An annual household plumbing inspection is an important part of homeownership. During the inspection, you can make repairs yourself or note items that require a professional home contractor. These repairs prevent leaks, burst pipes, and avoid having to pay for more extensive home repairs related to water damage.
– Drains
Begin your inspection in the bathroom. Inspect your bathtub, shower, and sink drains for damage or clogs. If the water seems to flow out slower than it should, that may be an indication of a clog forming in the P-trap or elsewhere in your plumbing line. Some clogs can be corrected by the homeowner but others require specialized equipment and more in-depth knowledge of plumbing systems.
– Faucets and Hose Bibs
Look for leaks around all faucets, and make the necessary repairs. In some cases, hose bibs wear out and must be replaced to stop the leak. Faucet and hose bib leaks indicate worn valves that need rooter service. If you can’t find a leak but your bathroom smells bad, check if your wood or flooring is soaked.
– Valves
There are a variety of valves in your home plumbing system. Every faucet will have at least one, and usually two if that fixture provides hot water. Leaking valves are the cause of leaks around faucets, at pipe junctions, and near your water heater. In most cases, valve replacement should be left to professionals.
– Filters and Aerators
Remove the aerator filters at your sink faucets and clean or replace them. Clogged aerators may cause the water to run more slowly from the faucet or result in unusual water streams as it emerges from the aerator. Filter and aerator cleaning can be done by the homeowner or included as part of a full-service household plumbing inspection performed by plumbers.
– Water Heater
Your water heater is an important part of a household plumbing inspection checklist. A water heater should be flushed out at least once a year to remove sediments that accumulate in the tank. You can connect a garden hose to the water heater drain outlet and flush the system yourself, but leaving the job to professionals will avoid many potential problems including water spillage.
– Water Heater Temperature
If the water from your water heater doesn’t seem to be as hot as it used to be, it may be time to replace the thermostat or heating anode. This part is submerged in the tank and provides heat in the heater system. Over time, sediment buildup on the metal rod will prevent it from working properly or lead to other water heater problems. This type of repair is typically performed by a licensed contractor.
A household plumbing inspection is not especially difficult, but it does require extensive knowledge of how the household plumbing is piped and where individual parts of the system are located. If the task seems daunting or confusing, you always have the option of hiring a plumbing specialist to perform the inspection and related repairs for you.
Household Plumbing Inspection — Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating
Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating provides 24/7 household plumbing services for homes and multifamily buildings. We pride ourselves on our professional and quality work. Contact us through our online contact form or call us at 510-528-4292 for residential plumbing services any time, any day of the week.