Monthly house check
Plain House Manual
Home: ________________Month: ________________Check day: ________________Last meter reading: ________________
| Done | Step | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Every month, in this order | |||
| Every smoke alarm tested | |||
| Every CO alarm tested | |||
| Filter looked at (changed? size) | |||
| Under each sink looked at, towel checked | |||
| This month's toilet: color test, bowl checked | |||
| Water meter read, every digit | |||
| This month's use worked out | |||
| One line written on the year log | |||
| If something is off | |||
| Quiet alarm: which one, maker's steps followed | |||
| Use jumped: two-hour meter check done | |||
| Wet fitting or color in bowl: photo and date | |||
| Fix booked (plumber or landlord, get help) | |||
| Date it was fixed | |||
| Once a year | |||
| Date on the back of each smoke alarm read | |||
| January or February use compared with EPA line | |||
| Year log filed in the records binder | |||
Source: NYC DEP, How to Read Your Water Meter, checked October 15, 2026. plainhousemanual.com/calendar/monthly-house-check/Checks and records only, not repair. Leaks and toilets go to a plumber, alarms follow the maker's instructions, and renters send everything to the landlord.
Photos: benjamin lehman / Unsplash