How to Maintain Home Plumbing Systems

A healthy home starts with healthy plumbing. For Canadian homeowners, that means doing a little routine care to prevent leaks, clogs, frozen pipes and surprise repair bills — especially with our long winters and hard-water areas across the country. The good news is that many essentials are simple and safe to do yourself. While bigger jobs are best left to licensed pros, a basic DIY routine can extend your system’s life, reduce water waste and help you catch problems early — before they turn into expensive headaches.

1. Assemble Plumbing Essentials 

A small toolkit makes routine fixes faster and safer. We recommend having these items on hand in case of a plumbing emergency: 

• Plungers (one for sinks, one for toilets) 
• An adjustable wrench 
• Plumber’s tape 
• A flashlight or headlamp 
• A bucket and rags 
• Gloves 

Other items that might be nice to have include: 

• A plastic drain snake 
• Hex/Allen keys for faucet handles 
• Spare flappers/washers 
• A utility knife 
• Non-contact voltage checker if you’re near electric components 

Store the smaller items in a waterproof tote in a place that’s easy to reach so you can quickly grab it during an emergency. Label shut-offs and keep you water utility number, a trusted plumber’s contact and appliance manuals together — when a drip turns urgent, minutes matter. 

2. Find and Test Your Main Water Shut-Off 

Before any DIY plumbing, know how to stop the water first. Locate your main shut-off valve, typically where the water line enters your home (near the foundation wall, mechanical room or water meter). Turn it clockwise to confirm it closes fully, then reopen and check for leaks. 

Do the same with key fixture valves under sinks and behind toilets, so you’re not scrambling during a leak. If a valve is stuck, don’t force it. Gently work it back and forth or call a pro to replace corroded or gate‑style valves with reliable quarter‑turn ball valves. 

3. Use a Mesh Strainer in Your Drains

A few small habits keep your drains clear and fixtures running smoothly. Start with mesh strainers on kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks and tub/shower drains. These catch hair, food particles and soap scum before they build into clogs, but oils and residues still slip through. Empty them into the garbage daily (or after each use in high‑traffic bathrooms) and give them a quick rinse to prevent odours and biofilm. 

Also, avoid using harsh chemical drain cleaners when a clog does happen: they are harmful to the environment and your pipes. Instead, try pouring one cup of baking soda into your drain followed by one cup of vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes and then flush out with boiling water. This natural remedy is effective and gentler on your pipes. 

4. Be Strict About What Goes Down the Drain

Grease, fats and oils solidify in pipes and can cause stubborn blockages. Let them cool, then wipe pans with a paper towel and dispose of them in the trash. Coffee grounds, fibrous foods (like celery and onion skins) and eggshells belong in the green bin or garbage, not the sink.  

In bathrooms,  items like “flushable” wipes, cotton pads, dental floss and feminine products don’t break down and can snag in bends or your main line, leading to costly backups. 

5. Check for Potential Clogs or Leaks Regularly

Build quick visual checks into your routine. After showers, look for slow drainage or standing water around the drain, which could be an early sign of hair buildup.  

After laundry cycles, scan behind the washer and at the hose connections for moisture or bulges in the hoses; catch‑basins or drip pans can also help you spot leaks. 

Do a weekly walk‑through to look under kitchen and bathroom sinks to feel for dampness on supply lines and P‑traps and listen for running toilets or intermittent refills (“ghost flushing”). These 60‑second checks help you catch small issues before they become mould, drywall damage or weekend emergencies. 

6. Install Low Flow, Water Efficient Toilets, Faucets and Shower Heads 

Upgrading a few fixtures can cut water use and often improve performance. 

Start with faucet aerators: swapping old ones for low‑flow models (typically 1.5gpm or less) takes minutes and usually just needs an adjustable wrench and a bit of plumber’s tape. 

In kitchens, choose a dual‑mode aerator so you can toggle between a focused spray for rinsing and a gentler stream for filling. 

For showerheads, look for WaterSense‑labelled models (≤1.8gpm) that use pressure‑compensating technology; they maintain a steady, comfortable spray even when household pressure varies. Many include pause buttons or multiple spray patterns to balance comfort and savings. 

Consider a low-flow toilet if yours is older (pre‑2000 units can use 13–20L per flush). Modern high‑efficiency toilets (HETs) use 4.8L/flush or less, with dual‑flush models offering even lower volumes for liquid waste. Choose a reputable brand with strong MaP (Maximum Performance) test scores — 1,000 grams or higher indicates reliable bulk removal. For cold‑climate homes, insulating toilet tanks can reduce condensation on humid days, protecting floors from moisture. If a full replacement isn’t in the cards, ensure the existing toilet is tuned: replace worn flappers, adjust fill levels and avoid in‑tank cleaners that degrade rubber parts and can void warranties. 

7. Know When to Call a Plumbing Professional 

A smart DIY routine can prevent many plumbing problems — but knowing when to stop and call a professional protects your home, wallet, and safety. When in doubt, shut off the water, stabilize the situation and bring in a pro — quick action can turn a potential disaster into a simple fix. 

Here’s a short list of our stop-and-call-a-pro thresholds: 

• No water, severe drop in pressure, or pressure >80 psi. 

• Main-line or repeated whole‑house clogs; sewage smells or backups. 

• Persistent leaks, active dripping from ceilings/walls or corroded main shut‑off. 

• Gas or power issues with the water heater, brown/rusty hot water or T&P valve won’t reset. 

• Frozen pipes you can’t safely thaw or any burst pipe. 

• Work requiring permits, soldering near combustibles or opening walls/finished ceilings. 

Caring for your home’s plumbing doesn’t require specialized skills — just consistent habits, a few basic tools and the judgment to call a pro when it counts. With a simple routine and a clear plan for emergencies, you can keep your plumbing reliable year‑round and avoid costly surprises. 

If you’ve tried these DIY tips and are still experiencing issues, contact Enercare to have your plumbing system inspected by one of our experts. Also, consider getting a plumbing and drain protection plan if your drains and pipes frequently clog and need repair.