New Year Home Plumbing Resolutions for Efficiency and Comfort in 2026

A new year is the perfect time to give your home’s plumbing a fresh start. On the Western Slope—where January nights dip well below freezing—simple resolutions can prevent winter emergencies, improve comfort for guests, and lower utility bills all year. West Plumbing, LLC serves Montrose, Delta, Ouray, Ridgway, and Telluride with honest pricing and careful craftsmanship. Use these locally focused tips to prioritize maintenance, comfort upgrades, and water savings in 2026.

What annual plumbing maintenance should homeowners do?

A yearly plumbing tune-up catches small issues before they become leaks, clogs, or no-hot-water callbacks. In our high-elevation climate, we recommend the following:

Inspect exposed pipes, shutoffs, and supply lines for drips or corrosion.

Flush sediment from tank water heaters; check anode rods and temperature (120–125°F).

Descale tankless water heaters and verify venting and condensate drains.

Test all toilets, replace worn flappers/fill valves, and check for silent leaks.

Clean sink and shower drains; add hair catchers and strainers.

Test sump and well pumps (where applicable); verify check valves.

Check outdoor spigots, frost-free hose bibs, and crawl space insulation.

Replace aerators and clean showerheads for better flow and hygiene. West Plumbing, LLC can complete a whole-home review and prioritize fixes that fit your budget.

Resolution 1: Stop leaks and lower your water bill

Colorado’s dry climate makes conservation a smart habit. Look for musty odors, warped cabinet bottoms, or unexplained water meter movement—early signs of hidden leaks. Replace brittle supply lines to faucets, toilets, and washers. Consider a smart leak detector near water heaters, crawl spaces, and under sinks—especially in Montrose and Delta homes with older plumbing. If your fixtures are dated, upgrading to WaterSense faucets and low-flow showerheads saves water without sacrificing comfort.

Resolution 2: Ensure reliable hot water for guests

Winter visitors mean back-to-back showers and more laundry. If you routinely run out of hot water, review the first-hour rating (FHR) on tank models or size a tankless system for winter temperature rise at elevation. A quick drain-and-flush removes sediment that steals capacity and creates rumbling noises. For larger or multi-story homes in Ridgway and Ouray, a hot water recirculation pump can cut wait times and reduce waste—West Plumbing will recommend timer, motion, or demand controls to keep energy use in check.

Resolution 3: Winter-proof vulnerable lines

Freeze-thaw cycles are hard on exterior plumbing. Shut off and drain outdoor spigots, add insulated covers, and seal drafts around hose bib penetrations. In crawl spaces and garages, insulate hot and cold lines; open vanity doors on exterior walls during cold snaps. If a faucet trickles after a freeze, call promptly—an ice plug may be forming. We install frost-free sillcocks, interior shutoff valves, and heat cable (where appropriate) to protect problem lines across the Western Slope.

Resolution 4: Keep drains and sewers flowing

Hosting season often reveals slow drains, gurgling, or odors. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage pipes; professional drain cleaning is safer for your system. If multiple fixtures back up or you notice recurring clogs, a camera inspection can spot root intrusions, bellies, or aging pipe sections—common in older Montrose and Telluride neighborhoods. Proactive repair or sectional replacement now prevents winter overflows when access is harder and conditions are colder.

Resolution 5: Plan smart upgrades for comfort and safety

Big comfort gains often come from targeted improvements:

Water filtration to improve taste and protect fixtures from scale

Garbage disposal replacements for quieter, more reliable kitchens

High-efficiency toilets and faucets to reduce water use

Boiler service or replacement, especially for radiant floor heating

Gas line safety checks for ranges, fireplaces, and dryers

Ductless mini-splits for zoned comfort in additions or studios These projects pair well with remodels or pre-listing improvements and can raise home value while lowering operating costs.

Your local partner for a smooth, efficient 2026

As a family-owned company, West Plumbing, LLC understands high-elevation plumbing challenges—from frozen hose bibs to tankless venting and safe gas line setups. We offer clear recommendations, fair pricing, and dependable service that keeps your home comfortable and efficient through every season.

Start the year strong with West Plumbing, LLC

Schedule your New Year Home Plumbing Check today. We’ll prioritize maintenance, tune water heaters, protect outdoor lines, and map upgrade options that fit your Western Slope home. Visit westplumbing.co or call to book service in Montrose, Delta, Ouray, Ridgway, and Telluride—and enjoy a safer, more efficient, and more comfortable home in 2026.