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Kingston Home Plumbing Calendar

A month-by-month plumbing checklist for Kingston homes and rentals, written for cold, windy winters by Lake Ontario and a busy September move-in season.

Print it, bookmark it or share it with new neighbours, all are welcome to link to this page.

Kingston Home Plumbing Calendar — Kingston Plumbing Experts · https://kingstonplumbingexperts.com/plumbing-maintenance-calendar

January

Coldest weeks

0 of 3 done

On windy nights, open cabinets under sinks on outside walls. See windy-winter pipes.
Why it matters
Lake wind cools pipes in drafty walls.
Check the basement rim joist for drafts near pipes.
Keep side-wall appliance vents clear of snow.

February

Deep cold

0 of 3 done

Test the main shut-off. See find and test your shut-off.
Why it matters
A stuck valve is no use in an emergency.
When to call a pro: Have a stiff valve replaced.
Look for frost on pipes near stone foundation walls.
Check empty rental units regularly.

March

Thaw

0 of 3 done

Test the sump pump with a pail of water.
Why it matters
Snowmelt raises groundwater.
Clear snow and ice away from the foundation.
Pour water into dry floor drains.

April

Spring

0 of 3 done

Turn outdoor taps back on and check the basement for leaks.
Why it matters
Winter splits show up now.
Test private well water for bacteria.
Why it matters
Spring runoff can affect wells.
Descale shower heads and aerators. See hard water.

May

Cottage season

0 of 3 done

Open up cottage and island water systems and check every line.
Do a meter test for hidden leaks.
Check washing machine hoses.

June

Summer

0 of 3 done

Check sump pump backup batteries before storm season.
Clean faucet aerators.
Look under sinks for slow drips.

July

Summer

0 of 3 done

Keep grease out of the drain at barbecues.
Check outdoor taps and hoses for drips.
Plan rental turnover work for August.

August

Move-in season

0 of 3 done

Run the landlord turnover check. See landlord checklist.
Why it matters
Most leases turn over around September.
Fit drain screens in every shower.
Label the main shut-off for new tenants.

September

Early fall

0 of 3 done

Flush an owned water heater to clear scale.
Why it matters
Hard water builds scale in tanks.
When to call a pro: Rented tanks: ask the rental company.
Have gas appliances serviced by a TSSA-registered contractor.
Check the water heater's age on its label.

October

Winterize

0 of 3 done

Disconnect hoses and drain outdoor taps.
Close cottage and seasonal water lines before freeze-up.
Seal drafts where pipes pass through outside walls.

November

Before winter

0 of 3 done

Insulate exposed pipes in crawl spaces and porches.
Make sure everyone knows where the main shut-off is.
Keep a hair dryer ready for thawing pipes.
Why it matters
Never use an open flame.

December

Holidays

0 of 3 done

Before the winter break, keep heat on in empty rentals.
Why it matters
Empty houses suffer the worst freezes.
For long absences, shut off the main and drain the lines.
Plan next year's plumbing upgrades.

This calendar is general guidance. Never thaw pipes with an open flame, turn off the power or gas before touching a water heater, and leave gas work to TSSA-registered contractors.

Print it, bookmark it or share it with new neighbours, all are welcome to link to this page.

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