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Barrie Home Plumbing Calendar

A month-by-month plumbing checklist for Barrie homes, written for a snowbelt winter, a fast spring thaw and stormy summers near Lake Simcoe.

Print it, bookmark it or share it with new neighbours, all are welcome to link to this page.

Barrie Home Plumbing Calendar — Barrie Plumbing Experts · https://barrieplumbingexperts.com/plumbing-maintenance-calendar

January

Deep cold

0 of 3 done

On the coldest nights, open cabinet doors under sinks on outside walls. See snowbelt pipes.
Why it matters
January averages −7.8°C in Barrie.
Keep side-wall furnace and water heater vents clear of snowbanks.
Why it matters
A blocked vent shuts the appliance down.
Check pipes near basement windows for frost.

February

Snowbelt

0 of 3 done

Test the main shut-off valve. See burst pipe steps.
Why it matters
A seized valve wastes time in an emergency.
When to call a pro: Have a stiff valve replaced.
Keep the sump discharge outlet clear of ice and snow.
Look for drafts at the rim joist and seal them.

March

Thaw

0 of 3 done

Test the sump pump with a pail of water.
Why it matters
Snowmelt fills sump pits quickly.
When to call a pro: Replace a pump that struggles.
Open the backwater valve cover and clear debris. See backwater valves.
Clear snow away from the foundation and window wells.

April

Spring

0 of 3 done

Turn outdoor taps back on and check the basement for leaks.
Why it matters
A tap that split in winter shows up now.
Test well water for bacteria. See well testing.
Why it matters
Spring runoff can affect wells.
Extend downspouts away from the house.

May

Late spring

0 of 3 done

Do a meter test for hidden leaks.
Check washing machine hoses for bulges.
Open up the cottage water system and check every line.

June

Storm season

0 of 3 done

Make sure the sump pump has a backup battery or alarm.
Why it matters
Summer storms bring heavy rain and power cuts.
Pour water into unused floor drains.
Why it matters
It keeps sewer gas out.
Clean faucet aerators and shower heads.

July

Summer

0 of 3 done

Watch for slow drains after heavy storms.
Keep grease out of the sink at barbecues.
Check outdoor taps and hoses for drips.

August

Wet weeks

0 of 3 done

Check the sump pump again before the wettest weeks.
Why it matters
August and September are the wettest months.
Find the main drain cleanout and keep it accessible.
Plan basement plumbing projects for fall.

September

Early fall

0 of 3 done

Drain a few litres from an owned water heater to clear sediment.
Why it matters
When to call a pro: Rented tanks: ask the rental company.
Have gas appliances serviced by a TSSA-registered contractor.
Check the water heater's age on its label.

October

Winterize

0 of 3 done

Disconnect hoses and drain outdoor taps.
Why it matters
Frost-free period ends mid-September.
Have irrigation lines blown out.
Close up cottage plumbing before the first hard freeze.

November

Before the squalls

0 of 3 done

Insulate exposed pipes in garages and crawl spaces.
Why it matters
Snow squalls often start in November.
Make sure everyone knows where the main shut-off is.
Keep a hair dryer ready for gently thawing pipes.
Why it matters
Never use an open flame.

December

Winter

0 of 3 done

Before a trip, keep the heat at 15°C or more.
For long absences, shut off the main and drain the lines.
Plan next year's plumbing upgrades.

This calendar is general guidance. Never thaw pipes with an open flame, turn off the power or gas before touching a water heater, and leave gas work to TSSA-registered contractors.

Print it, bookmark it or share it with new neighbours, all are welcome to link to this page.

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