Whether you are looking at a new home or just maintaining your current plumbing, performing a DIY plumbing inspection once a year is helpful to avoid any plumbing disasters down the road. A plumbing inspection will help you notice small changes that occur during the year. Something that seems small now can spell bigger problems down the line. Here are a few key areas you should check when inspecting your plumbing.

Bathrooms

The best place to start is the bathroom because it contains more plumbing than the rest of the house. Check the faucets, showerheads, and bathtub spouts for leaks. Replace any loose-fitting hardware that could be causing a drip. Check for water damage in the walls or ceiling below the bathroom. Water damage can indicate a leak in the hidden pipes. Turn on your faucets and make sure they have adequate water pressure. It may also be time to clean the aerators of any build-up using vinegar. Make sure water is not backing up in sinks and tubs. If it does, snake the drain to try and rid it of clogs.

Toilets should also be another item on the plumbing inspection checklist. Start by removing the lid to the tank and looking inside. Flush the toilet and make sure all the components are working. If you hear the toilet running a while after you have flushed, you could be wasting water unnecessarily.

Kitchen

The kitchen is next on the list of rooms with the most plumbing. Like the bathroom, check the sink faucets for leaks, the drain is clear, and the aerator is clean. Check the shut-off valves on the faucet, dishwasher, and refrigerator to make sure they close completely. Garbage disposals are another plumbing fixture unique to the kitchen. Check the areas where the disposal connects to the drain for any leaks. If The disposal has a smell, then you should probably clean it at this time as well.

Do not forget to check your large plumbing appliances during your plumbing inspection! Run your dishwasher and see if the dishwasher drains slowly or if there is standing water at the bottom after a load. There could be a clog or pinch in the discharge hose. Refrigerators with ice machines and water dispensers have filters. Change these filters twice a year to avoid a clog. Just like on the dishwasher, check the hose for wear and tear as well.

Sewer

The sewer lines that run along your property are your responsibility to take care of, which is why their upkeep is so important. Inspecting and snaking the sewer drain can help prevent tree roots from infiltrating the pipes and causing a blockage. There is not much worse than a sewer backup in your home, but a problem with your sewer vent pipes is just as bad. These pipes vent out gases from your sewer and direct air pressure. If they become blocked, they will not drain as effectively. They typically vent through the roof, so it is a good idea to inspect it for blockage every so often.

Outdoors

Don’t ignore upkeep on outdoor spigots. A leak on a hose or garage sink can waste a lot of water that can go unnoticed. In the Midwest, we are also prone to severe cold weather that can cause cracking in your outdoor fixtures. On that same note, check your irrigation systems as well. An irrigation system with a backflow device is required to be inspected by a certified technician once a year to prevent water contamination.

Miscellaneous

There are plenty of other miscellaneous appliances around your home that you should check during your plumbing inspection. Your washing machine is a good example. Just like the dishwasher, check the hose periodically. If you leave the house while a load of laundry is going and come back to a leaking mess, it can cause water damage. Sump pumps are another important plumbing fixture. Ensure it is working before the heavy rain hits by filling the sump pit with water to make sure it turns on and starts pumping the water away.

Check the water heater for leaks now and then. You can usually see evidence of a frequent leak around the base of the water heater. In which case, you may have a bad valve to replace. Flush the water heater every few years to get rid of the sediment in the tank. Be sure to check the burner to gas water heaters as well.

Call Valley Fire Protection & Plumbing

If you discover anything during your at home plumbing inspection, call Valley Fire Protection & Plumbing to fix it for you! We have plumbers with the know-how to tackle any of your plumbing problems. Contact us today for a quote or to set up your service!

Related Topics: DIY Plumbing Tips // Residential Plumbing

By: Tom Hartel

I acquired my expertise by directing day-to-day operations of the business for over 20 years. Continuous hard work helped me become a nationally recognized speaker and expert on fire protection, fire sprinklers, special hazards, and plumbing systems. In this blog, I share my knowledge that will hopefully help you make better decisions for your projects.