Proactive Plumbing Maintenance You Can Do in an Hour: Stop Floods, Extend Equipment Life, and Avoid Costly Repairs

A heavy rain pounds your neighborhood, you head to the basement, and your sump pit is rising fast. The pump is silent. That sinking feeling is what we want you to avoid.

At Carlong Plumbing, we believe a few simple, once-a-year checks can prevent the most common home plumbing emergencies. Drawing from the field experience of our team, including Pete and Jamie, here is a homeowner-friendly maintenance checklist that keeps your system running and your home protected.

Why Preventive Plumbing Matters

Prevent basement flooding and water damage
Extend the life of your water heater and valves
Catch issues early, before they become emergencies
Gain peace of mind before storms and freezing temps

Your Annual Plumbing Checklist

1) Test Your Sump Pump in Minutes

A quick water test confirms your pump and float switch are ready for the next storm.

How to test:

Fill a bucket or two with water.
Pour into the sump pit until the float lifts.
Watch for the pump to turn on, lower the water, and turn off.

What good looks like:

The pump kicks on when water rises past the float.
Water level drops quickly.
The pump shuts off once the pit is drained.

Call us if:

The pump does not turn on as the pit fills.
Water rises over the pump without activation.
The pump runs but does not lower the water.

Tip: Do this at least once a year, and especially before rainy seasons.

2) Flush Your Water Heater to Reduce Sediment

Sediment build-up makes heaters work harder and fail sooner. We recommend a yearly flush.

For tank-style heaters:

Connect a hose to the drain valve and direct it to a safe drain.
Open the valve to flush sediment until water runs clear.
Follow your manufacturer’s instructions for your model.

For tankless water heaters:

A yearly flush is also recommended, though the process differs.
Clean or replace the air inlet filter as needed.
Check any inlet screens or filters.
Look up your specific brand and model to locate flush ports and filter access.

If you hear rumbling, notice inconsistent hot water, or see signs of rust or leaks, schedule service.

3) Winterize Exterior Hose Bibs in Cold Climates

Frozen hose bibs can burst and cause hidden water damage.

Do this each fall:

Turn off the interior shutoff valve that feeds the outdoor faucet.
Open the exterior hose bib to drain water.
Disconnect hoses and leave the bib open so any remaining water can escape.

4) Exercise Every Shutoff Valve Once a Year

Valves that never move tend to seize or dry out right when you need them.

How to exercise valves:

Turn each valve fully closed, then fully open.
Sinks, toilets, water heater, main shutoff, appliance shutoffs, and exterior bib feed.

Stop and call us if:

A valve is stuck or will not budge.
You see drips, corrosion, or a valve that will not seal.
The handle turns but does not shut off water.

If you come across a stuck valve, do not force it. We can replace problem valves so they work when it counts.

Key Takeaways From Pete and Jamie

Test your sump pump with a bucket test once a year to prevent surprise flooding.
Flush tank and tankless water heaters annually to reduce sediment and improve performance.
Winterize hose bibs in cold climates by shutting off inside, opening outside, and draining.
Exercise shutoff valves yearly so they are ready in an emergency.
When in doubt, check your manufacturer guide or a short how-to video for your exact model.

When to Call Carlong Plumbing

We are here when a quick check reveals a bigger issue:

Sump pump fails the bucket test or cycles abnormally
Water heater shows heavy sediment, leaks, or inconsistent hot water
Shutoff valves are stuck, leaking, or corroded
You prefer a professional annual service for peace of mind

Call Carlong Plumbing at 216-463-2463 and we will get you taken care of.

Make Maintenance Easy With Carlong Plumbing

A little attention now prevents emergencies later. If you want expert help with a sump pump test, water heater flushing, hose bib winterization, or valve replacements, schedule a visit with our team. Pete, Jamie, and everyone at Carlong Plumbing are ready to help you protect your home and keep your plumbing performing at its best.

Call 216-463-2463 to book service or ask a question today.