips for homeowners.

1. Maintain Your Septic Tank or Sewer Lines

Whether you have a septic system or use the municipal sewer, the water lines that leave your home are your responsibility. Sewer lines can easily become blocked by tree roots or products flushed down your toilet. A professional inspection can keep these lines working as they should.

If you have a septic system, regular plumbing maintenance is even more important. Schedule an appointment to have the system flushed every 3 to 5 years, depending on the number of people who live in the home and the size of the tank.

2. Check for Leaks Regularly

High water pressure, corrosion, sudden temperature changes outside and clogs can cause the pipes in your home to leak. Because most pipes are hidden within walls, in the ceiling and in floors, you may not realize you have a plumbing problem until there’s major water damage. Even a small leak can waste thousands of gallons of water and increase your water bill, so you need to locate it as quickly as possible.

Start by inspecting exposed pipes underneath kitchen and bathroom sinks and looking for any signs of water. Also, scan your ceilings for water stains. A more efficient way to test for water leaks is by checking your water meter. Write down your water usage number and then avoid using water in your home for about an hour. Check the meter again. If the number has changed, you're likely to have a leak.

3. Be Mindful of What Goes Down Your Drain

One of the most common plumbing problems is clogged drains. The best way to prevent a clog from happening is to know what can and can’t go down your drains. In the kitchen, avoid pouring warm grease down the drain. Most grease will harden as it cools, causing a blockage in your pipes. In the bathroom, install a hair catcher over the sink and shower drains. Finally, avoid disposing of flushable wipes, sanitary products and paper towels in the toilet. Most of these products don’t break down fast enough and can prevent water flow.

To keep drains fresh and clean, pour in half a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of white vinegar. Let it sit for about 10 to 30 minutes and then rinse with hot water.

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4. Understand Your Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals are designed to handle food waste, but some items shouldn’t be pulverized. These items include:

Grease or oil
Bones
Starchy foods like rice, bread and pasta
Coffee grounds
Eggshells and fibrous vegetables

5. Clean Your Showerhead

If you notice a sudden drop in water pressure when taking a shower but not anywhere else in the home, the problem might not be your pipes. Mineral deposits from hard water can clog the tiny holes in your showerhead, causing the water to not flow as freely. Remove the showerhead and soak it overnight in white vinegar. If you can’t remove the fixture, use a plastic bag filled with vinegar and secure it with an elastic band. In the morning, remove the bag and scrub the showerhead with an old toothbrush.

6. Check Your Shutoff Valves

All homes have a main water shutoff valve that cuts off the water to your home. In case of a plumbing emergency, know where this is and how to use it. Test the valve periodically to make sure you can turn it on and off easily.

7. Flush Your Water Heater

Over time, sediment from minerals in water can settle at the bottom of your water heater, causing it to work harder to heat the water. To keep the water heater working as it should, flush the system at least once a year. Start by turning off the power or gas to the unit. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom and let the water run out until it's clear.

8. Winterize Your Plumbing

If you live in a climate where temperatures drop below freezing, winterize your pipes to prevent water from freezing in the lines. Start by disconnecting outdoor garden hoses and storing them in a dry place. Cover all exposed pipes with insulating sleeves or wrap.

It’s also a good time to check the hoses on your washing machine for cracks and bulges and replace them as needed. If you plan on being away for an extended time in the winter, keep the thermostat set to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius) to prevent pipes from freezing.

How Much Does Professional Plumbing Maintenance Cost in a Year, on Average?

Plumbing maintenance should be performed at least once a year. On average, you can expect to pay between $100 and $200 (CAD 138 and CAD 275) for a visual inspection of your system when you call a plumber. If your plumber uses a camera, the cost will be around $300 to $1,100 (CAD 413 to CAD 1,514), depending on the size of your system. If your plumber does both, the cost will be between $400 and $1,300 (CAD 551 and CAD 1,790).

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.

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