When it comes to keeping your Iowa home running smoothly, your plumbing system deserves year-round attention. From icy winters to humid summers, the seasonal extremes in Central Iowa can be tough on pipes, fixtures, and water appliances.
At Holt Plumbing & Heating, we’ve been helping homeowners in West Des Moines and surrounding communities stay ahead of plumbing issues for over 75 years. With this detailed plumbing maintenance checklist, you’ll have the tools you need to keep your home safe, comfortable, and leak-free, no matter the season.
Why Plumbing Maintenance Matters in Iowa
Plumbing problems rarely happen overnight. They build up slowly, from a tiny leak under the sink to a backed-up sump pump during a spring rainstorm. Regular maintenance helps you:
- Prevent costly water damage
- Avoid surprise repairs or emergency calls
- Extend the lifespan of your water heater, sump pump, and plumbing fixtures
- Conserve water and lower utility bills
- Protect your home from Iowa’s freeze-thaw plumbing risks
Seasonal Plumbing Maintenance Checklist
Here’s a breakdown of tasks to stay on top of each season.
Spring Plumbing Checklist
Spring brings thawing snow, heavy rains, and shifting soil, all of which can test your plumbing.
- Inspect your sump pump: Test it by pouring a bucket of water into the sump pit. If it doesn’t turn on immediately, call us.
- Clear gutter and downspout drains: Ensure water flows away from your foundation.
- Check for outdoor faucet leaks: Winter freezing can cause cracks in hose bibs or exterior pipes.
- Examine exposed pipes: Look for new rust, corrosion, or bulging—signs of damage from winter freezes.
- Schedule a whole-home plumbing inspection with Holt to get ahead of spring and summer issues.
Summer Plumbing Checklist
Increased household activity during summer, especially with kids home and guests visiting, can strain your system.
- Watch for slow drains in bathrooms and kitchens; consider a professional drain cleaning.
- Inspect washing machine hoses for bulges or cracks.
- Conserve water by fixing leaky toilets and faucets (a dripping faucet can waste 3,000+ gallons per year).
- Check for sewer line backups after summer storms or heavy rains—tree roots are especially active this time of year.
- Schedule water heater maintenance if it hasn’t been flushed in the past 12 months.
Fall Plumbing Checklist
Fall is your chance to prep your home for the colder months ahead.
- Shut off and drain outdoor faucets to prevent freezing.
- Insulate exposed pipes in garages, basements, and crawlspaces.
- Flush your water heater to remove sediment buildup.
- Check sump pump operation ahead of fall rains.
- Have your plumbing inspected to catch any small issues before winter hits.
Winter Plumbing Checklist
Winter is the toughest time on Iowa plumbing. A little preparation goes a long way.
- Let faucets drip during extreme cold to prevent freezing.
- Keep cabinets open under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
- Know where your main water shutoff is—so you can act fast in case of a burst pipe.
- Test your water heater for signs of stress (noises, rust-colored water, etc.)
- Call Holt for emergency plumbing services 24/7 if anything goes wrong—we’re here when you need us.
Bonus: Monthly Plumbing To-Do’s
Stay on top of things with these simple monthly habits:
- Run hot water down bathroom and kitchen drains to help prevent clogs.
- Listen for unusual pipe sounds—banging, gurgling, or dripping.
- Check under sinks for moisture or mold.
- Inspect toilet bases for leaks or movement.
- Test water pressure—low flow could mean sediment buildup or hidden leaks.
When to Call in the Pros
While homeowners can handle simple tasks like tightening a faucet or replacing a washer, some plumbing issues need a professional touch. Call Holt Plumbing & Heating if you notice:
- A sudden drop in water pressure
- Persistent clogs or slow drains
- Unexplained water bills or suspected leaks
- Discolored or smelly tap water
- A water heater that’s more than 8–10 years old
We offer flat-rate pricing, expert technicians, and guaranteed work. Our team is trained to spot issues early, and fix them right the first time.
The Holt Advantage: Trusted by Iowa Homeowners Since 1947
At Holt Plumbing & Heating, we believe in honest service, transparent pricing, and treating your home like it’s our own.
Whether it’s a routine inspection, emergency repair, or seasonal maintenance, we’re here to help you protect what matters most. You don’t have to wait for a disaster to call us. Preventive care is our specialty.
Our technicians are:
- Fully licensed and insured
- Background-checked and professionally trained
- Equipped with the latest tools and technology
- Backed by a satisfaction guarantee
And with 24/7 emergency service, you’re never on your own when the unexpected happens.
Join the Holt Membership Program
Want to make plumbing maintenance even easier? Our Membership Program gives you:
- 24-Hour Emergency Service response
- Holiday Emergency Service response
- Priority Customer Status
- Discounted Arrival & Diagnostic Fees
- 60 day workmanship guarantee on Maintenance
Let us keep track of the calendar so you don’t have to. It’s just one more way Holt Plumbing & Heating goes the extra mile for Iowa families.
Stay Ahead of Plumbing Problems All Year Long
Your plumbing works hard for your home. Give it the care it deserves and avoid unexpected repairs by following this seasonal checklist. A little maintenance today can prevent a major headache tomorrow.
If you need help with inspections, drain cleaning, water heater flushing, or pipe repairs, we’re ready when you are.
Schedule your seasonal plumbing maintenance or request a full inspection. We proudly serve homeowners in West Des Moines and across Central Iowa with honest, professional service since 1947.
