Yakima Home Plumbing Calendar

January

Deep winter

0 of 3 done

Check crawl space pipes after each cold night. See freeze guide.
Why it matters
Splits show up as pipes thaw.
When to get a pro: Get a plumber if a pipe has burst.
Keep cabinet doors open under sinks on outside walls.
Why it matters
Lets warm air reach the pipes.
Know where the main shut-off is.
Why it matters
Seconds count in a burst.

February

Cold snaps

0 of 3 done

Look for drips under sinks and around the water heater.
Why it matters
Early signs of trouble.
Check the well house heater if you have one.
Why it matters
A frozen pressure tank is costly.
Test toilets for silent leaks with food coloring.
Why it matters
Saves water.

March

Thaw

0 of 3 done

Walk the yard for soggy spots over buried lines.
Why it matters
Frost can crack them.
Clean faucet aerators.
Why it matters
Restores flow.
Check the water heater's age on its label.
Why it matters
Plan ahead.
When to get a pro: Ask about replacement if it's old.

April

Before irrigation

0 of 3 done

Inspect the backflow assembly for cracks.
Why it matters
It holds water over winter.
When to get a pro: A plumber can test or replace it.
Check hose bibs for leaks inside the wall.
Why it matters
Freeze damage hides until first use.
Wait for the last frost before filling outdoor lines.

May

Start-up

0 of 3 done

Open the irrigation supply slowly after mid-May.
Why it matters
Avoids a pressure surge.
Walk every zone looking for leaks.
Read the water meter with everything off.
Why it matters
Finds hidden leaks.

June

Heat arrives

0 of 3 done

Check washing machine hoses.
Why it matters
Burst hoses cause big floods.
When to get a pro: Fit braided steel hoses.
Watch for wet spots in the yard.
Keep drains clear of grease from summer cooking.

July

Peak heat

0 of 3 done

Check the water heater's relief valve pipe for drips.
Look under the kitchen sink and dishwasher.
Test the main shut-off still turns.

August

Late summer

0 of 3 done

Flush a few gallons from the water heater drain.
Why it matters
Removes sediment.
When to get a pro: A plumber can do a full flush.
Check outdoor taps and yard hydrants.
Plan any remodel plumbing before fall.

September

First freeze coming

0 of 3 done

Shut down outdoor lines before the first freeze. See shut-down guide.
Why it matters
It often comes near month's end.
Disconnect and store hoses.
Drain or protect the backflow assembly.

October

Fall prep

0 of 3 done

Insulate pipes in the garage and crawl space.
Close crawl space vents.
Check the sewer cleanout cap is easy to find.
Why it matters
Saves time in a backup.

November

Before winter

0 of 3 done

Make sure the water heater area is clear and dry.
Keep holiday grease out of the kitchen drain.
Why it matters
Cool it and bin it.
Fix dripping taps.

December

Freeze watch

0 of 3 done

Let a tap on an outside wall drip on the coldest nights.
Why it matters
Moving water freezes more slowly.
Keep the heat on if you travel.
Why it matters
Set it no lower than the mid-50s.
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

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April

May

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August

September

October

November

December

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Yakima Home Plumbing Calendar

January

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