You should not follow any random approach when performing the plumbing inspection. And you know; this is the most important thing you can do to ensure a well-performing plumbing system at your home. But what should be the rough plumbing inspection checklist?
The elements of a home plumbing inspection will always vary based on your work. And do you know one thing? Following the checklist throughout the plumbing inspection process will help you a lot. You can always start with the main water supply and then move to checking the water piping and plumbing fixtures.
Today, I will share my personal experience regarding how I usually make a checklist to perform the tax of plumbing inspection.
Why Regular Inspections Matter?
Good question. If you are unfamiliar with this type of work, it is pretty evident to ask why it matters. Just think simply. What if the plumbing system at your house breaks down? Honestly, this is a complete disaster and you can’t access the water lines. And even a kid can understand this.
Now, let’s step ahead. To have a well-performing plumbing system, you should never underestimate the job of plumbing inspection. Wear and tear may build up in the plumbing system very often. This will not only decrease the quality of the water supply but also negatively impact your health.
An inspection checklist can provide a larger benefit, from reducing health concerns to avoiding water damage. Experts in this field around the world suggest people regularly inspect their water systems. There could be signs of corrosion.
Even a couple of years ago, I was not entirely confident in my abilities to do the work. But the consequences inspired me to look deeply at the water supply system. There is still one thing. Do you know that proper inspection can really increase the lifespan of the pipes?
What Should Take Place in the Ideal Plumbing Inspection Checklist?
Plumbing inspection should take enough time. That is why we highly recommend you take your time and perform the task efficiently. Now, let’s have a closer look at the ideal component that should be included in the bombing inspection checklist. Garbage disposal is badly needed.
Task 01: Start With the Main Water Supply System
This is basic. You need to start with the main water supply. But before that, make sure you have an idea of where the main water supply system is located at your home. Now, it is always important to access the shut-off valve at the same time to prevent water damage.
You’ll also find many materials out there, such as PEX pipe, Cooper, and more. Make sure you check them one by one.
Task 02: Don’t Forget to Check the Drainage System
This is supposed to take a longer time. But you need to be quite patient enough and take all the elements thoroughly to make sure there isn’t any problem. You can always start with the sewer lines. Sometimes it might happen that the sewer line gets damaged or blocked. In this case, you need to replace the line.
Plus, it is always mandatory to take the manholes and cleanouts. If there are bumps in your home, you should also check them. What you need to ensure is that the sump pumps are functioning correctly.
Another thing the experts often recommend is to do. Now, if you have an appropriate tool in your access, it should take the floatest of water. This will help you figure out if there is any issue related to the slow drainage system.
Task 03: Never Let Exterior Plumbing Go Unchecked
You should never do that, which costs me a lot of money. A few years back, I thought everything was too far from the comprehensive tax of plumbing inspection.
But I don’t know why I let the exterior plumbing go unchecked. There might be some potential issues with it. If you don’t check it, it will damage the whole water supply system. Moreover, it is possible to reduce the external cost.
Task 04: What About Testing the Water?
You should never allow bad water to flow through your house’s water system. That’s why it is always essential to check whether there are any issues with the water supply. You may never want to see yourself and your family members in a bad health condition, but unfortunately, this can happen if the water plumbing inspection process is not properly done.
You should have a water meter to perform the tax. But you must adhere to some basics.
At the very beginning, you should stop all the water supply. Next, you need to check the leak indicator at your water meter. I have one significant suggestion for you: you should repeat the water level checking process after 1 or 2 hours. This will give you the accurate reading you have always wanted.
Turn off the water and check the meter to see if a leak is inside or outside—leak within if the indication stops or changes. A listening gadget can detect plumbing running water sounds. Food coloring in the bowl indicates a toilet flapper leak.
DIY Tips for Homeowners
In order to perform the tux on your own, you should have a pretty basic idea of plumbing inspection. Otherwise, you can make silly mistakes, which could damage your home’s water system. As we mentioned earlier, you need to start with the main shut-off valve.
Insulating unheated pipes and keeping the thermostat at 55°F or higher can avoid frozen pipes. Use plungers to clear small obstructions before using chemicals. Drain the water heater annually, inspect the temperature and water pressure relief valve, and check pipes for leaks.
Major issues require a licensed plumber. DIY repairs can remedy simple difficulties, but sophisticated repairs without training might cause more harm or safety risks.
Hiring Professionals
A professional service provider can help you a lot in this case. They have all the expertise in the world and have access to the right tools that might be used when it comes to plumbing inspection. All you need to do is research in-depth and find the service provider who can add value to your plumbing system.
Final words
Now that you have a pretty solid idea about the plumbing inspection checklist, you’ll be absolutely at ease the next time you perform the task. The trend of checking the plumbing system has dramatically changed over the last few years, but the basics remain the same.