1. Outside hoses: On Long Island it is a good idea to disconnect hoses by October 1 and after each usage through April 15th. Because Long Island weather has been so unpredictable pay close attention to your weather forecast and make sure to disconnect hoses in the event of below freezing temperatures. This also applies to draining down of sprinkler systems.

2. Pressure: Too much pressure in a house can cause numerous problems. One problem being leaky valves. Any pressure over 80 lbs requires a pressure reducing valve. If you feel you have high pressure in your home call a professional plumbing company.

3. Floor drains: Periodically put water down floor drain to keep sewer gas from coming back and or filing up with dirt. (yearly-anytime)

4. Sump pumps: Yearly, during warm weather add water to sump pump pit to make sure pump is working properly. (summer)

5. Sprinkler systems: Yearly, change battery in sprinkler system when you drain down system.(fall)

6. House heaving and movement: Yearly, check drainage stacks that come out of concrete floors to see if they are starting to bed or heave from expansive soils. If you have expansion joints check to see if there is still room in these joints for expansion. In addition, check gas and water lines to the furnace and water heater to make sure there is not stress on these lines. If stress is apparent call a professional plumbing company.

7. Carbon monoxide detector: Placing a CO (Carbon Monoxide) detector next to the furnace and water heater is a great investment for peace of mind.  THIS IS NOW REQUIRED IN NEW YORK STATE

8. Garbage disposals: This is not a trash can and should not be used to put all of the scraps into it, just small bits should go in. This will alleviate clogs and from jamming motor. When using disposals water should be ran to prevent motor from overheating. You can put lemon peels to help any foul smells, ice cubes once a month to help keep blades sharp.  (usually last 5-10 years)

9. Vacation: Turn water off to your home when leaving for an extended period of time. If leaving during the summer watering periods, have the main shut off valve to the house above the sprinkler system line. This will insure that the sprinkler system will still run but the water to your house will be turned off. If gone for an extensive amount of time, when you return, run water in all fixtures on the premises including the floor drain. This will get rid of any air lock.

10. Water heaters: Use a long finger lighter (6 inches long) to light the pilot light if it goes out (follow the instructions on water heater). Newer water heaters (approximately 2003) have piezo lighters. If this doesn’t light the heater call a professional plumbing company. 

*Disclosure: These are all generally accepted rules, but don’t guarantee against future problems.