Home Plumbing Checklist
If you have just moved into a new place, you have been out of your home for a while or you are ready to go through it for your spring time home maintenance routine, then you want to be prepared with a checklist to follow, so you don't forget things along the way that can lead to the need for plumbing repairs down the line. Here is a checklist that you may want to consider using as you go through your home:
Check every faucet for drips – Not only do you want to go to all the bathrooms, the kitchen and the laundry room to check for leaking faucets, but you also want to make a point of going around the exterior of your home and making sure none of the outside taps are leaking either. Leaks will only get worse over time when not repaired and can waste a lot of water.
Check the temperature on the water heater – Your water heater should never be set to more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit or you are putting everyone in the household at risk of being scalded and you will be increasing your utility bills needlessly.
Check toilets for surprise leaks – You may not be able to immediately spot a leak in your toilet. However, there is a very simple way to tell if you have an issue with leaking in one of your toilets. All you have to do is add about six drops of food coloring into the tank. If you have a leak, then you will see the water in the toilet bowl change colors. Make sure you give it plenty of time, so you can catch even very small leaks.
Verify the toilets flush the way they should – Flush each of the toilets in your home and if you find that the toilet won't stop running unless you jingle the handle, then it means you have some worn out parts that you should have replaced.
Check under all your sinks for signs of leaking pipes – You should open cabinets under all the sinks and visibly look for leaks. Also, check any other pipes you can see to look for leaks. If you have pipes down in the basement, don't forget to check them as well.
Keep all yard drains clean – Walk around the property and make sure you remove any leaves, grass and other debris from all of the drains that are around the property, so water will be able to flow properly.
For more information, contact companies like Art Douglas Plumbing Inc.
