Tyler Home Plumbing Calendar

January

Coldest month

0 of 3 done

Know where your main shut-off is and check it turns. See burst pipe steps.
Why it matters
A stuck valve wastes minutes in an emergency.
When to call a pro: Have a stuck or leaking valve replaced.
Keep foam covers on outdoor taps during cold snaps.
Why it matters
Hose bibs are the first to freeze.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Why it matters
Gas water heaters and furnaces run hardest now.

February

Freeze watch

0 of 3 done

When a hard freeze is forecast, open cabinets on outside walls and drip the far taps. See freeze prep.
Why it matters
Tyler hit −6°F in February 2021.
Check attic pipes for missing insulation.
Why it matters
Attics get as cold as outdoors.
Look under sinks for slow drips.
Why it matters
Small leaks rot cabinets over time.

March

Storm season begins

0 of 3 done

Clear gutters and downspouts so water drains away from the house.
Why it matters
Spring storms bring heavy rain.
Check the water heater area for dampness.
Run water in any rarely used bathroom.
Why it matters
It refills drain traps and keeps sewer gas out.

April

Spring

0 of 3 done

Turn on irrigation and check every zone for leaks.
Why it matters
Broken heads waste a lot of water.
Do the meter test for hidden leaks. See slab leak signs.
Clean faucet aerators.
Why it matters
It restores flow at the tap.

May

Heavy rain

0 of 3 done

After big storms, watch for slow drains or yard smells.
Why it matters
Saturated ground can show sewer or septic problems.
When to call a pro: A camera inspection finds the cause.
Check the washing machine hoses for bulges.
Note when the septic tank was last pumped.

June

Summer heat

0 of 3 done

Set the water heater around 120°F.
Why it matters
It saves energy and helps prevent scalds.
Check outdoor taps and hoses for drips.
Look for wet spots in the yard between the meter and house.
Why it matters
They can mean a service line leak.
When to call a pro: Have it located before the bill climbs.

July

Hot and humid

0 of 3 done

Check that the AC condensate line drains freely.
Why it matters
A blocked line can overflow into ceilings.
Keep grease out of the kitchen drain at summer cookouts.
Watch the water bill for jumps.

August

Late summer

0 of 3 done

Check under the house or in the attic for any wet insulation.
Test the toilet tanks with food coloring.
Why it matters
Silent leaks add up.
Plan any repiping or remodel work for fall.

September

Early fall

0 of 3 done

Flush the water heater to clear sediment. See water heaters.
Why it matters
Sediment shortens tank life.
When to call a pro: Ask a plumber if the drain valve is stiff.
Have gas appliances checked before heating season.
Check the T&P valve discharge pipe isn't blocked.

October

Fall

0 of 3 done

Buy foam covers for outdoor taps before the first cold night.
Wrap exposed pipes in the garage and attic.
Clean leaves from gutters and yard drains.

November

Holiday cooking

0 of 3 done

Wipe grease and food scraps into the trash, not the sink.
Why it matters
Holiday meals cause many clogs.
Run the disposal with cold water.
Disconnect garden hoses before freezing nights.

December

Early winter

0 of 3 done

Before a trip, shut off the main water.
Why it matters
An empty house can't flood.
Know how to drain the lines if the power goes out in a freeze.
Plan next year's plumbing upgrades.

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

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