Plumbing is one of those “out of sight, out of mind” sort of things—until something goes wrong. A little preventative care can save you/your HOA thousands of dollars. It is important to focus on key tasks like inspections, finding leaks early, clearing drains, and checking water pressure. Think of it as a yearly visit to your doctor. 
 
Plumbing Preventive Maintenance
 
Preventative maintenance isn’t just about avoiding emergencies—it’s about protecting property values, keeping residents comfortable, and ensuring budgets are spent wisely.
 When it comes to home care, plumbing often gets attention only when something goes wrong — a leaky faucet, a clogged drain, or worse, a burst pipe. But with a little preventive maintenance, you can avoid costly repairs, extend the life of your plumbing system, and keep your home running smoothly.
 
Why Preventive Plumbing Maintenance Matters
 
Your plumbing system is like the circulatory system of your home — it keeps water flowing where it’s needed and carries waste away. Unaddressed issues can lead to:

• Unexpected expenses from emergency repairs
• Water damage that can ruin floors, walls, and furniture
• Higher utility bills due to leaks and inefficiency

A proactive approach saves money and ensures your home stays comfortable year-round.
 
Essential Preventive Plumbing Tips

1. Check for Leaks Regularly

Inspect under sinks, around toilets, and near water heaters. Even a small drip can waste gallons of water over time.

1. Clean Drains Before They Clog

Use drain strainers to catch hair and debris. Avoid pouring grease or coffee grounds down the sink.

1. Test Water Pressure

High water pressure can strain pipes and fixtures. Use a pressure gauge

1. Flush Your Water Heater

Sediment buildup reduces efficiency and shortens lifespan. Flushing once a year helps maintain performance.

1. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Especially in colder months, insulation prevents freezing and bursting.

1. Know Your Main Shut-Off Valve

In case of a major leak, shutting off water quickly can prevent thousands in damage.
 
Seasonal Plumbing Checklist

• Spring: Check outdoor faucets and irrigation systems for winter damage.
• Summer: Inspect washing machine hoses for cracks or bulges.
• Fall: Drain and store garden hoses; shut off outdoor water supply.
• Winter: Keep cabinet doors open under sinks to allow warm air circulation.

 
Preventive plumbing maintenance is an investment in your home’s comfort and safety. A few simple habits each season can help you avoid costly repairs and keep your water system running smoothly for years to come.

Tawni Golden, Work Order Specialist

The Coronavirus is changing everything. You should be social distancing, wearing mask & gloves when out in public. But what is your association doing? This virus is changing our industry, possibly for the better. These are 5 steps that your HOA should be taking to protect you. 

1. Video Meetings - Most associations are holding video conferencing. Because homeowners have a right to attend all Board meetings you should be permitted to attend via video conferencing. This is causing the attendance to soar and keeping homeowners informed. 
2. Cleaning Common Areas - All common areas should be disinfected. Hallways, clubhouses, laundry rooms, common bathrooms, etc... should be cleaned and disinfected regularly. 
3. Closing Facilities - Gyms, pools, saunas and the like should be closed during this outbreak & sanitized thoroughly prior to opening. 
4. Sanitizer - It may not be an option at this time, but once this is over the association could purchase sanitizer stations to be used for meetings or gatherings. 
5. Postpone Events - Limiting the social events during this time is imperative to making sure your keeping all of the homeowners safe and may be one way for the association to cut back on cost in preparation for possible increase in delinquencies.