Plumbing issues can be expensive and damaging if not addressed promptly. Conducting regular inspections of your home’s plumbing system is an important preventative step to catch small problems before they become big, costly repairs. What does a plumbing inspection checklist entail?
During a home plumbing inspection, you’ll be checking several major areas of the plumbing system. This includes water supply lines that bring water into your home, drain lines that remove wastewater, plumbing fixtures like sinks and toilets, and the water heater. Going through a home plumbing inspection checklist will help ensure you don’t overlook any areas that could lead to future problems.
This article will provide a comprehensive plumbing inspection checklist to guide you through examining your home’s major plumbing systems and components. Following the steps outlined here a couple of times per year will help protect your home and wallet from unexpected plumbing issues. Let’s take a look at what should be on your plumbing inspection checklist.
Contents
Home Plumbing Inspection Checklist
Main Water Plumbing Inspection Checklist
The water supply lines are the arteries of your home’s plumbing system. They deliver clean, fresh water from the municipal supply or your well to every faucet and appliance in your home. Therefore, you want to ensure that these pipes are in good condition and free of any leaks or damage.
During a home plumbing inspection, check the following:
- Visible pipes in your basement, crawl spaces, and utility rooms for any signs of leaks or corrosion.
- Look for any unusual sounds like hissing or banging when the water is running. This could indicate potential issues with your pipes.
- Check the water pressure by turning on a faucet and measuring how quickly the water flows out. Low pressure can be a sign of blockages or leaks in your pipes.
- Inspect water shut-off valves for proper functioning. These should be easy to turn on and off without any resistance. Make sure there are no drips when they are turned off.
- Look for discoloration or cloudiness in your water, which could indicate a problem with the pipes.
- Proper support of water lines is important as well, so ensure pipes are securely fastened to walls using brackets every few feet to prevent damage from shifting.
- Inspect for rusting or corrosion on the pipes, especially at joints and connections. This can indicate a potential for leaks in the future.
Drainage Plumbing Inspection Checklist
Just as important as clean water coming into your home is ensuring that wastewater is properly removed. Your drainage system includes all drain lines and vents connected to your sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and appliances like dishwashers and washing machines.
Issues with your drain lines can lead to clogs, backups, unpleasant odors, and potential health hazards. During a home plumbing inspection, check the following:
- Look for any signs of leaks or blockages in visible drain pipes. Check under sinks and behind toilets for any water stains or damage.
- Flush all toilets to make sure they are draining properly and not showing any signs of clogging. A slow or weak flush could indicate a blockage further down the line.
- Test all faucets and showerheads for proper drainage. If water is pooling, draining slowly, or making unusual sounds, it could indicate an issue with the drain lines.
- Check vents on your rooftop to ensure they are clear of debris and allow proper ventilation for your plumbing system. When these vents become clogged, it can lead to unpleasant odors and slow drainage throughout the house.
- Inspect the septic tank or sewage line if your home is not connected to a municipal sewer system. Look for any signs of damage or blockages.
- Look under sinks for pooling water inside the p-traps, which often collects if a clog forms.
- Gently wiggle drain pipes to check for stability and leaks at joints.
Water Heater Inspection Checklist
Your water heater is one of your plumbing system’s most critical—and expensive—components. It’s responsible for providing hot water throughout your home, and any issues with it can lead to discomfort and costly repairs. During a home plumbing inspection, check the following:
- Look for leaks or corrosion on the tank itself as well as around connections and valves.
- Test the pressure relief valve by lifting the lever slightly to release any built-up pressure. If no water is released, it may need to be replaced.
- Check the temperature and pressure gauge. It should read between 120-140°F (49-60°C) for most homes.
- Drain a few gallons of water from the tank to remove sediment buildup, which can reduce efficiency and cause damage over time.
- Inspect for any strange noises coming from the tank or changes in water temperature, which could indicate a problem.
- Check the anode rod for corrosion and replace it if needed to extend the life of your water heater.
- Note the age of the water heater and plan for future replacement once it reaches the end of its 10-15-year lifespan. A water heater that is too old can be a safety hazard.
- Check the insulation around the tank and ensure it is in good condition to prevent heat loss. Replace if needed.
- Ensure the water heater’s burner is clean and free of any dust or debris that could affect performance.
Plumbing Fixture Inspection Checklist
Plumbing fixtures are the most interacted-with parts of your plumbing system. They include your sinks, toilets, showers, and bathtubs. Not only do you want these fixtures to function properly, but they should also be aesthetically pleasing.
- Check the caulking around all fixtures for cracks or gaps that could lead to water damage. Re-caulk as needed.
- Ensure that all faucets are turning off completely without any drips after use.
- Operate toilets and watch the fill valve for steady flow – if water runs continuously it may need replacement.
- Pull the tank lid and examine the flapper valves and flush seals to make sure they are in good condition.
- Test your shower’s water temperature and pressure to ensure it functions properly. A weak flow could indicate a clog or build-up in the pipes.
- Inspect showerheads and faucets for any mineral buildup that could affect water flow. Clean if necessary.
- Test garbage disposals by running cold water and checking the mounting ring where it joins the sink drain for leaks.
Home Plumbing Inspection Checklist Wrap-Up
A comprehensive home plumbing inspection checklist is essential to keeping your plumbing system functioning optimally and prolonging its lifespan. This guide has equipped you with all the necessary information to meticulously inspect your water supply, drainage, water heater, and plumbing fixtures.
Regularly performing these checks can help prevent potential issues, saving you time, money, and the inconvenience of unexpected repairs. Remember, being proactive is always better than dealing with a plumbing catastrophe. Stay ahead of the game with this detailed home plumbing inspection checklist.