You can't play a bassoon properly if it's not working properly.

Occasionally, a visit to a repairman is necessary, but, generally, routine maintenance will keep things working fine.

So here is my suggested maintenance schedule:

Daily: use a pull-through; wipe the key-work with a soft duster.

Monthly: clean the crook; check for obvious leaks; dust under the keys; oil the keywork; check for sticky pads; check linkages etc. on keywork; check all screws are tight.

Annual: Dust the bore; oil the bore; change any dodgy pads; clean the finger holes; check the laquer; polish the woodwork; polish the keywork and crook; increase airtightness if possible; get all the bits of fluff out of your bassoon case.

For more detail, please click on the relevant link below

Cleaning a bassoon crook (bocal), Using a pull-through, Water in the tone holes.

Oiling the keywork on a bassoon, Cleaning the pads, Dusting the keywork. 

Oiling the bore of a  bassoon. 

Checking a bassoon for air-tightness, Locating a leak, Improving air-tightness.