Kenneth Cavaliere | Feb 12 2026 15:00

Valentine’s Day Home Maintenance Checklist: Show Your Plumbing Some Love 💘

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for flowers, chocolates, and fancy dinners — it’s also the perfect reminder to give your home a little love too. And while plumbing may not be the most romantic thing in the world… it’s definitely one of the most important.

Because nothing ruins a cozy winter night faster than a surprise leak, a clogged drain, or a water heater that decides to stop working mid-shower. (And trust us — your plumbing doesn’t care what day it is.)

 

So in the spirit of the season, here’s a fun and practical plumbing maintenance checklist you can use to show your pipes some affection and avoid unwanted plumbing drama.

 

💌 Valentine’s Day Plumbing Maintenance Checklist

✅ 1. Check for Leaks Like You’re Looking for Red Flags

Take a quick walk around your home and look under sinks, around toilets, near your water heater, and behind appliances like your washing machine.

Watch for:

  • Damp spots

  • Musty smells

  • Water stains on ceilings or walls

  • Drips or puddles under fixtures

Even small leaks can waste hundreds of gallons of water and cause expensive damage — so don’t ignore those warning signs.

✅ 2. Give Your Faucets a “Love Tap” (and Listen Carefully)

Turn on each faucet and check water pressure. Does it sputter, squeal, or take longer than usual to heat up? That could mean sediment buildup or a developing issue in the lines.

Bonus tip: If your faucet is dripping, it may be as simple as a worn-out washer — and fixing it now can save money long-term.

✅ 3. Test Your Toilet — Because It Shouldn’t Be “Running Away”

A running toilet is basically a silent money thief.

Try this quick test:

  1. Add a few drops of food coloring to your toilet tank

  2. Wait 10–15 minutes

  3. Check the bowl

If the bowl changes color, you’ve got a leak — and your toilet needs a repair.

✅ 4. Treat Your Drains to a Little Spa Day 🛁

Winter is notorious for slow drains thanks to grease, soap scum, hair, and buildup.

Do this:

  • Run hot water down your kitchen drain for 30 seconds

  • Flush bathroom drains with warm water

  • Clean out sink stoppers and shower drain covers

🚫 Avoid: Chemical drain cleaners — they can damage your pipes over time and rarely solve the real issue.

✅ 5. Show Your Garbage Disposal You Care (Not Abuse)

Think of your garbage disposal like a relationship: it works best when you don’t push it too far.

✔️ Run cold water when using it
✔️ Cut scraps into smaller pieces
✔️ Freshen it with citrus peels (light use!)
❌ Don’t put these down the disposal:

  • Grease or oil

  • Coffee grounds

  • Pasta or rice

  • Eggshells

  • “Flushable” wipes (never!)

✅ 6. Give Your Water Heater a Quick Health Check 🔥

Your water heater works overtime in winter. Take a moment to inspect it:

Look for:

  • Rust or corrosion

  • Water pooling around the base

  • Strange rumbling noises

  • Water taking longer to heat

If your heater is over 8–10 years old, it’s smart to get a professional checkup before it fails unexpectedly.

✅ 7. Check Exposed Pipes for Winter Protection

Cold weather + unprotected pipes = heartbreak (and potential flooding).

Look for pipes in:

  • Basements

  • Crawl spaces

  • Near exterior walls

  • Under kitchen sinks

If they feel cold or are exposed, add pipe insulation — it’s inexpensive and can prevent frozen pipe disasters.

✅ 8. Know Where Your Main Shut-Off Valve Is (Seriously!)

This is the plumbing equivalent of knowing your emergency contact.

Locate your main shut-off valve and test it to make sure it still turns properly. In an emergency, this one simple step can prevent thousands in damage.

💘 Bonus: Make It a Cute Valentine’s Day Tradition

Want to make this checklist extra shareable? Print it, save it, and do it every February:

✅ “Give your home love”
✅ Prevent expensive plumbing emergencies
✅ Start the year off with peace of mind

Plumbing maintenance = the relationship advice your pipes deserve.

 

❤️ Want to Really Show Your Plumbing Love? Schedule an Annual Plumbing Inspection

Even the best DIY checklist can’t catch everything. A professional inspection helps identify hidden leaks, pipe issues, water heater problems, and efficiency concerns before they turn into costly repairs.

 

Big Apple Plumbing and Heating can perform a full Annual Plumbing Inspection to keep your home protected all year long — especially during winter’s toughest months.

📞 Call today to schedule your annual plumbing inspection and keep your plumbing running smoothly (and romantically) all year long.