Greater Victoria Home Plumbing Calendar

January

Coldest month

0 of 3 done

Know where your main shut-off is and check it turns. See burst pipe first steps.
Why it matters
A stuck valve costs minutes in an emergency.
When to get a pro: Have a seized valve replaced.
Keep crawl space vents closed during freezing spells.
Why it matters
Cold air there freezes pipes first.
Check sump pumps are running during heavy rain.

February

Late winter

0 of 3 done

Check outdoor taps and lines after any frost. See cold snaps.
Why it matters
Splits show up as they thaw.
Look at the hot water tank for rust or drips.
Why it matters
A leaking tank needs replacing.
When to get a pro: Gas tanks need a certified gasfitter.
Test toilets for silent leaks with food colouring.

March

Spring rain

0 of 3 done

Watch basement walls for damp after big rains.
Why it matters
A sign of perimeter drain trouble.
Clean tap aerators and shower heads.
Pour water down basement floor drains.
Why it matters
Keeps the trap from drying out.

April

Spring

0 of 3 done

Reconnect hoses and check outdoor taps for leaks.
Why it matters
A tap that split in winter leaks inside the wall.
Check irrigation backflow devices before turning sprinklers on.
Read the water meter with everything off.
Why it matters
Finds hidden leaks.

May

Getting dry

0 of 3 done

Look under sinks and behind the dishwasher for drips.
Check washing machine hoses for bulges.
Why it matters
Burst hoses cause big floods.
Book planned renovation plumbing.

June

Dry season

0 of 3 done

Water gardens early or late.
Why it matters
Victoria summers are dry.
Note any slow drains to fix before fall.
Check the hot water tank relief valve line for drips.

July

Summer

0 of 3 done

Keep cooking grease out of drains.
Why it matters
Barbecue grease clogs pipes.
Watch for very green or soggy strips over the sewer line.
Why it matters
Can mean a leak or break.
Check the age of your hot water tank. See how old is my tank.

August

Late summer

0 of 3 done

Book a sewer camera inspection if drains have been slow.
Why it matters
Find roots before the rains.
Look for Poly-B if your home is from the mid-1980s to late 1990s. See do I have Poly-B.
Check toilets for leaks.

September

Before the rains

0 of 3 done

Test the sump pump by pouring water into the pit.
Why it matters
Rainy season is coming.
Clean gutters and check downspouts carry water away.
Have gas appliances serviced.
Why it matters
When to get a pro: Gas work needs a certified gasfitter.

October

Rain returns

0 of 3 done

Disconnect garden hoses.
Shut off and drain outdoor taps with inside valves.
Insulate pipes in crawl spaces and garages.

November

Wet season

0 of 3 done

Watch for water in the basement after storms.
Keep crawl space vents ready to close.
Keep fats out of drains during holiday cooking.

December

Frost watch

0 of 3 done

On frosty nights, open sink cabinets on outside walls.
Keep the heat on if you travel.
Never thaw a pipe 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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