January in Australia means summer holidays, sunshine and a fresh start to the year. It’s also the perfect time to get your home in order and give your plumbing a little attention. While New Year’s resolutions often focus on health or finances, your home’s plumbing system deserves a few good habits too. A little care and awareness now can prevent big problems later – and help you start the year with confidence.
At Fix It Right Plumbing, we’ve seen it all – hidden leaks, blocked drains, hot water issues, and burst pipes that could have been prevented with a few simple checks. Here are seven easy habits to build this January to keep your plumbing running smoothly all year.
Start by checking for hidden leaks around your home. Even a small drip can waste thousands of litres of water over time and increase your water bill. Take a few minutes to inspect under sinks, behind toilets and around your hot water system for dampness, rust or stains. If you hear running water when no taps are on, that could mean a hidden leak inside your walls or under your slab. Detecting leaks early not only saves water but also prevents costly structural damage. If you’re unsure, a professional inspection is a smart move – Fix It Right Plumbing’s leak detection experts can find and fix the issue before it gets worse.
Once your taps and pipes are checked, turn your attention to the drains. Over time, hair, grease and soap residue builds up inside drains, causing slow flow and bad smells. Instead of reaching for harsh chemical cleaners – which can corrode your pipes – try safer, natural alternatives. A monthly rinse with hot water, baking soda and vinegar can help break down mild blockages. If you’re noticing recurring slow drains, it might be time for a professional clean to clear stubborn debris and get the flow back to normal.
Water pressure is another key to your plumbing system’s health. While a strong shower might feel great, too much water pressure can strain your pipes, fittings and appliances and eventually lead to leaks or bursts. You can purchase a simple water pressure gauge from a hardware store and attach it to an outdoor tap to test your pressure. Ideally, it should sit between 40-60 psi (around 275-415 kPa). If it’s too high, a licensed plumber can install a pressure-reducing valve to keep your system safe and balanced. January is also a good time to give your hot water system some TLC. Hot water usage increases during summer as families shower more, wash clothes and have guests. Flushing your water heater once a year helps remove sediment that builds up at the bottom of the tank and keeps it running efficiently. If your system is more than eight to ten years old or shows signs of rust, leaks or inconsistent temperature, it’s worth booking a professional inspection. Fix It Right Plumbing can assess whether a simple repair will do the trick or if an upgrade to a more energy-efficient model would be better for your home.
Don’t forget the plumbing outdoors. During the hot summer months, garden taps, irrigation systems and hose fittings are under extra strain. Check for leaks, cracked fittings or worn-out seals and make sure your outdoor drains are clear of leaves and debris. This is especially important as sudden summer storms can quickly overwhelm a blocked drain and cause backyard flooding or water damage near your home’s foundation. Disconnecting garden hoses when not in use also helps reduce the pressure on outdoor taps.
One of the simplest habits you can start this year is to watch what goes down your drains. Don’t pour cooking oils, grease or coffee grounds down the sink as they can solidify and cause stubborn blockages. In the bathroom, only flush toilet paper – never wipes, cotton buds or hygiene products, even if they’re labelled “flushable.” A little mindfulness here can save you from a messy and expensive callout later.
Finally, consider booking a professional plumbing health check. Even if everything seems to be working fine, an annual inspection can reveal early warning signs you might not notice – like small leaks, ageing fittings or early corrosion. A Fix It Right Plumbing service check includes a full assessment of your home’s plumbing so you can be confident everything is in top shape for the new year. Think of it as preventative care for your home – simple, practical and cost-effective.
Starting the new year with these small but important habits will give you peace of mind and protect one of your home’s most important systems. With just a bit of attention and the occasional professional check-up, you can avoid leaks, save money, and make your plumbing last longer. So when you’re making your New Year’s resolutions, add one more to the list: look after your plumbing. Fix It Right Plumbing are here to help homeowners in Melbourne, Frankston, Canberra and Geelong keep their homes leak-free and stress-free. Whether you need leak detection, drain cleaning, hot water repairs or a routine inspection, our licensed team is ready to help you start 2026 off leak-free and stress-free.
