100 Ways to Keep Your Plumbing Maintenance Down at Home

Save Money. Avoid Hassles. Keep the Water Flowing.

Plumbing issues can creep up fast—drips, blockages, weird smells, or that classic “why is the water brown?” moment. The good news? Most plumbing disasters can be avoided with some simple habits, regular checks, and a bit of common sense.

Here are 100 ways to keep your plumbing maintenance low, your bills under control, and your house dry.

🚿 In the Bathroom

1. Don’t flush anything but toilet paper

2. Use a drain screen in showers

3. Clean hair out of drains weekly

4. Don’t ignore slow-draining sinks

5. Replace dodgy toilet flappers early

6. Check for leaks around the base of the toilet

7. Use a plunger properly—don’t jab

8. Avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners

9. Keep an eye on mould—it could mean a leak

10. Wipe toothpaste blobs down the sink, not into it

11. Don’t leave shampoo bottles open in the shower

12. Teach kids what NOT to flush

13. Reseal bath edges before mould sets in

14. Fix that dripping tap—it adds up

15. Don’t store wet items under the bathroom sink

16. Avoid over-tightening taps

17. Use eco shower heads to reduce water pressure

18. Watch for soft or swollen bathroom walls

19. Keep an eye on water pressure—too high is bad

20. Check tiles and grout for cracks—water gets behind

🧼 In the Laundry

21. Clean out your washing machine filter

22. Don’t overload the machine

23. Use the right detergent—too much causes build-up

24. Replace rubber hoses with stainless steel ones

25. Don’t ignore small drips behind the machine

26. Make sure your laundry tub isn’t draining slowly

27. Avoid pouring mop water down the laundry sink

28. Anchor hoses properly to stop vibrations

29. Clean the tap connections every few months

30. Check for floor leaks during spin cycles

31. Don’t block air vents around appliances

32. Install a drain trap on your laundry sink

33. Wipe out lint from around the machine

34. Test washing machine taps for stiffness

35. Look under your laundry trough for signs of leaks

🍽️ In the Kitchen

36. Don’t pour fat or grease down the sink

37. Wipe off plates before rinsing

38. Use a sink strainer

39. Run cold water during garbage disposal use

40. Avoid putting eggshells, coffee grounds, or rice in the drain

41. Rinse food waste in the bin, not the sink

42. Flush the kitchen drain monthly with hot water

43. Check under the sink for dampness

44. Look out for water stains on cabinetry

45. Tighten any loose sink fittings

46. Don’t leave dishcloths soaking in the sink

47. Use vinegar and baking soda for light blockages

48. Run your dishwasher with vinegar occasionally

49. Don’t slam cupboards near pipes

50. Turn off dishwasher water supply when away

51. Know where the isolation valve is

52. Keep an eye out for warped timber floors

53. Check under fridge if connected to water

🏡 Around the House

54. Know where your main shut-off valve is

55. Check meter for unexpected water usage

56. Keep plumbing invoices for future reference

57. Don’t hang things from exposed pipes

58. Insulate pipes in cold climates

59. Avoid DIY plumbing unless you know what you’re doing

60. Keep plumbing access areas clear

61. Make sure external taps are drip-free

62. Fit tap timers to garden taps

63. Install backflow preventers if required

64. Schedule an annual plumbing inspection

65. Use leak detectors or smart monitors

66. Turn off water to vacant properties

67. Don’t plant trees near underground pipes

68. Keep drains free of leaves and dirt

69. Fix minor leaks before they become big ones

70. Use Teflon tape properly on threaded connections

71. Check your hot water system annually

72. Don’t store chemicals near plumbing

73. Listen for water hammer noises

74. Never ignore damp patches on walls

75. Clean gutters—overflowing ones flood back in

🚰 Hot Water System Tips

76. Flush your HWS once a year

77. Check for rust stains around base

78. Listen for strange popping or rumbling

79. Insulate external pipes

80. Replace sacrificial anode every 3–5 years

81. Don’t ignore a loss of pressure

82. Look out for leaks around fittings

83. Get it serviced before winter

84. Know the age of your tank

85. Keep the area around it clear

86. Watch for discoloured water

87. Don’t crank the temp above 60°C

88. Replace the tempering valve if water gets too hot

🛠️ When in Doubt

89. If you smell gas—don’t risk it

90. If water’s gushing, shut off main

91. Don’t wait on rising water bills

92. Use a licensed plumber—always

93. Take photos of plumbing before renos

94. Be proactive, not reactive

95. Get insurance that includes plumbing

96. Ask your plumber questions—they’re there to help

97. Use proper plumbing fittings (not random washers)

98. Don’t ignore water running sounds in the walls

99. Regularly walk around and look for signs of leaks

100. Trust your gut—if something feels off, check it

     
     

Plumbing doesn’t have to be expensive—but ignoring it often is. A bit of attention, some smart habits, and calling the right tradie when needed can keep your home dry, functional, and stress-free for years to come.

Need a trusted local plumber to do a quick check or fix a small issue before it becomes a big one? Give us a call—we’re happy to help.