Essential Plumbing Maintenance Tips for Every Lake Macquarie Homeowner

Share this article

Plumbing is one of those things you don’t think about… until it goes wrong.

A small leak, blocked drain, or worn-out tap can quickly become a messy (and expensive) problem — especially in older Lake Macquarie homes.


That’s why regular general maintenance is so important. By doing a few simple DIY checks and calling in help when needed, you can avoid plumbing disasters, save money, and extend the life of your home’s systems.


At Clays Plumbing, we’ve created this quick home plumbing checklist to help you stay ahead of problems.

1. Check Taps and Toilets for Early Signs of Leaks

(General Maintenance Tip #1)


Dripping taps and constantly running toilets waste water and money — and they often signal worn seals or hidden leaks.


What to look for:


  • Dripping or leaking tap spouts
  • Water pooling around tap bases
  • Toilets running or refilling long after flushing


Fixing these issues early will protect your fixtures and prevent hidden water damage. If you’re unsure, Clays Plumbing offers quick tap and toilet maintenance across Lake Macquarie.


2. Keep Drains Clear to Prevent Blockages

(General Maintenance Tip #2)


Blocked drains are one of the most common plumbing emergencies we see on the Central Coast — and they’re almost always preventable.


Simple habits:


  • Use drain strainers to catch hair and food scraps
  • Avoid pouring grease, coffee grounds, or wipes down drains
  • Flush drains with boiling water once a month


These steps will help prevent blocked drains and reduce the need for costly jet cleaning or pipe repairs.


3. Inspect Exposed Pipes and Hoses Regularly

(General Maintenance Tip #3)


Pipes under sinks, behind toilets, and around your hot water system are easy to inspect — and often where leaks start.


Look for:


  • Corrosion or white powdery build-up
  • Damp patches, drips, or rust marks
  • Loose fittings or sagging pipes


If you see anything suspicious, Clays Plumbing can do a full plumbing maintenance inspection before damage spreads.


4. Test Your Water Pressure

(General Maintenance Tip #4)


High water pressure can quietly wear out your taps, hoses, and appliances over time.


How to check:


  • Fit a simple pressure gauge to an outdoor tap
  • Aim for 350–500 kPa (anything higher can cause damage)
  • Listen for banging or thudding pipes (a sign of “water hammer”)


Clays Plumbing can install a pressure-limiting valve to protect your entire system if needed.


5. Create a Yearly Home Plumbing Checklist

(General Maintenance Tip #5)


Preventive care saves you money and stress. Make plumbing part of your regular home maintenance plan:



A quick yearly visit from Clays Plumbing’s Lake Macquarie maintenance team can catch problems before they become expensive emergencies.


Why General Maintenance Saves You Thousands

Staying proactive with general plumbing maintenance helps you:


  • Avoid major leaks and water damage
  • Reduce water bills and wasted water
  • Extend the life of taps, toilets, and appliances
  • Protect your home’s resale value

Even small tasks add up to big savings — and Clays Plumbing is here to help when DIY isn’t enough.


Call Clays Plumbing for General Maintenance in Lake Macquarie

Whether you need a quick check-up or full home plumbing maintenance service, our local team is here to help.


Trusted plumbing maintenance experts

Friendly advice to prevent blocked drains

Fast tap and toilet maintenance

Licensed and insured local plumbers


Recent Posts

Plumber wearing a blue hard hat, safety glasses, and gloves working on pipes with a wrench.
by Ted Admin 22 December 2025
Gas is efficient, reliable, and essential in many Central Coast and Lake Macquarie homes — but it can also be extremely dangerous when something goes wrong. At Clays Plumbing, we’ve seen how quickly a minor fault can turn into a life-threatening emergency. Knowing the warning signs early could protect your family, your property, and your peace of mind. Here are the top 5 signs you need a licensed gas fitter in the Central Coast right now.
Icicles hanging from a brown soffit on a brick building.
by Ted Admin 22 December 2025
Water leaks can be sneaky — often silent, invisible, and incredibly destructive. What starts as a tiny hidden drip inside your walls or under your slab can turn into thousands of dollars in damage if ignored. At Clays Plumbing, we’ve seen it all: flooded foundations, mould-infested walls, and skyrocketing water bills — all caused by leaks that homeowners didn’t know were there. That’s why knowing how to spot the signs early is essential. Here’s how to protect your home with proactive leak detection and repairs.
Plumber in black shirt works under a kitchen sink. Text on shirt: Clay’s Plumbing, phone number.
by Ted Admin 22 December 2025
Plumbing problems can strike without warning - and when they do, they can cause massive damage fast. Knowing what counts as a true plumbing emergency can protect your home and save you from costly repairs. At Clays Plumbing, we’ve handled countless urgent callouts across the Central Coast and Lake Macquarie, and we know how critical it is to act quickly and safely before help arrives. This guide explains which problems require emergency plumbing services, and what you can do right now to reduce the damage.
Construction site interior with plumbing and electrical work in a wall frame.
by Ted Admin 22 December 2025
A Practical Buyer’s Guide from Clays Plumbing
A stainless steel gas stove with a pot on a lit burner, set in front of a window and radiator.
by Ted Admin 22 December 2025
A Practical Pre-Install Guide from the Gas Experts at Clays Plumbing
Worker inspecting a sewer with a camera monitor. Orange gloves, red cable, manhole.
by Ted Admin 22 December 2025
Blocked drains are frustrating — and often a mystery. You can plunge, snake, or pour chemicals all you like, but if you don’t know what’s causing the blockage or where it’s located, you’re only treating the symptoms. This is where modern CCTV drain inspections change the game. At Clays Plumbing, we use advanced drain camera technology to pinpoint problems fast, save time, and avoid costly guesswork — something old-school plumbing methods simply can’t do.
Plumber fixing a water heater, holding red pliers.
by Ted Edwards 21 December 2025
Peace of Mind Starts with Preparation - Not Panic Picture this: It’s 10:30 p.m. on a Sunday. You hear a strange rushing sound from the bathroom — and suddenly, water is gushing across the floor. Who do you call? If you’re like most homeowners, you’ll frantically Google “24/7 plumber Central Coast,” hoping someone picks up. But here’s the truth - when plumbing emergencies hit, seconds matter. That’s why every homeowner in the Central Coast and Lake Macquarie region should have a trusted after-hours plumber saved in their phone right now. Because when it’s flooding, cracking, or leaking, you don’t have time to compare quotes — you just need Clays Plumbing.
Plumber in blue overalls looking at phone, holding wrench, near open toolbox, sink, bathroom setting.
by Ted Edwards 21 December 2025
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.
Woman using wrench on leaky pipe. Water spraying.
by Ted Edwards 21 December 2025
Why That “Tiny Drip” Could Be Draining Thousands from Your Central Coast Home It starts with a slow drip. A faint sound you barely notice - from the tap, under the sink, or behind the toilet. Easy to ignore, right? But here’s the truth: a small leak never stays small for long. Homeowners across the Central Coast and Lake Macquarie are shocked to learn how much a “minor” plumbing leak can really cost - not just in water bills, but in hidden damage and repairs that could have been avoided. Let’s break down what’s really at stake - and how a quick leak repair from Clays Plumbing could save you thousands.