None of this takes special tools or expertise — just a few minutes a month to catch the kind of small issue that turns expensive if it's ignored.
Why monthly beats yearly
Most plumbing damage builds slowly. A slow drip or a slightly loose fitting can sit unnoticed for months before it's obviously a problem. A short monthly check catches these while they're still cheap, simple fixes.
Do
- Check under every sink for dampness or a musty smell
- Look at the area around the water heater for signs of moisture
- Test that shut-off valves under sinks and toilets still turn
- Check outdoor hose bibs for drips, especially after use
- Glance at exposed pipes in the garage or crawl space for corrosion
Don't
- Don't skip the check just because nothing seems obviously wrong
- Don't ignore a faint musty smell under a cabinet, even without visible water
- Don't assume a stiff valve isn't worth having looked at
Quick tip: Keep a small flashlight under the kitchen sink — it makes spotting early moisture or corrosion in tight spaces much easier.