Lakewood, WA residents enjoy all four seasons—from rainy springs to frosty winters—but each brings its own challenges for your home’s plumbing system. Staying on top of seasonal plumbing maintenance can help you prevent costly water damage, extend the life of your fixtures, and keep your home running smoothly year-round.
Here’s a season-by-season checklist to keep your plumbing in peak condition, tailored specifically for homes in Lakewood.
🌷 Spring Plumbing Checklist
As the ground thaws and rainfall increases, it’s time to recover from winter wear and prepare for wetter months.
✅ Inspect for Leaks
- Check under sinks, around toilets, and outdoor spigots for any leaks that may have formed during the winter.
- A sudden rise in your water bill may also indicate a hidden leak.
✅ Clear Gutters and Downspouts
- Clogged gutters can lead to water pooling around your foundation, affecting plumbing and drainage systems.
✅ Test Your Sump Pump
- Make sure your sump pump is working efficiently—spring rains can quickly flood a basement if it fails.
- Pour water into the pit and check if the pump activates automatically.
✅ Check Outdoor Faucets and Hose Bibs
- Freeze damage is common. Turn on outdoor faucets and check for leaks or low pressure.
✅ Flush Your Water Heater
- Sediment builds up over winter. Flushing your water heater can improve efficiency and prolong its life.
🔧 Need help with inspections or spring plumbing prep? Einstein Pros Lakewood offers reliable local service you can count on.
☀️ Summer Plumbing Checklist
Lakewood summers are drier, but outdoor activity and water usage typically spike.
✅ Inspect Sprinkler Systems
- Look for damaged sprinkler heads, leaking valves, or areas of poor coverage.
- Schedule regular checks to avoid wasting water (and money).
✅ Clean Drains and Garbage Disposal
- With more cookouts and guests, your kitchen plumbing gets extra use.
- Run cold water while using your disposal and avoid pouring grease or fibrous scraps down the drain.
✅ Check Washing Machine Hoses
- Summer laundry loads increase, so inspect hoses for bulging, cracking, or leaks.
✅ Conserve Water
- Install WaterSense-labeled showerheads or low-flow faucets to reduce water bills.
- Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department encourages water conservation, especially during peak months.
💡 Einstein Pros Lakewood can help install water-saving upgrades or inspect high-use plumbing before summer wear sets in.
🍂 Fall Plumbing Checklist
Autumn is the perfect time to prep your plumbing for the Pacific Northwest’s chilly winters.
✅ Drain and Store Outdoor Hoses
- Prevent freezing and cracking by disconnecting hoses and draining residual water.
✅ Winterize Outdoor Faucets
- Shut off water supply to outdoor faucets and install insulated covers.
✅ Service Your Water Heater
- Lakewood winters can strain your hot water system. Fall is a good time to check the pressure relief valve and flush the tank.
✅ Inspect Pipes in Unheated Areas
- Garages, basements, and crawl spaces often have exposed pipes. Insulate them now before temperatures drop.
✅ Clean Sewer Line with Hydro Jetting (if needed)
- Fall leaves and tree roots can clog sewer lines. A professional cleaning can prevent backups in winter.
🍁 Don’t wait until it’s too late—Einstein Pros Lakewood can inspect and prep your system for a hassle-free winter.
❄️ Winter Plumbing Checklist
Lakewood winters can bring subfreezing temperatures. Avoid burst pipes and plumbing emergencies with these steps:
✅ Insulate All Exposed Pipes
- Use pipe sleeves or heat tape on plumbing in basements, attics, and exterior walls.
✅ Keep the Heat On
- If you’re away during the holidays, keep your thermostat at 55°F or higher to prevent frozen pipes.
✅ Let Faucets Drip in Extreme Cold
- A slow trickle of water helps prevent pipe freezing during cold snaps.
✅ Open Cabinet Doors Under Sinks
- This allows warm air to circulate around pipes under kitchen and bathroom sinks.
✅ Test Your Sump Pump Again
- Winter rain and snow melt can still flood basements—test the sump pump every few months.
🧰 Einstein Pros Lakewood offers emergency plumbing help and winterization services for peace of mind during the coldest season.
📌 Final Thoughts
A proactive seasonal plumbing checklist helps Lakewood homeowners avoid unnecessary stress, costly repairs, and water damage. From spring inspections to winter prep, consistent care keeps your home efficient and your plumbing system safe.
🔧 Need professional plumbing help in Lakewood, WA? Trust the licensed experts at
👉 Einstein Pros Lakewood
for all your seasonal maintenance and emergency repairs.
Source:
Washington State Department of Health water safety tips
Tacoma Plumbing Code