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Green Bay Home Plumbing Calendar

A month-by-month plumbing checklist for Green Bay homes, built around long, hard winters, a wet spring thaw and stormy summers.

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Green Bay Home Plumbing Calendar — Green Bay Plumbing Experts · https://greenbayplumbingexperts.com/plumbing-maintenance-calendar

January

Deep cold

0 of 3 done

On sub-zero nights, open cabinet doors under sinks on outside walls. See stop pipes freezing.
Why it matters
Green Bay averages 19 nights a year below 0°F.
Keep high-efficiency furnace and water heater vents clear of snow.
Why it matters
Blocked vents shut appliances down.
Check the basement rim joist for cold drafts near pipes.

February

Still freezing

0 of 3 done

Test the main shut-off valve. See find your shut-off.
Why it matters
A seized valve is no help in an emergency.
When to call a pro: Have a stiff or dripping valve replaced.
Look for frost on pipes in cold corners.
Keep the sump discharge outlet clear of ice.

March

Thaw begins

0 of 3 done

Test the sump pump with a bucket of water. See sump pump check.
Why it matters
Snowmelt fills sump pits fast.
When to call a pro: Replace a pump that struggles.
Check the basement after each melt for damp spots.
Clear snow away from the foundation.

April

Spring rain

0 of 3 done

Turn the outdoor taps back on and check the basement for leaks.
Why it matters
A tap that split in winter shows up now.
Look at floor drains and pour water in if they're dry.
Clean gutters and extend downspouts away from the house.

May

Spring

0 of 3 done

Do a meter test for hidden leaks.
Check washing machine hoses for bulges or cracks.
Have irrigation systems turned on and checked.

June

Storms

0 of 3 done

Make sure the sump pump has a backup or alarm before summer storms.
Why it matters
Storms bring power cuts and heavy rain together.
Check the water heater area for leaks.
Clean faucet aerators and shower heads.

July

Summer

0 of 3 done

Watch for floor drain backups after heavy rain.
Keep grease out of the drain at cookouts.
Check outdoor hoses and taps for drips.

August

Wettest month

0 of 3 done

Check the sump pump again in the wettest month.
Why it matters
August averages 3.77 inches of rain.
Look at the main drain cleanout cap.
Plan any remodel plumbing for fall.

September

Early fall

0 of 3 done

Drain a few gallons from the water heater.
Why it matters
It clears sediment before winter.
When to call a pro: Have an old tank checked.
Have gas appliances serviced before heating season.
Check the age on the water heater label. See water heater age.

October

Winterize

0 of 3 done

Disconnect hoses and drain outdoor taps. See winterize taps.
Why it matters
Hard frosts start this month.
Have sprinkler lines blown out.
Insulate exposed pipes near outside walls.

November

Before the snow

0 of 3 done

Seal drafts around basement windows and the rim joist.
Make sure everyone knows where the main shut-off is.
Keep a hair dryer handy for gently thawing pipes.
Why it matters
Never use an open flame.

December

Winter

0 of 3 done

Before traveling, set the heat no lower than the mid-50s °F.
For long trips, shut off the main and drain the lines.
Keep the furnace serviced so the house stays warm.

This calendar is general guidance. Turn off gas and power before touching a water heater, never thaw pipes with an open flame, and leave gas, sewer and electrical work to licensed professionals.

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