Plumbing Maintenance Checklist — Durham, North Carolina

Look for moisture, water stains, or mold under kitchen and bathroom sinks. Tighten connections if dripping.

Attach a pressure gauge to a hose bib. Normal is 40-60 PSI. Above 80 PSI can damage pipes, appliances, and fixtures — install a pressure-reducing valve if needed.

Attach a hose to the drain valve and flush until water runs clear. Removes sediment that reduces efficiency and shortens tank life.

Add food coloring to the tank. If color appears in the bowl without flushing, the flapper needs replacing. A leaky toilet can waste over 200 gallons per day.

Unscrew faucet aerators and soak in vinegar to remove mineral buildup. Improves water flow.

Inspect for bulges, cracks, or leaks. Replace rubber hoses with braided stainless steel every 5 years. Burst washing machine hoses are one of the top causes of residential water damage.

Know where your main shut-off valve is and test that it turns. A stuck valve during an emergency means a flooded house and thousands in damage.

Check for green or white deposits on copper pipes, rust on galvanized. These indicate future leak points.