The Homeowner’s Annual Plumbing Checklist

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A Preventative Plumbing Guide from Clays Plumbing, Central Coast & Lake Macquarie

Most homeowners only call a plumber when something breaks - a blocked drain, a leaking tap, or a cold shower that ruins your morning.
But what if you could 
avoid 90% of plumbing emergencies just by giving your home a little routine care each year?

That’s where an annual plumbing service or whole-home plumbing inspection comes in.
Think of it as a yearly health check - not for you, but for your home.


Why Every Home Needs an Annual Plumbing Service

Your plumbing system works quietly behind the scenes - until it doesn’t.

Pipes corrode, valves wear out, seals crack, and leaks start small before turning into major damage.


Scheduling a plumbing tune-up once a year can:


Prevent surprise breakdowns and water damage

Keep water pressure and temperature consistent

Extend the life of your hot water system

Reduce water waste (and your bills)

Maintain compliance and safety standards

At Clays Plumbing, we’ve seen how regular preventative plumbing maintenance saves Central Coast homeowners hundreds — even thousands - every year.


Step 1: Check for Leaks - The Silent Bill Killers

Leaks are sneaky. A dripping tap or a slow leak under the sink might seem minor, but over 12 months it can waste tens of thousands of litres of water.


During your whole-home plumbing inspection, check:


All taps (indoor and outdoor)

Shower heads and mixer joints

Under-sink connections

Toilet bases and cisterns

Can’t find the source of a hidden leak?

Clays Plumbing offers precise leak detection and fast repairs across Lake Macquarie and the Central Coast.


Step 2: Test Toilets for Hidden Leaks or Running Water

A running toilet can waste up to 700 litres a day — that’s money literally flushed away.

Test your toilet by adding a few drops of food colouring to the tank. If the colour seeps into the bowl without flushing, it’s leaking.


Fix now, save later.

Clays Plumbing can handle all toilet repairs, replacements, and sealing work as part of your annual plumbing service.


Step 3: Inspect Your Hot Water System

Hot water systems often fail with little warning — and usually when you need them most.


As part of your plumbing tune-up, check for:


Rust or corrosion on the tank

Strange noises or discoloured water

Temperature fluctuations

Leaks around valves or pipe joints

If your unit is over 8–10 years old, it’s worth scheduling a professional hot water inspection to assess efficiency and safety.


Clays Plumbing services all major systems — gas, electric, and heat pump — throughout Wyee, Lake Macquarie, and the Central Coast.


Step 4: Clear Drains and Gutters Before They Clog

Blocked drains are among the most common preventable plumbing issues. Each year, inspect and clean:


Shower and basin drains (remove hair and soap buildup)

Kitchen sinks (grease and food scraps are major culprits)

Stormwater drains and gutters (especially after wet seasons)

Preventative drain cleaning during your annual plumbing service can save you a costly emergency callout later.


Step 5: Check Outdoor Plumbing Fixtures

Outdoor taps, irrigation systems, and garden hoses often get ignored — until a leak appears on your next water bill.

Check for:


Cracks or loose connections

Dripping taps

Leaks around garden or pool lines

If you notice water pooling or damp soil, it’s time to call in the pros for a quick preventative plumbing fix.


Step 6: Test Water Pressure and Safety Valves

Too much pressure can wear down pipes and fittings.

Too little can signal hidden leaks or blockages.

Your plumber can test your water pressure and inspect:


Pressure-reducing valves

Backflow prevention devices

Emergency shutoff valves

This ensures your system stays safe and compliant — especially important for homes with older plumbing.


Step 7: Schedule Your Professional Whole-Home Plumbing Inspection

While there’s plenty you can check yourself, a licensed plumber’s inspection goes deeper.

At Clays Plumbing, our annual plumbing service includes:


Comprehensive visual and diagnostic checks

Leak detection using professional equipment

Water heater and valve inspections

Drain and pipe condition assessment

Preventative maintenance recommendations

Our goal? To catch small problems before they turn into expensive repairs.


Why Central Coast Homeowners Trust Clays Plumbing

When it comes to preventative plumbing and annual maintenance, experience and local knowledge matter.


Clays Plumbing is based in Wyee, NSW 2259, proudly servicing Lake Macquarie and the Central Coast.

We provide reliable, transparent, and professional care for homes and businesses year-round.


Final Thoughts: A Little Maintenance Goes a Long Way

Your home’s plumbing works 24/7 - delivering clean water, removing waste, and keeping everything running smoothly.

Taking a few hours each year for a whole-home plumbing inspection can prevent major breakdowns, reduce your bills, and extend the lifespan of your fixtures and appliances.


Don’t wait for a leak, a burst, or a cold shower.

Schedule your annual plumbing service with Clays Plumbing and keep your home in top shape - all year round.

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