Homeowners Checklist: What to Look for During an Inspection?

Easily perform a basic plumbing inspection at home without being an expert. Learn how to identify potential plumbing issues early to save time and money.

You don’t have to be an expert plumber in order to do a basic plumbing inspection at your house. Basic plumbing inspection lets you detect any possible leaking problems and any potential plumbing problems in your property. They can help you detect if an issue would be a quick fix or need an expert plumber to repair it. This also helps in fixing the issue before it gets worse.

Here Are Things That You Need To Look Out For During A Plumbing Inspection:

Tapware Design

1. Check Your Taps And Fixtures In The Kitchen, Bathroom, And Laundry

Check if taps are easy to turn on and off. Check if there are any leaks. Make sure also that there are no leaks on the base of the fixtures. The most common area where leaks occur is on the Flexi hoses underneath the fixtures. Flush all toilets and check if there are any leaks on the base of the toilet. Run the cold and hot water and check if they are working properly.

Check for possible shower leaks, turn the shower on and off and check if the shower head is not dripping when turned off. Partially fill the bathtub and the laundry tub and check if the water drains properly.

water wastage

2. Check For Any Water Discolouration

To ensure that your plumbing system is functioning properly and to avoid any potential issues, it’s highly recommended that you run the water for a minimum of 5 minutes and carefully examine for any discolouration. Discolouration, whether it be in the form of cloudy water or rust-coloured stains, may indicate a serious plumbing problem that requires immediate attention. Identifying and addressing these issues promptly can save you time and money in the long run and help prevent costly repairs.

A minimum of 5 minutes and carefully examine for any discolouration. Discolouration, whether it be in the form of cloudy water or rust-coloured stains, may indicate a serious plumbing problem that requires immediate attention. Identifying and addressing these issues promptly can save you time and money in the long run and help prevent costly repairs.

Water Pressure Gauge - Plumbing and Electrical

3. Check Your Water Pressure

It’s of utmost importance to ensure that water is flowing smoothly and efficiently from all taps in your home or workplace. A noticeable decrease in water pressure could be an indication of a blocked or leaky pipe, which requires immediate attention to prevent further damage.

On the other hand, excessively high water pressure can also lead to potential pipe damage and should be dealt with as soon as possible. Therefore, it’s highly recommended to regularly check your water pressure levels to avoid any potential plumbing issues.

Leaking Drain Plug - Plumbing and Electrical

4. Check For Water Moisture And Watermarks

It is highly advised that you conduct a thorough inspection of your cupboards, vanities, and pipes to detect any signs of moisture or watermarks. These marks are commonly caused by water leaks and can typically be observed on the walls, cupboards, and vanities.

In the event that you do happen to notice any traces of moisture or marks, it is imperative that you take immediate action, as it may indicate a concealed leak that requires attention.

Plumbing Hot Water Heater not Working

5. Check Your Hot Water System

Check if you are getting the correct temperature on your hot water. Is the water too hot or barely lukewarm? Check how old your hot water system is. Generally, hot water systems have a lifespan of 10 years. Try also to remember when was the last time that you had your Hot Water System serviced.

For any Hot Water System below 10 years old, it’s recommended to have it serviced at least once every 2 years. If it’s more than 10 years old, you must have it serviced every 5 years.

Gutter Drains Plumbing

6. Check Your Pipes, Gutters, and Drains

Check your pipes if they have any leaks. If you still have lead pipes in your plumbing system, they would need to be replaced since they pose a health hazard. Observe if water drains properly in your kitchen, laundry, and bathroom. Check for any dampness and soft ground near the sewer and stormwater drains.

They could be a sign that you need to call an expert to repair your blocked drain. Make sure also that downpipes go directly to the stormwater drains and not on the ground.

Here is another article that you may find interesting in regards to “Avoid Rainwater damage, keep your storm water drains clear.

If you observe any plumbing issues during the inspection, don’t hesitate to call The Plumbing and Electrical Doctor at 13 10 91 to fix the problem right away. Serving areas in Canberra, Newcastle, Central Coast, and Hunter Valley.

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