How To Check Your Home Plumbing System
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The plumbing system is an integral component of any home. The supply system ensures the house has a regular flow of clean water, while the drainage system removes sewage and wastewater.
Unfortunately, issues can still arise despite the sophisticated systems in New York homes. Even a minor plumbing problem can compromise your property and result in expensive repairs, but regular maintenance will identify potential issues.
In this guide, we’ll reveal how to check your home’s plumbing system and what to look out for. By the end, you’ll have peace of mind that you’ll know how to handle it no matter what happens.
Why Check Your Home Plumbing System?
Checking your plumbing system consistently ensures you can address any issues and stop them from becoming more serious. According to Forbes, plumbing issues cost between $45 to $200 per hour, so extensive repairs could quickly mount up.
However, saving money is just one of the reasons to check your plumbing system frequently. Let’s take a look at some other important reasons.
Health and Safety
A plumbing system that is not working properly can create health and safety hazards, such as mold, bacteria, and sewage backup, which can lead to illness and structural damage.
It’s especially dangerous for households with children, pets, and individuals with pre-existing conditions.
Water conservation
Leaks in a plumbing system can waste significant amounts of water, leading to higher water bills. Regular maintenance can help prevent leaks and other wastewater issues, helping you save money.
It also benefits the environment and prevents water shortages in the summer months.
Preventative maintenance
Regular inspections and maintenance can identify problems before they become more severe and expensive, such as a burst pipe or major water damage.
Serious plumbing issues can cost hundreds – and sometimes even thousands to fix. For example, if water comes through the ceiling, you might need to hire a professional plumber and contractor.
Home Value
A well-maintained plumbing system can increase the value of a home and make it more attractive to buyers. Developers might want to buy a property that requires a lot of work, but you’ll lose out on the deal as these sales are usually a lot lower than the owner expects.
Signs You Need to Check Your Plumbing
Luckily, the majority of plumbing issues have a number of tell-tale signs, and noticing them ensures you can get to the heart of the problem quickly.
Common signs include:
Low water pressure
Unusual noises from your pipes or plumbing
Cold spots on radiators
Slow drains (sink drain or other appliances)
The toilet failing to flush or showing signs of a leak
How To Check For Plumbing Problems
While plumbing issues can impact all areas of your home, certain rooms require more attention. We’ll break up the checks for each room so you can make regular maintenance simple.
First, you should grab the right tools because they’ll make the checks much more straightforward.
How To Check For Plumbing Problems
- Flashlight
- Plunger
- Wrench
- Screwdriver
- Pipe wrench
- Pliers
- Drain cleaner
- Pipe tape
- Take a look at your outside pipes and any connections to your
- If you have a septic system, check the pipes and connectors to and from the septic tank
- If you notice any potential problems, contact a plumber for professional assistance.
The Kitchen
Kitchens are among the most common areas for plumbing issues because they often include washing machines, refrigerators, and sinks. We recommend checking your kitchen twice a year, following this checklist.
Check the sink and drain traps
The kitchen sink is always a problem area, so check regularly for leaking faucets. It’s a simple repair, but leaving a leak can often result in you spending a lot of money. Clogs in the sink can also cause water to back up, and you should also check the P-trap to see if it needs tightening.
Appliances
Refrigerators, garbage disposal units, washing machines, and dishwashers can also have blockages, so checking them regularly is essential. Also, check the pipes and hoses, which can often cause leaks.
Check the shut-off valves and water pressure
Shut-off valves control the water supply to your appliances, and if they don’t work, the water will continue to flow, which can cause leaks.
Water pressure can cause issues throughout your property, but checking the pressure gauge will help you notice whether it’s a bit low.
Standard pressure readings should fall between 30 and 80 psi; anything more or less can damage your plumbing system.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms are most at risk of leaks and issues because they rely on water more than any other room. Unfortunately, the bathroom often has hidden leaks – especially in the walls near the bath and shower, but you can still identify problem areas.
First things first, check the sinks and drains following the same steps for the kitchen area. After that, you can move on to other bathroom maintenance.
Look at the caulk seals
Caulk seals protect your tiles and walls from water, so it can get into the walls when they don’t work, causing mold and mildew growth. Sealing the gaps will ensure you can prevent water leaks.
Septic system and sewer line maintenance
Septic systems are essential for any property and usually do their job well. However, the last thing anyone wants to experience is a sewage backup. These often happen when septic tanks become too full or there’s a clog in the main sewer line.
Tree roots can also break sewer lines, and the consequences often require professional support. Not only do these backups release potent sewer gases, but they also compromise the health of your family and pets due to the bacteria in the water.
If you notice an issue with your tank or line, you should seek help from a professional sewage backup company immediately.
The Basement
Basements are often the first signs of a sewage backup, and most rooms have a sump pump to move water out into the garden instead of letting the basement become moldy. It’s essential to regularly maintain the sump pump and check it’s working correctly.
Fill it up with water and check to see whether it drains properly. If not, you should get a professional to repair or replace the pump.
Outdoor Areas
Don’t forget that your home is also at risk of external water damage because it usually seeps into the property. Checking the outdoor plumbing for common problems can save you a lot of money, but leaving it will almost always result in expensive repairs.
Hose spigots
Any outdoor spigots are susceptible to damage due to cold weather and can crack over time. It’s a surprisingly common problem – but also an overlooked one. You can fix the spigots by either replacing cartridges or replacing them altogether.
Irrigation systems
Lawn sprinklers can become frozen in the winter months, creating cracks in the pipes. Frozen pipes often result in leaks, and the excess water can get into your home. Check the sprinklers before using them and replace them if needed.
The Water Heater
The hot water heater might be in your loft space, basement, or another area of the home. When water heaters are left unattended for years, they can often accumulate a lot of debris.
Flushing the tank will ensure it continues functioning, and gas models should receive regular maintenance from a qualified professional.
The heater’s water pipes can also burst, but you should notice any issues by looking at the base, but you’ll also need to check the P and T valves.
How Often Should You Check Your Home Plumbing System?
You should check your home plumbing at least once a year and more often if you notice any potential problems. Regular checks can help identify potential problems before they become major issues.
What To Do In The Event Of Water Damage
Leaks happen, whether it’s a period property or a new home, and most people can fix them if they understand the plumbing basics. However, repairing a broken pipe is much harder than setting your home’s water pressure.
Water damage always starts as a minor issue, then spirals out of control. Not only does it cause extensive damage to your home and compromise its structural integrity, but you’ll also be left with a hefty water bill.
Get 24/7 Support From iFlooded Restoration
The best way to deal with property damage is to call a specialist remediation company. At iFlooded Restoration, we go out of our way to offer proactive water damage restoration services to people in the New York area.
Our dedicated team knows how to identify the root cause and will perform emergency services to recover your home.
With a 24/7 emergency helpline and years of combined experience, we guarantee a headache-free service that gives you peace of mind.
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