Missoula Plumbing ExpertsRequest a plumber

Missoula Home Plumbing Calendar

A month-by-month plumbing checklist for Missoula homes, built around a snow season that can run from late October into April.

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

Missoula Home Plumbing Calendar — Missoula Plumbing Experts · https://missoulaplumbingexperts.com/plumbing-maintenance-calendar

January

Deep cold

0 of 3 done

Check basement and crawl space pipes after each cold night. See winter pipe guide.
Why it matters
Splits show up as pipes thaw.
When to get a pro: Get a plumber if a pipe has burst.
Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls.
Why it matters
Lets warm air reach the pipes.
Keep side-wall water heater vents clear of snow.
Why it matters
Blocked vents shut heaters down.

February

Still winter

0 of 3 done

Look for drips around the water heater.
Why it matters
Winter strains old tanks.
Test the main shut-off.
Check toilets for silent leaks.
Why it matters
Use food coloring.

March

Late snow

0 of 3 done

Check the meter for hidden leaks. See leak check.
Why it matters
Freeze damage shows up now.
Clear snow away from foundation drains.
Inspect the sump pit if you have one.
Why it matters
Runoff is coming.

April

Runoff

0 of 3 done

Test the sump pump with a bucket of water.
Why it matters
Spring runoff fills pits fast.
When to get a pro: Replace a pump that struggles.
Watch for damp crawl spaces.
Check basement floor drains.

May

Spring

0 of 3 done

Turn outdoor taps back on and look for leaks inside the wall.
Why it matters
Hidden freeze damage.
Clean faucet aerators.
Check washing machine hoses.
Why it matters
Fit braided steel if they're old.

June

Summer

0 of 3 done

Check irrigation and garden lines for leaks.
Flush a few gallons from the water heater.
Why it matters
Removes sediment.
Look under sinks for drips.

July

Dry heat

0 of 3 done

Check the water heater relief valve pipe.
Read the meter with everything off.
Plan remodel plumbing work.

August

Late summer

0 of 3 done

Test the main shut-off again.
Check the sewer cleanout is easy to find.
Book any water heater replacement before winter.
Why it matters
Cold water makes old tanks struggle.

September

Fall prep

0 of 3 done

Fix dripping taps.
Check pipe insulation in the garage.
Service the well house heater if you have one.

October

Before the snow

0 of 3 done

Disconnect hoses and drain outdoor taps.
Why it matters
Snow can start by month's end.
Close crawl space vents.
Close up cabins. See cabin guide.

November

Early winter

0 of 3 done

Keep holiday grease out of the kitchen drain.
Why it matters
Cool it and bin it.
Check carbon monoxide alarms.
Know where the main shut-off is.

December

Freeze watch

0 of 3 done

Let a tap on an exterior wall drip on the coldest nights.
Keep the heat on if you travel.
Why it matters
Set it no lower than the mid-50s.
Never thaw pipes with a flame.
Why it matters
Use a hair dryer.
When to get a pro: Get a plumber if a pipe bursts.

This calendar is general guidance. Turn off the power or gas before touching a water heater, and leave gas lines and main sewer work to a licensed plumber.

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

Request a plumber

Repairs, renovations and new projects. Tell us what you need and we'll pass it straight to a plumber, who will call you to go over the job and give you a quote.

Plumbing repairs, renovations and new projects
Missoula and the surrounding valleys
Get a quote before any work starts

Plumbing job on this month's list?

Send a request and a plumber will get in touch. Requests answered 7 days a week.

Prefer email? [email protected]

Request a plumber

Request a plumber