Most plumbing emergencies don't happen without warning — they develop slowly from neglected maintenance until something fails at the worst possible time. In Las Vegas, where hard water accelerates wear on everything, an annual plumbing checkup is more valuable than anywhere else in the country. Here's your complete maintenance checklist.
Every 6 Months
- Check under all sinks — Look for moisture, rust staining on the drain or supply lines, or the telltale white mineral ring that marks a slow drip. Takes 2 minutes per cabinet.
- Test all toilet flappers — Put food coloring in the tank. If color appears in the bowl without flushing, the flapper is leaking and wasting water.
- Check the water meter — Turn off every fixture and watch the meter dial. Movement means a hidden leak somewhere in the system.
- Clean faucet aerators — Unscrew the tip of each faucet and rinse the aerator screen. Mineral buildup here is one of the most common causes of reduced flow.
Every Year
- Flush your water heater — Las Vegas hard water creates sediment buildup fast. Annual flushing removes it, extends tank life, and restores efficiency. If the drain valve drips after flushing, replace it — a sign of scale damage.
- Test the T&P (temperature and pressure) relief valve — Lift the lever briefly to verify it opens and releases water. Replace it if it doesn't operate freely or if it drips afterward. This valve is a critical safety device.
- Check the anode rod — This sacrificial rod inside your water heater attracts corrosion that would otherwise attack the tank. In Las Vegas, anode rods deplete in 2–3 years vs. the 4–6 year national average. Replace when more than 50% depleted.
- Test your water pressure — Use a $15 gauge from a hardware store at an outdoor hose bib. Ideal is 50–60 PSI. Above 80 PSI damages pipes and fixtures; below 40 PSI signals a problem.
- Inspect visible pipes for corrosion — Under sinks, in the garage, utility closet, and anywhere pipe is accessible. Look for green staining on copper, rust on galvanized, or white mineral crust at joints.
- Test all shutoff valves — Every angle stop under sinks and toilets should turn freely. Valves that haven't moved in years can seize or snap when you finally need them in an emergency.
- Backflow preventer test — Required annually by Clark County for properties with irrigation systems. Have a certified tester handle it.
The Las Vegas difference: At 16–18 grains per gallon of hardness, our water is among the most aggressive in the country on plumbing systems. Every interval on this list should be done more frequently here than in soft-water cities — annual is the minimum, not the gold standard.
Every 3–5 Years
- Water softener service — Check salt levels monthly, but full service (resin bed cleaning, brine tank cleaning) every 3–5 years
- Sewer line camera inspection — For homes with mature trees or known sewer history, a camera inspection every 3–5 years catches root intrusion early
- Water filtration cartridge replacement — Whole-home carbon or sediment filters typically need replacement every 1–3 years depending on usage and water quality
Ready to Get It Fixed?
Smith's Plumbing handles it right — upfront pricing, clean work, and a real person who picks up the phone. Serving Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, North Las Vegas, Boulder City, and the entire valley.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I flush my water heater in Las Vegas?
At least annually — ideally every 6 months. Las Vegas hard water creates sediment buildup significantly faster than the national average. Regular flushing removes it before it shortens tank life and raises energy bills.
How do I test my water pressure at home?
Buy a water pressure gauge (about $15 at any hardware store) and thread it onto an outdoor hose bib. Turn on the faucet and read the gauge. Ideal is 50–60 PSI. Above 80 PSI puts your pipes and fixtures at risk.
How do I know if I have a hidden water leak?
Turn off every fixture in the house, then watch the dial on your water meter. If the dial is still moving, water is flowing somewhere — meaning there's a leak. This simple test catches everything from slab leaks to toilet flappers.
What should I check under my sink regularly?
Look for moisture on the cabinet floor, rust staining on drain or supply lines, a white mineral ring that marks a dried drip, or soft spots in the cabinet floor. Even a slow drip causes mold and floor damage over time.