New Homeowner’s Guide: How to Maintain a Plumbing System
If you're planning to buy a new home in 2026, you're probably juggling a long list of decisions—from setting a budget to choosing the right neighborhood. While we can't help you choose a school district, we can help you protect one of your home's most important systems: your plumbing.
A well-maintained plumbing system is crucial for keeping your home running smoothly from month to month. To avoid common problems and keep your home safe, our experts break down how a plumbing system works, how to maintain a plumbing system, and when it's time to call in the pros.
How a Home Plumbing System Works
A home plumbing system has two primary functions: bringing clean water into the home and safely removing wastewater. Fresh water enters through supply lines under pressure, delivering water to faucets, showers, appliances, and toilets. Once water is used, it flows out through drainpipes, which rely on gravity to move wastewater to the sewer or septic system. Vent pipes help regulate pressure and allow drains to work properly, preventing slow drainage and unpleasant odors.
FAQs for New (and Seasoned) Homeowners
Now that you understand the basics of how a plumbing system works, let's answer some common questions homeowners often have about plumbing maintenance.
What is the maintenance of a plumbing system?
You probably already know the answer to this one, but in simplest terms, plumbing maintenance is the routine care, inspection, cleaning and service of a plumbing system to keep it running smoothly month after month. The goal is to prevent breakdowns before they happen.
Experienced plumbers can address small issues before they escalate into costly repairs. Routine service from a professional plumber often includes:
- Checking for leaks
- Clearing drains
- Inspecting pipes and fixtures
- Maintaining water heaters
- Testing shutoff valves
Regular maintenance is referred to as proactive care, as it helps prevent breakdowns. Without routine care, you're more likely to experience reactive care, which means seeking service only after problems have already surfaced.
How do I maintain my plumbing system?
While professional plumbing service is recommended once or twice a year, there are several DIY habits you can perform yourself between professional checkups. Below are some DIY best practices for maintaining home plumbing systems.
Monthly Plumbing Checklist
- Inspect visible pipes for leaks or corrosion
- Check under sinks and around toilets
- Clean sink and shower drains
- Test water pressure
- Run water in rarely used fixtures
- Look for slow drains or unusual noises
- Listen to hear if toilet is running
Yearly Plumbing Checklist
- Flush the water heater
- Inspect the main shutoff valve
- Check sump pump (if applicable)
- Inspect exposed pipes in crawl spaces or basements
- Schedule a professional plumbing inspection
As always, Brothers is happy to help with any plumbing checks that you don't feel comfortable doing yourself!
Plumbing Maintenance Tips for Every Season
The change of seasons affects many parts of our daily lives—from switching wardrobes and snow tires to enjoying warm soup or applying sunscreen. What many homeowners don't realize is that the seasons also have a significant impact on their plumbing.
Here are the best ways to maintain your plumbing system during each season.
To winterize your plumbing…
- Insulate exposed pipes
- Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses
- Shut off and drain outdoor faucets
- Set the thermostat to prevent freezing
- Prepare vacation plans to prevent frozen pipes
To prep your plumbing for warmer weather (spring and summer)…
- Inspect irrigation and sprinkler systems
- Check for leaks after winter thaw
- Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent drainage issues
- Test sump pump before heavy rains
How to Prevent Common Plumbing Problems
Believe it or not, many common plumbing issues start with everyday habits. Flushing or rinsing certain items down toilets, garbage disposals, and household drains can place unnecessary strain on pipes and may contribute to plumbing problems over time.
Never put these items down the kitchen sink:
- Grease/oil
- Fruit skins or peels
- Nuts
- Eggshells
- Coffee grinds
- Food bones
Never put these in the bathroom sink or toilets:
- Baby wipes (even ones labeled "flushable")
- Hygiene products
- Contact lenses
- Paper towels
Worried About Clogs?
Clogs can be prevented by using drains properly, scheduling regular plumbing inspections, watching for early warning signs, and using hair catchers in sinks and showers.
When to Call in the Pros
Just like many things in life, you can only do so much yourself until you need professional help. If you've followed our best practices for maintaining a home plumbing system but are still experiencing issues such as leaks, persistent clogs, low water pressure, water heater problems, or sewer line concerns, call our experts!