Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links at no cost to you. I am a REALTOR® licensed in the state of Utah, License No. 11785411-SA00 and affiliated with Presidio Real Estate (South Jordan).
Protect Your Pipes: A Homeowner’s Guide to Plumbing Maintenance
Protect Your Pipes: A Homeowner’s Guide to Plumbing Maintenance
When it comes to your home’s plumbing, an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure. For many homeowners, especially those living in older houses, plumbing issues can quickly escalate from minor annoyances to full-blown disasters. Trust us, we’ve lived it. After moving into a twenty-year-old home, we experienced five plumbing leaks in just 18 months. One of them, a shower drain leak, led to a costly mold remediation and a major renovation. And yes, we had a home inspection before buying.
So why did this happen? What should homeowners do to maintain their plumbing system, and what should buyers and sellers know about the risks, warning signs, and proactive steps they can take? Below, we’ve compiled a comprehensive checklist and guide to help you extend the life of your plumbing system, spot problems before they get worse, and prepare your home for a smooth sale.
Know Your Pipes: What’s Lurking Behind the Walls?
Before we dive into the maintenance checklist, let’s talk about the types of plumbing materials you might find in your home:
- Copper: Durable and long-lasting, but expensive. Prone to corrosion over time.
- PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene): Flexible, freeze-resistant, and common in modern builds.
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Often used in drain lines and vent systems. Not ideal for hot water lines.
- Galvanized Steel: Common in older homes. Tends to corrode and clog.
- Polybutylene (PB): Found in homes built between 1978 and 1995. Known to fail without warning and subject to class-action lawsuits.
If your home was built before the early 2000s, you may have some older or problematic piping systems, something to be aware of when you’re buying or selling.
Plumbing Maintenance Checklist
Maintaining a healthy plumbing system doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Use this guided checklist to stay on top of maintenance:
Monthly
- Run water in guest or unused bathrooms to prevent pipe corrosion and drain odors.
- Check under sinks and around toilets for signs of leaks.
- Clear hair and debris from the shower and tub drains.
- Look for slow drains and treat them with enzyme-based cleaners.
Quarterly
- Test all faucets and shutoff valves for smooth operation.
- Inspect visible pipes for corrosion or condensation.
- Examine washing machine hoses for bulging or cracks.
- Run water softener checks if applicable.
Annually
- Flush your water heater to remove sediment buildup.
- Inspect exterior hose bibs and repair any leaks.
- Snake or clean out main drain lines to prevent clogs.
- Get your sewer line scoped (especially in older homes or areas with tree roots).
- Check for moisture or discoloration on ceilings below bathrooms and kitchens.
- Winterize outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems before the first freeze.
Every 3–5 Years
- Replace washing machine hoses.
- Inspect and service sump pumps, if applicable.
- Have a professional plumber do a full system check-up.
The Hidden Risks of Older Homes
As we learned the hard way, plumbing issues don’t always show up during a standard inspection. While home inspectors do their best to catch red flags, they can’t see inside walls or under tile. In our case, hidden corrosion and poorly sealed joints revealed themselves only after extended use.
Home inspections typically include:
- Visual checks for water stains or mold
- Function tests on faucets, showers, and toilets
- Inspection of visible pipes and connections
- Assessment of the water heater and pressure regulator
However, they often don’t include sewer scope inspections, which can reveal tree root intrusion or collapsed pipes, or detailed testing of drain slopes. If you’re buying an older home, consider hiring a licensed plumber for an additional, specialized inspection.
Selling Your Home? What to Fix Before Listing
Buyers today are savvy and cautious, especially when it comes to plumbing. If you’re preparing to list your home, here are a few plumbing upgrades and checks that can help avoid costly surprises during escrow:
- Fix Leaky Faucets & Running Toilets: Small issues can give the impression of bigger problems.
- Inspect and Replace Old Hoses and Fixtures: Especially washing machine and dishwasher hoses.
- Have a Plumber Evaluate Older Piping Systems: Replace polybutylene or galvanized pipes if possible.
- Get a Sewer Line Scope: Provide peace of mind to buyers and prevent delays.
- Service or Replace Old Water Heaters: A proactive move that shows you’re serious about upkeep.
