🛠️ Plumbing Maintenance Checklist for Cambridge Homeowners

🏡 Why Plumbing Maintenance Matters

Let’s be honest: most homeowners don’t think about their plumbing system—until something goes wrong. But in Cambridge, with our hard water, seasonal temperature swings, and aging infrastructure, it’s especially important to stay ahead of issues before they become expensive emergencies.



This guide walks you through a simple, effective plumbing maintenance checklist, broken down by season. These steps will help extend the life of your plumbing system, reduce water waste, and avoid costly repairs.

✅ Year-Round Maintenance Musts

These should be done every few months, no matter the season:

1. 🔍 Check for Leaks

Look under sinks, behind toilets, and around appliances for signs of drips, dampness, or water stains.

2. 💧 Test Water Pressure

Low water pressure may signal mineral buildup, a hidden leak, or a failing pressure regulator.

3. 🚽 Inspect Toilets

Add food colouring to the tank and wait 15 minutes (without flushing). If colour appears in the bowl, you’ve got a slow leak wasting water.

4. 🚿 Clean Showerheads & Aerators

Soak them in vinegar to remove mineral deposits caused by hard water.

5. 🚰 Listen for Odd Noises

Banging pipes or gurgling drains may indicate air in the lines, clogs, or pressure issues.

❄️ Winter Maintenance in Cambridge

1. 🧊 Insulate Exposed Pipes

Wrap pipes in basements, crawl spaces, or near exterior walls with foam insulation to prevent freezing.

2. 🔥 Keep Heat Consistent

Don’t let indoor temps fall below 15°C, even if you’re away.

3. 🚪 Open Cabinet Doors

Allow warm air to circulate around pipes under sinks, especially on cold nights.

4. 🧯 Shut Off Outdoor Faucets

Drain hose bibs and shut off their valves to avoid bursts.

5. 💧 Let Faucets Drip in Deep Freezes

A slow trickle keeps water moving and relieves pressure if a pipe starts to freeze.

🌸 Spring Plumbing Checklist

Spring in Cambridge means melting snow, heavy rain, and shifting ground—watch out for flooding and slow drains.

1. ⚠️ Test Your Sump Pump

Pour water into the pit to make sure it activates and drains properly. Don’t wait for a flood to find out it’s not working.

2. 🧼 Clean Floor Drains

Remove debris and test floor drains in laundry rooms or basements.

3. 🪛 Check Exterior Spigots

Turn them back on and inspect for cracks caused by freezing.

4. 🌧 Check Downspouts & Gutters

Make sure water flows away from your foundation to avoid basement seepage.

5. 🧯 Schedule a Water Heater Flush

Sediment from hard water can reduce efficiency and lifespan—flush it or let us handle it.

☀️ Summer Plumbing Tips

Warm weather makes it easier to tackle plumbing projects—plus, water use tends to rise in summer.

1. 🚿 Inspect Outdoor Faucets & Hoses

Replace leaky hoses and check for moisture around hose bibs that may indicate slow leaks.

2. 🛠 Check for Toilet Wobble

Tighten bolts if your toilet rocks—this can prevent seal leaks and future repairs.

3. 💧 Watch for Foundation Leaks

Dry soil in summer can shift and crack your foundation, affecting water lines.

4. 🚰 Avoid Clogs

With more guests and yard use, watch what goes down your kitchen and bathroom drains.

🍂 Fall Maintenance Tips

Fall is your last chance to prep for winter—don’t skip these!

1. 🚿 Disconnect Hoses

Drain and store them—leaving them attached can cause pipe bursts in winter.

2. 🔧 Shut Off Outdoor Water

Locate and turn off the shut-off valves for exterior faucets.

3. 🔋 Test Backup Sump Pump Power

If you have a battery-powered backup, test and replace batteries if needed.

4. 💦 Schedule a Pre-Winter Inspection

Reliant Plumbing can help winterize exposed plumbing, test systems, and make sure you’re ready.

🧰 Bonus: Appliances That Need Love Too

• Washing Machine: Check hoses for bulges or leaks every 6 months.
• Dishwasher: Clean filter and run a vinegar cycle monthly.
• Water Softener: Refill salt and check for salt bridges regularly.
• Hot Water Heater: Flush annually to prevent scale buildup and extend life.

🔧 Why Call Reliant Plumbing?

We offer:

• Annual and seasonal plumbing inspections
• Pipe insulation and winter prep
• Water heater flushing and maintenance
• Sump pump testing and backup installation
• Leak detection and repair

Our local team knows the challenges Cambridge homes face—from century-old pipes in Galt to high-pressure issues in newer builds.

✅ Final Thoughts

Plumbing doesn’t have to be a mystery. With a little seasonal maintenance—and help from your trusted local plumber—you can avoid costly emergencies, protect your investment, and enjoy peace of mind year-round.

Ready to book your seasonal plumbing checkup? Give us a call today.



📍 Serving Galt • Hespeler • Preston • Cambridge • Kitchener • Waterloo
📞 519-778-3828
🌐 www.reliantplumbing.ca