Happy New Year! We made it to 2026. As you write down your resolutions — hit the gym, eat healthier, save more — here's one that'll actually save you thousands: take care of your plumbing. Small leaks become big floods. A dripping faucet today becomes water damage, mould, and a massive insurance claim tomorrow.

The start of a new year is the perfect time to assess your home's plumbing health. Here are three resolutions every Lower Mainland homeowner should make — and why they matter more than you think.

Resolution #1: Fix the Drip

• Fix the Drip — Save Real Money: That dripping kitchen faucet isn't just annoying — it's expensive. A single faucet dripping once per second wastes over 11,000 litres of water per year. That's roughly $200-300 added to your water bill annually, and it puts unnecessary strain on your plumbing system. Most drips are caused by worn-out washers or O-rings that cost less than $5 to replace. A professional can diagnose and fix a drip in under 30 minutes.
• Check Your Water Pressure — Protect Your Pipes: High water pressure feels great in the shower, but it's silently destroying your plumbing. Residential water pressure should be between 40-80 PSI. Anything above 80 PSI puts excessive stress on pipe joints, fittings, and appliance connections — leading to premature failures and leaks. You can check your pressure with a simple gauge (under $15 at any hardware store) that screws onto an outdoor hose bib. If it reads high, a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) installed by a licensed plumber will protect your entire system.
• Flush Your Water Heater — Efficiency Matters: Sediment naturally accumulates at the bottom of your water heater tank over time. This layer of minerals acts as insulation between the burner and the water, forcing your heater to work harder and use more energy. An annual flush removes this sediment, improves heating efficiency by up to 15-20%, and extends the lifespan of your tank by years. Most tanks have a drain valve at the bottom — but if you've never flushed yours, call a professional for the first time to avoid any issues with corroded valves.

5 Signs You Need a Good Plumber in 2026

Not sure if your plumbing issues are DIY-fixable or need professional attention? Here are the telltale signs it's time to call in the experts:

• Discoloured water — brown or yellow water when you first turn on taps could indicate corroding pipes, especially in homes built before 1990
• Unexplained spike in your water bill — a sudden increase without a change in usage usually means a hidden leak somewhere in your system
• Low water pressure throughout the house — if multiple fixtures are affected, the issue is likely in your main supply line or PRV, not individual faucets
• Slow drains in multiple locations — one slow drain is likely a local clog, but multiple slow drains point to a main sewer line problem
• Water stains on ceilings or walls — by the time you see the stain, the leak has likely been active for weeks and may have already caused structural damage

Why Preventive Plumbing Pays Off

The average emergency plumbing call in the Lower Mainland costs 3-5x more than a preventive maintenance visit. A burst pipe causing water damage can easily result in $10,000-50,000 in repairs — not including the stress and disruption to your daily life. A simple annual inspection catches problems when they're small and cheap to fix.

At DOSANJH Plumbing & Heating, we've been the Lower Mainland's trusted plumbing experts for over 20 years. We believe in permanent solutions, not temporary patches. Whether it's a persistent drip or a full plumbing overhaul, our team provides honest assessments and professional service — every single time.