In places like Billings and Laurel, Montana, where temperatures swing dramatically between seasons, taking care of your home’s plumbing system is more than a suggestion—it’s a necessity. At Brown Plumbing, we’ve seen firsthand how seasonal changes can wreak havoc on pipes, fixtures, and water heaters when maintenance is overlooked.
To help you stay ahead of issues and avoid costly repairs, we’ve created a plumbing checklist broken down by season—so your home stays safe, efficient, and stress-free year-round.
Spring: Inspection and Recovery
Montana winters can be hard on plumbing, so spring is the time to inspect and recover.
- Check for winter damage: Inspect pipes for cracks, especially in unheated areas like crawl spaces or garages.
- Examine outdoor faucets and hoses: Look for leaks that may have developed after freezing temps.
- Flush your water heater: Sediment buildup is common in Billings and Laurel water. Flushing helps improve efficiency.
- Clean gutters and downspouts: Prevent overflow that could cause water to back up near your foundation.
- Inspect your sump pump: With spring melt and rain, make sure your sump pump is ready to work.
Summer: Efficiency and Outdoor Use
Summer in Montana may not be scorching, but it brings its own plumbing concerns.
- Inspect sprinkler systems: Ensure sprinkler heads and valves are working properly after winter.
- Check for slow drains: These can be early signs of clogs that worsen over time.
- Watch water usage: Summer often means more guests and more water demand—consider checking for hidden leaks.
- Service your water softener: Hard water is common in Laurel and Billings; maintenance ensures your plumbing stays protected.
- Prepare for vacations: Turn off the main water supply and set your water heater to vacation mode if leaving town.
Fall: Winter Prep Starts Here
Getting your plumbing system ready before temperatures drop is key in Montana.
- Disconnect and store hoses: Prevent water from freezing and backing up into your pipes.
- Shut off and drain outdoor spigots: Prevent burst pipes during freezing nights.
- Insulate exposed pipes: Use foam pipe insulation in basements, garages, and exterior walls.
- Check your furnace humidifier: If you have one, make sure it’s clean and functioning before you turn on the heat.
- Schedule a professional inspection: We recommend a full plumbing check in Billings or Laurel before the deep freeze hits.
Winter: Protection and Monitoring
Montana winters are no joke—protect your pipes and fixtures during freezing months.
- Keep cabinet doors open: Let warm air circulate around pipes under sinks.
- Run water occasionally: Especially from infrequently used faucets, to prevent freezing.
- Monitor water pressure: A sudden drop could indicate a frozen or burst pipe.
- Use heat tape: For particularly vulnerable outdoor pipes or well lines.
- Know your main shut-off valve: If a pipe bursts, you’ll want to shut off water fast.
Final Thoughts
Preventive maintenance is the best way to avoid plumbing emergencies, especially in a climate like Billings and Laurel. By following this seasonal checklist, you can extend the life of your plumbing system, improve efficiency, and gain peace of mind.
Need help? The experts at Brown Plumbing are ready to inspect, repair, or maintain your system—season after season.