You should inspect the bilge and its surroundings with a flashlight at least once a month and look for the following:

Lift up the float switch on your electric bilge pump to make sure it turns on the pump automatically. If you find unusual amounts of water, be sure to track down the source.

Check all though-hull openings and fittings.

Make sure that all fittings below the waterline have tight hose clamps.

Check the seacocks to make sure that you can turn them off. You could sink your boat if a hose comes loose from a seacock and you can’t stop the flow of water because the valve is corroded.

Look for corrosion and rust. Check for unusual growth or mildew.

Check all pipes, hoses and clamps.