New Year’s Resolutions For Your Plumbing Systems

The new year balances reflection with anticipation, inspiring us to evaluate the past and plan for the future. For many, this includes an annual tradition of setting New Year’s resolutions, serving as a reliable checkpoint that comes around every year. Resolutions are proactive goals often focused on implementing routines and making improvements. Two common resolutions are improving organization and strengthening relationships. Property managers can apply these same resolutions for their plumbing systems to keep them running smoothly and safely.

Resolution 1: Improving organization.
Preparation and organization start with analyzing last year’s performance. Looking at maintenance logs or understanding end user or tenants pain points can help inform tasks to anticipate for the upcoming year. Reviewing the equipment’s performance and efficiency can inform tune-up needs or what to do differently. Thinking about any deferred maintenance or noted wear and tear can inform what tasks need to be prioritized and budgeted for. Use data from the past and base knowledge to inform your future plan.

Creating a simple maintenance calendar is a great way to make preventative action a habit. Set reminders throughout the year to do the following tasks so issues are caught early and save you costly repairs.

• Check for corrosion or water leaks: Inspect all visible plumbing fixtures, pipes and connections for leaks. Address any leaks promptly to prevent water damage and conserve water.
• Test dewatering, sewage and sump pits/pumps: Ensure the pump/pit is functioning properly and clear any debris.
• Flush water heater: Flush to remove sediment buildup and maintain optimal performance. This should be done annually to prolong the life of the water heater and improve energy efficiency.
• Inspect drains and sewer lines: Check for any slow drains or clogs in sinks, showers and toilets. These can signal a larger problem that should be checked by a professional.
• Check water pressure: Test the water pressure in your plumbing system. High water pressure can strain pipes and fixtures, leading to leaks and other problems.
• Test safety or shutoff valves: Ensure the valves are functioning properly. Address any issues immediately to protect the building, tenants and equipment from extreme damage.
• Inspect water supply lines: Check for any signs of corrosion, leaks or damage to water supply lines, especially in areas prone to freezing or extreme temperature fluctuations.

If there are any concerns with your equipment needing to be addressed from the previous year, now is the perfect time to schedule larger repairs or replacements. When scheduled proactively, the maintenance can occur during times of the lowest impact on tenants and productivity.

The beginning of a new year is also a great time to consider a preventative maintenance agreement. This takes much of the preparation and organization responsibility from the property managers and has many benefits such as priority scheduling, regular inspections, equipment and material logs, cleanings, and safety checks.

Resolution 2: Strengthening relationships.
Property managers are the central connector for everyone interacting with a building. Strong relationships with tenants and external service partners are key to the success of a property.

Having a trusted service partner makes your life easier whether you find an issue during your routine checks, want a preventative maintenance agreement, or need a repair or replacement. What separates a good service partner from a great one:

• Preventing problems rather than just fixing them: A great service partner spots early warning signs, predicts failures based on performance history, and makes cost-saving recommendations. They provide thorough documentation to track performance trends, keep record of services performed, and ultimately support planning for the future.
• Adding expertise rather than just following instructions: A great service partner offers guidance based on experience and knowledge while also considering your budget, priorities and concerns. They make recommendations aligned with what is best for the equipment and your goals.
• Being part of the team rather than just getting a job done: A great service partner is reliable and communicative. They are invested in the building’s future, helping property managers know what to expect, providing long-term strategy, and taking time to share their expertise to set you and your systems up for continued success.

These differentiators can be applied to tenant relationships, too. Keeping tenants informed helps prevent issues and builds trust. What may feel like common sense to you may not be common knowledge for your tenants. Make sure your tenants know common plumbing warning signs, best practices for plumbing system care, and who to call in an emergency. Providing perspective and context, communicating regularly, and setting expectations promotes tenant investment in your property and trust in you, which helps keep your property (and them) safe.

Happy New Year to you and your plumbing systems! 

First Published in Colorado Real Estate Journal – Property Management Quarterly – January 2026