Inspecting plumbing for a house is a lot easier than it sounds and a lot of time even the average joe can handle it.
Here is a list of things to check and how to check them.
- Check all faucets for good water pressure both hot and cold. This can be a good tell all of the states of the water lines. If they are good you will have good water pressure at all the faucets.
- Flush all the toilets and look for leaks around the base. Water seeping out of the bottom will let you know if the seals are bad. Also, watch as they flush. They should empty then refill promptly.
- Look under the sinks while the water is running for water dripping or seeping out anywhere. Watch the supply lines as well as they drain. If you detect any leaks check for loose or old fittings.
- Take a look at the water tank to confirm it is the right size. A family of 4 usually requires a 40-gallon tank. Also, look for signs of corrosion around the tank and the lines running in and out of the tank. A corroding heating element can cause your tank to run inefficiently. If you do find corrosion it might be time to replace it.
- Turn on the shower furthest from the hot water source. Check for pressure and temperature of the water. If you have low water pressure it could be your supply lines are deteriorating or more likely your water heater needs replacement.
Address any issues you find ASAP. Issues with plumbing may start small but can turn into much larger issues quick. Under sinks can mold or rot from a leaky supply line. Toilets that don’t drain correctly can easily overflow and flood your bathroom or worse. Water heaters that are starting to corrode can start costing you more money every month because they run inefficiently.
Here are 7 things you don’t see that could be costly if there’s an issue (always check regularly)
- Foundation
- HVAC System (Heating / AC)
- Electrical Wiring
- Roof
- Termite Damage
- Water Damage
- Mold