Things Every Amarillo Homeowner Should Check Once a Year

Owning a home in Amarillo is a big responsibility. It’s not just about mowing the lawn and paying the bills, it’s about keeping everything in good shape so you don’t wake up one morning to a flooded kitchen or an air conditioner that won’t turn on in the middle of July.

A little yearly maintenance can go a long way in preventing expensive repairs. Think of it like a yearly doctor’s check-up but for your house. You wouldn’t ignore your health, so why ignore your home?

Here’s a detailed checklist every Amarillo homeowner should follow at least once a year. A little time now could save you from major headaches (and major bills) later.

Plumbing Checks to Prevent Leaks and Water Damage

1. Inspect Your Home for Leaks

Water leaks don’t always announce themselves with big puddles on the floor. Sometimes, they hide under sinks, behind walls, or inside cabinets.

Take a flashlight and check under every sink, around your toilets, and near your water heater. Look for moisture, stains, or any signs of mold.

Even a slow, silent leak can drive up your water bill and cause structural damage. If you spot anything suspicious, don’t ignore it. Small leaks turn into big problems fast.

2. Flush Your Water Heater

Amarillo’s water is known for being hard, which means minerals build up in your water heater over time. If you don’t flush it once a year, all that sediment settles at the bottom, making your heater work harder and wear out faster.

To flush it, turn off the power (or gas), connect a hose to the drain valve, and let the water run into a bucket or outside. If you see a lot of sand or debris, it means your heater needed that cleaning.

If you’re unsure how to do this, call a professional before you accidentally turn your garage into an indoor swimming pool.

3. Test Your Water Pressure

High water pressure might sound nice when you’re taking a shower, but it can put too much stress on your pipes. Over time, that pressure can lead to leaks or even burst pipes.

A simple water pressure gauge (available at hardware stores) can tell you if yours is too high. If the reading is over 80 PSI, you might need a pressure regulator to protect your plumbing.

4. Check Your Toilets for Hidden Leaks

Toilets can waste thousands of gallons of water a year without you even realizing it. Here’s an easy way to check:

Add a few drops of food coloring to the toilet tank.
Wait about 10 minutes (without flushing).
If you see colored water in the bowl, you have a leak.

Most of the time, it’s just a worn-out flapper valve that needs replacing, a cheap and easy fix.

5. Clean Out Your Gutters

Amarillo’s wind can send all kinds of debris into your gutters, leaves, dirt, sticks, and even the occasional bird’s nest. Clogged gutters don’t just look bad; they can cause water to back up onto your roof or pool around your foundation, leading to expensive repairs.

Make it a habit to clean your gutters once a year, especially after storm season. If you’re not a fan of climbing ladders, gutter guards can help reduce the amount of debris that collects.

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6. Inspect Your Foundation for Cracks

The dry Amarillo climate and shifting soil can take a toll on your home’s foundation.

Small cracks might not seem like a big deal now, but they can widen over time, leading to structural problems.

Walk around your house and check for cracks in the foundation. If you notice any, mark them with chalk and check back in a few months to see if they’ve grown. If they have, it’s time to call in a professional.

7. Test Your Outdoor Faucets and Sprinklers

Freezing winters can damage outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems. When spring rolls around, turn them on and check for leaks.

A dripping outdoor faucet might seem harmless, but over time, it can waste a lot of water and lead to bigger plumbing issues.

If your sprinklers have weak pressure or spray water in strange directions, they might need repairs before the summer heat kicks in.

8. Examine Your Roof and Chimney

Roofs take a beating from Amarillo’s wind, heat, and occasional hail. A yearly inspection can catch small problems before they turn into expensive roof repairs.

Look for missing, curled, or cracked shingles. If you have a chimney, check for loose bricks or signs of wear. You don’t want to wait until a storm comes through to find out your roof isn’t in good shape.

Indoor Safety and Comfort Checks

9. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

You hope you never need them, but smoke and carbon monoxide detectors save lives. Replace the batteries once a year and press the test button to make sure they’re working.

If you have gas appliances, carbon monoxide detectors are a must. This invisible gas is deadly, and you won’t know it’s there without a detector.

10. Inspect Your HVAC System

Amarillo summers are brutal, and the last thing you want is for your air conditioner to break down in July. A yearly check-up can keep your HVAC system running efficiently.

Change the air filter every few months.
Check your vents for dust buildup.
Make sure your outside unit is clear of debris.

If your system isn’t cooling like it used to, it might need professional servicing before summer temperatures soar.

11. Look for Drafts and Insulation Gaps

If your energy bills seem higher than they should be, you might have air leaks around doors and windows. Even small gaps let hot air in during the summer and cold air in during the winter.

Hold a candle or lighter near windows and doors. If the flame flickers, you’ve got a draft. Weatherstripping or caulking can help keep your home comfortable year-round.

Bonus Tip: Review Your Home Insurance Policy

This isn’t exactly a physical check, but it’s still important. Home insurance policies can change, and you don’t want to find out after a disaster that you’re not covered for something.

Once a year, review your policy and make sure you have enough coverage for things like plumbing damage, roof repairs, and foundation issues. If you’re unsure what’s covered, call your insurance provider and ask.

Final Thoughts

A yearly home check-up might not be the most exciting thing on your to-do list, but it’s one of the smartest. Catching small problems early saves money and stress.

If you find plumbing issues that need expert attention, Plumbing Amarillo TX is here to help. From fixing leaks to checking water heaters, we’ve got you covered. Don’t wait until a small issue turns into a big mess, give us a call today.

Attribution: Cover Image by FreePik