Odessa Home Plumbing Calendar

January

Coldest month

0 of 3 done

Check that the main shut-off turns. See freeze protection.
Why it matters
A stuck valve wastes minutes in a burst.
When to get a pro: Have a seized valve replaced.
Keep insulated covers on outdoor taps.
Why it matters
Hard freezes can still arrive.
Drip taps on outside walls during hard freezes.
Why it matters
Moving water is slower to freeze.

February

Late winter

0 of 3 done

Check the attic and garage pipes after any freeze.
Why it matters
Splits show up as pipes thaw.
Look at the water heater for rust or drips.
Why it matters
A leaking tank needs replacing.
When to get a pro: A plumber replaces the tank.
Test toilets for silent leaks with food coloring.

March

Windy season

0 of 3 done

Clear dust and sand from outdoor drains.
Why it matters
Spring winds carry a lot of grit.
Check outdoor taps and hoses after the freezes.
Read the meter with everything off.
Why it matters
Finds hidden leaks.

April

Spring

0 of 3 done

Start up evaporative coolers and check their water lines.
Why it matters
Lines may have split over winter.
Check irrigation backflow devices.
Clean faucet aerators and shower heads.
Why it matters
Scale cuts flow.

May

Getting hot

0 of 3 done

Look for brittle plastic on outdoor plumbing.
Why it matters
Sun and heat break it down.
Schedule septic pumping if it's due.
Book any planned remodel plumbing.

June

Peak heat

0 of 3 done

Check the water heater closet for heat and ventilation.
Keep grease out of drains during cookouts.
Watch the water bill for unexplained jumps. See slab leak signs.

July

Summer storms

0 of 3 done

Make sure gutters and downspouts carry water away from the slab.
Why it matters
Heavy summer rain pools on flat ground.
Check floor drains after storms.
Check the meter for leaks.

August

Hot and dry

0 of 3 done

Water foundations evenly in long dry spells if your foundation contractor recommends it.
Why it matters
Very dry soil shrinks.
Look at water heater pilots in windy weather.
Why it matters
Wind blows out pilots.
Check under sinks for drips.

September

Late summer

0 of 3 done

Have gas appliances and connectors checked. See gas safety.
Why it matters
Before heating season.
When to get a pro: Gas line work needs a licensed plumber.
Test carbon monoxide alarms.
Plan any water heater replacement.

October

Cooling off

0 of 3 done

Buy pipe insulation and outdoor tap covers.
Why it matters
Before the first cold front.
Drain and shut off the evaporative cooler line.
Flush the water heater if the maker recommends it.
Why it matters
Clears sediment.

November

First freezes

0 of 3 done

Disconnect garden hoses.
Why it matters
A hose left on can split the tap.
Insulate pipes in the garage, attic and pump house.
Show everyone in the house where the main shut-off is.

December

Freeze watch

0 of 3 done

On hard-freeze nights, drip taps and open sink cabinets.
Keep the heat on if you travel.
Never thaw pipes with an open flame.
Why it matters
Use a hair dryer.
When to get a pro: Get a plumber if a pipe bursts.

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

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