Start the Year Right: A Plumbing Maintenance Checklist for North Metro Homes

Many Minnesota homeowners don’t schedule plumbing service until a problem appears. At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of North Metro, we encourage a more proactive approach. Annual plumbing inspections and maintenance can help control long-term costs and reduce the risk of major issues such as hidden leaks or freeze damage. Here are key steps to take at the start of the year to help protect your home’s plumbing system.

Perform Sump Pump Maintenance

Sump pumps play a critical role in protecting basements from moisture and flooding. If your home has a sump pump system, an annual inspection and cleaning is recommended. In colder climates like Minnesota, winter service is especially helpful before snow and ice begin to melt.

During service, our plumber will test the primary pump and any battery backup system. We inspect for wear, confirm proper operation, and recommend repairs or proactive replacements if needed.

Clean and Replace Faucet Aerators and Showerheads

Hard water is common in the region and can affect faucets and showerheads over time. Aerators and showerheads can be removed and soaked in white vinegar for 30 minutes to several hours to dissolve mineral buildup. Light scrubbing may help remove stubborn deposits before rinsing and reinstalling.

Replace showerhead filters as recommended by the manufacturer, and consider replacing faucet aerators every couple of years if buildup persists.

Replace Insulation

Inspect pipe insulation regularly and replace it if you see gaps, damage, or compression. Pipes running along exterior walls or through unconditioned spaces are especially vulnerable to freezing. Hot water pipes benefit from insulation as well by improving efficiency.

Electric water heaters may benefit from an approved insulation jacket and insulated base. Fuel-fired water heaters generally do not require a blanket, as heat loss typically occurs through the flue and improper insulation can interfere with safe operation.

Electric Heat Cables

Some Minnesota homes use electric heat cables on pipes prone to freezing. Visually inspect cables to ensure they are intact, properly positioned, and free from damage or obstruction. Electrical testing and replacement should be handled by a professional to ensure safe operation.

Flush Your Tank Water Heater

Sediment accumulates inside tank-style water heaters over time, especially in areas with hard water. This buildup reduces efficiency and can contribute to corrosion. Having your tank flushed annually helps remove sediment and supports longer equipment life.

During service, we drain the tank, remove sediment, and sanitize if needed, such as when sulfur odors are present. The tank is then refilled and tested for proper operation.

Descale Your Tankless Water Heater

Tankless water heaters are also affected by mineral scale and require regular descaling. Professional descaling uses a recirculating pump to circulate a manufacturer-approved cleaning solution—often a vinegar-based mixture—through the system for 45 minutes to an hour. This process removes scale from internal components and supports efficient operation.

Other Water Heater Maintenance

During routine service, valves are inspected and replaced if needed. Tankless systems may have inlet filters that require cleaning or replacement. Traditional tank water heaters rely on a sacrificial anode rod that attracts corrosion. This rod is typically checked during maintenance and replaced when significantly worn, often every three to five years.

Inspect Your Garbage Disposal System

Check your garbage disposal for leaks, clogs, and proper operation. Test the power and reset button. Periodic cleaning using dish soap and approved cleaning methods can help control odors and buildup.

If professional maintenance has not been performed in over a year, this is a good time to schedule service. Our plumbers can clean internal components, replace worn parts, and confirm safe operation.

Test Your Toilets

Toilet leaks often go unnoticed. A simple test involves adding several drops of dark food coloring to the tank and waiting 30 minutes without flushing. If color appears in the bowl, the flapper is likely worn and should be replaced to prevent water waste.

Check Your Faucets, Sinks, and Tubs

Inspect faucets for drips and seepage around the base. Check sinks and tubs for corrosion or buildup, and examine caulk lines. If caulk is deteriorated, it should be removed and replaced to prevent moisture intrusion.

Clean and Test Your Drains

Light drain maintenance may include using baking soda followed by vinegar to help loosen minor buildup. After the reaction settles, flush with hot tap water. Observe drainage speed, noise, and odors.

If drains remain slow or noisy, professional cleaning is recommended.

Preventative Drain and Sewer Line Cleaning

Due to hard water conditions, many Minnesota homes benefit from preventative drain cleaning every few years. Professional methods such as high-pressure water cleaning or hydro jetting can remove mineral scale, soap residue, and grease from drain and sewer lines.

Protect Your Outdoor Fixtures

If winterization has not yet been completed, the new year is a good time to address outdoor plumbing. Exterior shutoff valves can be closed where applicable, outdoor lines drained, and fixtures capped or protected. Irrigation systems should be fully drained and prepared for freezing conditions.

Water Pressure Testing

Annual plumbing maintenance often includes water pressure testing. Using a pressure gauge, we measure flow throughout the home. Pressure consistently below about 40 PSI may indicate issues such as leaks, valve problems, or a failing pressure regulator.

Service and Sanitize Your Water Treatment Systems

Many North Metro homes use water treatment systems, including water softeners, filtration units, and reverse osmosis systems. Annual service includes draining, cleaning, sanitizing, and replacing worn components or media such as filters or membranes to maintain performance and water quality.

Plumbing Maintenance in North Branch and Beyond

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of North Metro proudly serves homeowners from our North Branch, MN location. We are an award-winning company, including recognition from Forbes Homes. Our services include annual inspections, winterization, and ongoing plumbing maintenance. Call today or contact us online to schedule your appointment.