Also, don’t forget:
- Sprinkler System Checks: Leaks or inefficient spray heads can signal neglect.
- Backflow Preventers: Required in some areas, make sure yours are functioning.
- Drain Line Clean-Out: Especially before open houses or inspections.
Plumbing & Home Buying: Top Questions Answered
Be Proactive, Not Reactive
Why should I invest in a plumbing inspection before purchasing a home?
A plumbing inspection helps uncover leaks, damaged fittings, hidden corrosion, sewer issues, or an aging water heater, problems that can lead to costly repairs down the line. If leaks are uncovered during an inspection, not only should you ask for repairs, but you may also need to request a mold inspection.
What are the most critical things a plumber checks during a home inspection?
Licensed inspectors typically assess the water meter, visible pipes, water pressure, water heater age/function, toilets, faucets, drainage, and sewer line condition. Some inspectors may also use moisture readers to determine if there are any leaks behind walls.
What questions should home buyers ask during a home inspection?
Buyers should inquire why there are water stains, if present, low water pressure, or signs of past leaks. They’ll need to know the age of plumbing systems and whether issues are active, have been repaired, if there has been mold remediation, or if some stains are cosmetic. Is there evidence of past repairs, and if so, are those repairs noted on the disclosures forms?
What signs of concealed plumbing issues should I watch for?
Look for water stains on ceilings or walls, musty odors, condensation, or bubbling paint; these can hint at hidden leaks or damp behind surfaces. Recently painted areas should also raise questions.
How do I check for hidden leaks using the water meter?
Turn off all water use in the home; if the meter still moves, you’re likely dealing with a hidden leak that needs attention.
What water pressure is ideal, and how do I test it?
Good water pressure ranges between 40–60 psi. Use a gauge or test multiple faucets. If pressure is low or inconsistent, it may signal blockages or other issues
What should I check about the water heater?
Check its age (typically 10–15 year lifespan), signs of rust or leaks at the base or valves, proper safety settings (e.g. ~120 °F), and maintenance history like flushing or anode replacement.
What plumbing considerations apply if the home is new-construction?
For new builds, request seller warranties, ask for an independent home inspection with a home inspector who specializes in new builds, proof of code compliance, and builder follow-up support documentation
What should I look for under sinks, toilets, and around drains?
Look for moisture, stains, mold or mildew, corrosion around fixtures, slow-draining sinks, or signs of past leaks. Test shutoff valves to ensure they work properly.
How do I know if the sewer line might be clogged or damaged?
Slow drainage across multiple fixtures, gurgling noises, or backups may indicate sewer line issues. A professional camera inspection can verify blockages or root intrusion.
What if the home has an older plumbing system?
Ask about pipe material (e.g., lead or galvanized), potential corrosion, and whether fixtures have been updated. You may also want to test water quality for discoloration, sediment, or contaminants.
How often should plumbing be inspected in general?
For homeowners, a plumber recommends inspection every 1–2 years, especially if the property or systems are aging. Having regular inspections can identify small problems before they become larger, more expensive issues.
What should homebuyers ask their home inspector about the plumbing system?
Key questions include: What’s the condition of the water system overall? Are there active leaks? Does the inspector recommend any specialist follow‑up? Also ask about future maintenance requirements
What’s the best way to prevent frozen pipes?
If you’re in a cold climate, like we are here in Utah, insulate exposed lines, install frost‑free hose bibs, use inside shut‑offs, and allow faucets to drip during freezes to relieve pressure.
What’s the difference between cosmetic and structural issues in plumbing?
Minor drips or loose fittings are typically cosmetic and noted in reports so long as they haven’t resulted in mold; structural defects (e.g. active leaks, corroded stacks, failing sewer lines) are significant and may warrant repair before closing or negotiation of a reduction in price based off repair quotes.
Plumbing problems can quietly drain your budget and your sanity if you don’t stay ahead of them. Whether you’re living in your forever home or preparing to sell, regular maintenance, smart upgrades, and knowing your home’s plumbing history will go a long way in preventing problems before they start.
If you’re buying or selling a home in the Salt Lake City area and want referrals to trusted inspectors, plumbers, or renovation specialists, I’d be happy to help. We’ve been through the leaks, the mold, and the repairs. Now we help others navigate the process with eyes wide open.
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