Plumbing Maintenance Checklist for Maryland Homes on Delmarva

Last January, I had one of those “everything is fine, until it isn’t” mornings.

Coffee in hand, I heard a faint tick under the kitchen sink. No puddle. No drama. Just a slow drip that had been there long enough to feel normal. That is how most plumbing problems start: quiet, small, and easy to ignore until they become expensive.

Set aside one hour once a year and do this walkthrough. If you live on the Delmarva Peninsula, pay extra attention after heavy rain and during coastal weather swings. Wet soils, high water tables, and coastal air can make slow drains, sump activity, and corrosion more common.

 

What you need

 

  • Flashlight
  • Paper towel
  • Water pressure gauge (screws onto an outdoor spigot)
  • Food coloring
  • Phone camera (quick photos help year to year)

1) Quick leak scan (10 minutes)

 

Check under every sink, around toilets, behind the washing machine, around the water heater, and any exposed pipes in the basement or crawlspace. Touch shut-offs and fittings with a dry paper towel. Damp towel equals active moisture. Take a photo and note the location.

Toilet dye test: add a few drops of food coloring to the tank. Do not flush. Wait 10 to 15 minutes. If color appears in the bowl, the flapper likely leaks.

EPA notes a dripping faucet can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year: Fix a Leak Week (EPA WaterSense)

 

2) Drain and fixture check (watch for slow drains)

 

Run hot and cold water at each sink, tub, and shower. Look for sluggish flow, gurgling, or water lingering in the basin. If the same drain slows repeatedly, treat it as an early warning. A simple hot-water flush may help minor buildup, but recurring slow drains usually need proper cleaning.

If you want a fast path to the right solution, review
sewer and drain service.

After storms on Delmarva, walk outside. If you see standing water that lingers near the foundation or near your septic area, make a note. Saturated soil can change how drains and septic behave for a day or two.

3) Water pressure check (5 minutes)

 

Screw a pressure gauge onto an outdoor spigot and open the valve fully. High pressure wears out hoses, valves, and appliance lines faster. Low pressure can signal a partly closed valve, clogged aerators, or a developing issue. If you are on well water, sudden pressure changes can also relate to filters or the pump system. If the change is new and persistent, get it checked.

4) Shut-off valves (5 minutes)

 

Find the main shut-off and confirm it turns. Then test the fixture shut-offs under sinks and behind toilets. A stuck valve turns a small leak into a stressful situation.

If you are not sure where yours is, use this guide: how to locate your water shut-off valve

5) Water heater scan (5 minutes)

 

Look for rust near the base, moisture at fittings, or drips near the discharge line. Unusual popping or crackling can hint at sediment.

For help with repair or replacement, see water heater service.

 

6) Appliance supply lines (10 minutes)

 

Check washing machine hoses first. Look for bulges, cracks, fraying, dampness, or corrosion at the fittings. Replace worn hoses before they fail. Then check the dishwasher supply under the sink and the refrigerator ice maker line behind the unit.

Delmarva corrosion note: if you are near bayside air, inspect outdoor spigots and exposed metal fittings more closely. Coastal air can speed up corrosion.

If you have septic

 

If your home is on septic, keep a simple pumping and inspection record. EPA guidance is to inspect every 1 to 3 years and pump every 3 to 5 years in general, depending on tank size and household use: EPA septic system FAQ

If you need pumping or inspections locally, start here: septic service

Plumbing tips to prevent expensive repairs

  • Fix drips promptly.
  • Replace worn supply lines, especially at the washer.
  • Confirm you can shut off water quickly.
  • Do not pour grease down drains.
  • After major storms, check basements, crawlspaces, and the yard for dampness or standing water.

When to call a plumber

 

Call if you have recurring clogs, sewage odors, gurgling drains, active leaks, ceiling stains, or a water heater leak.

Schedule service here: plumbing service

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