Annual plumbing maintenance is the calendar reminder you ignore until something breaks. Then you wish you had not ignored it. Here is what actually needs checking once a year in NWA homes. Part of our complete Plumbing Maintenance & Prevention.
Want pro maintenance? Bearnwa does annual inspections. 479-321-1313.
Spring Plumbing Maintenance
Check outdoor hose bibs after winter. Turn on slowly, watch for leaks. Frozen damage shows up when water turns back on. See spring plumbing checklist. Test sump pump if you have one. Pour water in pit, pump should activate. Spring rains coming. Pump needs to work. Inspect exposed pipes in crawl space and basement. Look for moisture, corrosion, leaks. Catch small leaks before they become big problems.
Fall Plumbing Prep
This is the important one for NWA. Winterize outdoor faucets. Disconnect hoses, shut off interior valves, drain lines. See fall plumbing checklist before Arkansas winter. Insulate vulnerable pipes. Exterior walls, crawl spaces, unheated areas. See best pipe insulation for Arkansas winters. Service water heater. Flush sediment, check anode rod, test pressure relief valve. See water heater maintenance.
Monthly Habits
Small regular care prevents emergency repairs. See monthly plumbing habits that prevent big repairs. Run water in unused drains. Guest bathroom, basement sink, laundry room. Keeps traps filled, prevents sewer gas. Pour hot water down drains weekly. Kitchen especially. Melts grease before it builds up. See what grease does to drains. Check under sinks for leaks. Quick look every few weeks. Catch small drips before they rot cabinets.
Water Heater Maintenance Schedule
Annual flushing. Drains sediment that reduces efficiency and lifespan. Every 3-5 years check anode rod. This sacrificial rod corrodes instead of the tank. Replace when mostly consumed. See what the anode rod does. Check temperature setting annually. 120°F optimal for most homes. See temperature settings guide.
When to Call for Maintenance
Do not want to do it yourself. Annual pro inspection costs $150-$300. Catches issues you would miss. Planning to sell soon. Pre-listing plumbing inspection identifies problems buyers will find anyway. Old house with old plumbing. Professional eyes on aging systems prevent surprises.
📞 Call 479-321-1313 for annual maintenance. The boring stuff that keeps plumbing working.