Santa Monica homeowner plumbing checklist: spring, fall, before a trip

A little maintenance prevents most emergencies

Most plumbing emergencies we respond to trace back to something small that went unnoticed for a while. A short seasonal checklist, done a few times a year, catches most of these before they become urgent calls.

Spring checklist

• Check outdoor hose bibs and irrigation lines for winter wear or slow leaks now that you are using them more.
• Test your water heater's temperature and pressure relief valve by briefly lifting the test lever, if you are comfortable doing so, and watch for proper drainage.
• Look under every sink for early signs of moisture or corrosion on supply lines.
• Clear slow drains before summer guests and heavier household use begin.

Fall checklist

• Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses before any cold snaps, even mild ones by other-region standards, since Westside temperatures can still dip enough to stress exposed pipe.
• Check your water heater's age and condition ahead of heavier winter usage; this is a good time to plan a replacement if the unit is nearing the end of its typical 8 to 12 year lifespan.
• Have your sewer lateral camera-inspected if you have had any slow drains or backups over the past year, especially in homes with mature trees nearby.
• Test your water heater's shutoff valve to confirm it turns easily in case you need it in an emergency.

Before you travel

• Know where your main water shutoff is, and consider shutting it off for longer trips if no one will be checking the house.
• Ask a neighbor or house sitter to check for leaks periodically, and give them our number in case of an emergency while you are away.
• Set your water heater to vacation mode, if it has one, rather than fully off, to avoid a cold restart issue when you return.

Know your shutoffs year-round

Whatever the season, knowing your main shutoff and individual fixture shutoffs is the single best piece of preparation you can do, covered in detail in our shutoff guide. A few minutes of seasonal checking, twice a year, is a small investment that regularly saves Westside homeowners from a middle-of-the-night emergency call.

Need a hand? Harborline dispatch is 24/7 at (310) 555-0148.