Plumbing & Boiler Maintenance Checklist
A few minutes of preventative maintenance each season can save you thousands in emergency repairs. Use this checklist year-round to keep your home's plumbing and heating systems running smoothly.
Seasonal Tasks
4 checklists
Boiler Care
7 items
Plumbing Care
7 items
Our licensed technicians arrive prepared with the right tools for every job.
Calgary's extreme temperature swings — from summer highs of +35°C to winter lows of -40°C — put unique stress on residential plumbing and heating systems. This checklist is organized by system type and season, so you can tackle the right tasks at the right time. Most items take only a few minutes and require no special tools. When a task calls for professional service, don't hesitate to call our team — annual maintenance visits are far cheaper than emergency repairs.
Boiler Maintenance
- Check boiler pressure monthly — ideal range is 1.0–1.5 bar when cold
- Bleed radiators at the start of heating season to remove trapped air
- Schedule a professional boiler service annually before winter
- Keep the area around your boiler clear of clutter and flammable materials
- Listen for unusual noises — gurgling or banging signals air or sludge buildup
- Check the pilot light color — blue is normal, yellow indicates a combustion issue
- Insulate exposed pipes connected to the boiler to prevent heat loss
Plumbing Maintenance
- Test all shut-off valves annually to ensure they turn freely
- Check under-sink cabinets for signs of moisture or small leaks
- Clean faucet aerators every 3 months to maintain water pressure
- Pour water down infrequently used drains to prevent trap odors
- Inspect toilet flappers for wear — a running toilet wastes hundreds of litres
- Check washing machine hoses for bulges or cracks — replace every 5 years
- Test your sump pump (if applicable) by pouring water into the pit
Winter Prep (October–November)
- Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and store them inside
- Shut off outdoor faucet supply valves and open the exterior tap to drain
- Insulate pipes in unheated areas — garages, crawl spaces, basements
- Seal gaps around pipes entering exterior walls with expanding foam
- Keep your thermostat at a minimum of 15°C if leaving town
- Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls during cold snaps
Summer Maintenance (June–August)
- Flush your water heater to remove sediment buildup
- Inspect outdoor drains and clean any debris blocking them
- Test your air conditioning unit before the first heat wave
- Check basement floor drains for proper flow — flush with water
- Inspect visible pipes in the basement for signs of corrosion
- Replace HVAC filters for optimal summer cooling efficiency
Fall Maintenance (September–October)
- Schedule your annual furnace tune-up before heating season
- Clean eaves troughs and downspouts to prevent ice damming
- Test your furnace thermostat — replace batteries if needed
- Check carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries
- Inspect the exterior of your home for gaps around pipes and vents
- Drain and winterize air conditioning units if applicable
Spring Maintenance (March–April)
- Reconnect outdoor hoses after the last frost date
- Check for freeze damage on outdoor faucets — run water and inspect
- Test your sump pump before spring thaw and heavy rains
- Inspect roof flashing and plumbing vents for winter damage
- Check water pressure — should be between 40–80 psi
- Clean mineral deposits from showerheads with vinegar soak