Fresh Year, Dry Start: 5 Plumbing Checks to Start 2026 Right

The new year is the perfect time to hit reset — not just on goals and calendars, but also on your home’s plumbing system. After a busy holiday season of guests, heavy cooking, and higher water usage, your pipes and appliances could use a little post-party attention.

These simple checks can help you catch minor issues before they turn into costly repairs — and set your home up for a smooth, stress-free start to 2026.

1. Check for Slow Drains

If sinks, tubs, or showers are taking longer than usual to clear, don’t wait for a full clog to strike. Leftovers, grease, soap scum, and hair often build up faster during the holidays. A slow drain now could mean a bigger issue lurking further down the line.

🛠 Tip: Try a safe enzymatic drain cleaner or schedule a professional cleaning if the problem persists.

2. Look for Hidden Leaks

Take a few minutes to inspect under sinks, behind toilets, and around appliances like your dishwasher and washing machine. Even small drips can lead to water damage, mold growth, and higher utility bills.

🔍 What to watch for: damp cabinets, musty smells, soft spots on walls or floors, or unexplained water near fixtures.

3. Flush the Water Heater

Your water heater worked overtime this past month — from long showers to endless laundry. Flushing the tank helps remove sediment buildup that can reduce efficiency and shorten the unit’s lifespan.

💧 Not sure how to do it? It’s a good time to schedule a service visit — especially if you haven’t flushed your tank in over a year.

4. Test Water Pressure

If the pressure feels lower than usual, it could signal sediment buildup, valve issues, or even hidden leaks. Grab a $10 gauge from the hardware store or ask your plumber to check it during a maintenance visit.

Ideal range: 40–60 psi for most homes.

5. Give Your Garbage Disposal a Break

Holiday cooking often leads to overworked (and sometimes abused) garbage disposals. If yours is louder than usual, slow to drain, or giving off an odor, it may be due for a clean or reset.

🌀 Avoid sending grease, fibrous foods (like celery or potato peels), and coffee grounds down the disposal. These common culprits can gum up the system fast.

(image by Taylor Flowe)

Final Thoughts

A quick January check-in on your home’s plumbing system can help you avoid the stress (and cost) of emergency repairs later in the year. Most issues start small — and most can be avoided with just a little attention and timely maintenance.

If you’d rather not do the digging yourself, Houston Plumbing Inspections & Services is always here to help. From full-home plumbing inspections to targeted repairs, we make sure your pipes are ready for whatever the year brings.

Start the year dry, quiet, and problem-free. Your future self will thank you.