When a pipe bursts, every minute counts. Know where the valve is before you need it.
- How often
- Every 2 yr
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Free
- Time
- 15 min
Thousands in water damage while you search for the shutoff during a flood.
How & when to do itHome system
Plumbing maintenance
Pipes, drains, shutoffs. Below is everything your plumbing needs to stay safe and efficient — sorted into what's critical, what saves money, and what's optional. Each task shows how often to do it, whether it's DIY, and what it typically costs.
- Tasks:
- 5
- Typical yearly cost:
- $10–$90
Money-saving
A few drops of food coloring in the tank reveal a leaking flapper that quietly wastes water.
- How often
- Every 6 mo
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Up to $20
- Time
- 15 min
A silent toilet leak can waste hundreds of gallons a day and inflate your water bill.
How & when to do itMoney-saving
Rubber supply hoses are a top cause of catastrophic indoor flooding.
- How often
- Yearly
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Up to $40
- Time
- 20 min
A burst hose can dump 600+ gallons an hour into your home.
How & when to do itMoney-saving
A cheap gauge on a hose bib tells you if pressure is in the safe 40–60 psi range.
- How often
- Yearly
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- $10–$15
- Time
- 15 min
Excessive pressure stresses every pipe, fitting, and appliance until something bursts.
How & when to do itClearing slow drains with hot water and a safe cleaner keeps small clogs from becoming blockages.
- How often
- Every 6 mo
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Up to $15
- Time
- 20 min
A neglected slow drain becomes a full backup that needs an emergency plumber.
How & when to do itPlumbing maintenance FAQ
How often should I service my plumbing?+
It depends on the task. locate & test your main water shutoff every 2 years; check toilets for silent leaks every 6 months; inspect washing-machine & toilet supply lines once a year. Your personalized manual schedules each one for you.
Can I do plumbing maintenance myself?+
Many tasks are DIY-friendly. locate & test your main water shutoff and check toilets for silent leaks can be done with basic tools, while others (more technical work) are worth hiring a pro for.
What happens if I ignore plumbing maintenance?+
Thousands in water damage while you search for the shutoff during a flood.