When it comes to home maintenance in Burien, Washington, few systems are as essential yet overlooked as your plumbing system. Whether you own a single-family home in Gregory Heights or manage a rental in Seahurst, plumbing issues can escalate quickly if not properly maintained.
To help you avoid costly repairs and emergency plumbing disasters, we’ve created the Ultimate Annual Plumbing Maintenance Checklist—designed specifically for Burien homeowners. With the help of Einstein Pros’ expert plumbing services in Burien, you can keep your system running smoothly all year long.
🔧 Why Annual Plumbing Maintenance Matters
Plumbing issues don’t just cause inconvenience—they can lead to water damage, mold growth, and higher utility bills. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, small leaks in U.S. households waste nearly 10,000 gallons of water annually. Burien residents with aging homes or outdated piping are especially at risk.
Annual plumbing maintenance ensures:
- Optimal water pressure
- Efficient water heating
- Leak detection and prevention
- Extended appliance and fixture life
✅ Your Burien Plumbing Maintenance Checklist
Let’s break it down by season to help you stay organized.
Spring (March – May)
🌷 Post-winter inspection
Cold months can wreak havoc on your plumbing. Look for cracks or corrosion in outdoor piping and irrigation systems.
✔ Inspect for Leaks
Check under sinks, around toilets, water heaters, and outdoor spigots. Even a small drip should be addressed quickly.
✔ Clean Gutters & Downspouts
Seattle-area rain and debris can clog gutters, increasing the chance of drainage backup near foundations.
✔ Test Your Sump Pump
Burien’s rainfall makes sump pump functionality crucial. Pour water into the basin and ensure it activates correctly.
✔ Check Outdoor Faucets
Make sure hose bibs and sprinklers weren’t damaged from freezing weather.
Summer (June – August)
☀️ Focus on Efficiency
Summer is ideal for water conservation and preventative upgrades.
✔ Flush Water Heater
Sediment buildup reduces efficiency. Drain and flush your unit to extend its life.
✔ Inspect Washing Machine Hoses
Look for bulges, leaks, or cracks—especially if they’re over 5 years old.
✔ Test Water Pressure
Use a pressure gauge. Burien homes should maintain 40–60 PSI. Anything above may require a pressure-reducing valve.
✔ Examine Toilets for Leaks
Put food coloring in the tank. If it seeps into the bowl without flushing, you have a leak.
✔ Install Water-Saving Fixtures
Burien offers incentives for eco-friendly upgrades. Consider EPA WaterSense certified products.
Fall (September – November)
🍂 Winter Prep Begins
✔ Insulate Pipes
Start insulating exposed pipes in basements, attics, and crawl spaces to prevent winter freezing.
✔ Shut Off Outdoor Valves
Disconnect garden hoses and close shut-off valves to outside lines.
✔ Check Drains for Slow Flow
If your sinks or tubs drain slowly, it’s time to clean out the lines before they become full clogs.
✔ Inspect Plumbing Vents
Leaves and critters can clog rooftop plumbing vents, affecting drainage and odor control.
Winter (December – February)
❄️ Cold Weather Defense
✔ Keep Cabinet Doors Open
Especially during cold snaps, keep cabinets under sinks open to allow warm air in.
✔ Let Faucets Drip in Extreme Cold
A slow drip prevents freezing in exposed areas.
✔ Monitor Your Water Bill
An unexplained spike could mean an underground or hidden leak.
✔ Check Your Water Heater Temperature
Set it to 120°F to avoid scalding and improve energy efficiency.
✔ Schedule a Professional Inspection
Contact Einstein Pros Burien for a full diagnostic of your plumbing system.
🧰 Bonus Tips for Year-Round Maintenance
- Know Your Main Shutoff Valve Location
Every Burien homeowner should know where the main water valve is located—it can save your home during emergencies. - Keep Your Sewer Line in Check
Older homes in Burien may have clay sewer pipes, which are susceptible to tree root intrusion. Ask about camera inspections. - Install Leak Detectors
Smart sensors under sinks and near the water heater can alert you before damage becomes serious.
📞 When to Call a Professional
While this checklist helps prevent issues, certain tasks should be left to licensed plumbers. If you encounter:
- Constantly low water pressure
- Discolored or smelly water
- Frequent drain backups
- Visible mold near plumbing lines
…it’s time to call Einstein Pros Burien Plumbing Services. Our trusted team provides comprehensive diagnostics, emergency repairs, and routine maintenance tailored for Burien residents.
📍 Serving All of Burien with Quality and Trust
From Three Tree Point to Boulevard Park, Einstein Pros proudly serves the entire Burien area with reliable, family-friendly plumbing services. Don’t wait for a plumbing problem to get worse—take proactive steps today.
Need help now? Schedule an inspection with Einstein Pros Burien today →