Plumbing Maintenance Checklist

Plumbing maintenance is the best preventative measure you can take for your pipes.

Plumbing Maintenance

Homeowners do not typically appreciate the intricacies of their home’s plumbing system or the plumbing maintenance necessary to its longevity. Your home plumbing system consists of all your pipes, faucets, toilets, showers, sinks and washers, every bit of porcelain and metal that carries potable and non-potable water through behind-the-wall arteries.

Your plumbing carries the water that you use and carries it away after you have used it. The system requires regular attention and the following checklist can help you tackle the main aspects of plumbing repair.

• Check for leaks in visible pipes, wall-penetrations and along your home’s foundation. Look for puddles of water or watermarks along walls and ceilings.
• Check for corrosion. Corrosion in pipes can create leaks and hamper proper connections. Look for green stains near fitting connections and valves used to shut off flow.
• Test for proper system pressure. Your plumbing depends on a certain water pressure to operate efficiently. This pressure is the measure of force with which water exits faucets and shower hardware. Water pressure that becomes too low can indicate a buildup of sediment near these exit points and can also indicate water line problems.
• Remove and inspect your showerhead to check for collected sediment.
• Test each bathtub, stand-up shower and sink drain for proper drainage speed. If it is slow, there is likely a clog or stymied vent pipe. The appearance of bubbles during drainage also indicates a problem.
• Inspect your toilet’s flushing handle and the interior of the toilet. Flush every toilet to ensure proper operation. If interior parts are broken, rusted or otherwise damaged, replace them.
• Check the tile around plumbing fixtures. Irregularities can be caused by an unseen leak.
• Check the caulking around plumbing fixtures.
• Look around for mildew, which is caused by stagnant water.
• Make sure all plumbing fixtures are attached soundly.
• Examine your water heater’s interior. Flakes of rust indicate a problem. Ensure that your burner flame is blue and not yellow.
• Drain your water heater.
• Examine the hoses to your washing machine.

A thorough performance of this plumbing maintenance checklist will ensure long life for your plumbing system and lessen the chances of having to perform costly plumbing repairs later.

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