The Plumbing Checklist Every
Homeowner Must Have
Brought to you by ABC Plumbing and Rooter Co.
Maintenance is Key
• As a homeowner, you are learning quickly that consistent
maintenance is required to keep your home up and running.
• One of the greatest ways to cut down these costs in the future
is prevention.
Keep an Eye on Plumbing
• In a perfect world, plumbing would be a one and done investment.
• Unfortunately it’s not, and if you don’t take care of routine
maintenance you will be spending more in the long run.
• Fortunately, you don’t need to be a plumber to make sure you are
taking the necessary steps toward making things run smoothly.
Plumbing as a System
• While plumbing is technically one entire system, you need to keep
in mind the many places it is utilized in your home – the kitchen,
bathroom, laundry room, sprinkler system etc.
Home Plumbing Checklist
• ABC Plumbing and Rooter Co. is here to provide some pointers on
plumbing maintenance.
• With this home plumbing checklist, you can keep on top of
problems before they happen, saving you both time and money.
• These checks are recommended at least annually, but many find
that being on the constant lookout for leaks and running through
the checklist twice a year can be beneficial.
Regular Visual Inspection
• This is the most simple, but commonly overlooked, maintenance
routine.
• Being alert and aware of the outward signs of an inward plumbing
problem can help keep larger issues at bay.
• From the moment your plumbing installation is complete you are
going to want to be vigilant of any changes or abnormalities.
• We’ll walk you through some of the most critical components of a
visual inspection routine.
Regular Visual Inspection
• Where exposed pipes are present be sure to look for any signs of
leakage.
− For pipes which are confined to the walls or the foundation, look for
watermarks coming through the wall, floor or ceiling in addition to any
puddles.
• In these same areas, look for corrosion.
− If corrosion is taking place in your home, you will start to notice greenish
stains around copper and brass pipes and valves.
− On steel pipes, the color will be more of an orange or yellow stain.
Regular Visual Inspection
• Look in the tank of your toilet periodically.
− Do any of the parts look like they are broken or turning rust colored?
− If so, these should be replaced right away.
• Look for mildew near any of your plumbing.
− This is a sign that water is seeping through where it shouldn’t be.
• Also, be on the lookout for cracked or broken flooring (tile) as this
could be a result of water pooling beneath.
Regular Visual Inspection
• Inspect the water heater for signs of rust.
• Make sure there are no cracks in your washing machine hoses
where water may be leaking.
• Look for areas of caulking that are no longer sealed.
− This will reveal where new caulking is needed.
• Check the area where the sewer pipes leave the home to make
sure no leaking is taking place.
Test Each System
• In addition to visually inspecting your plumbing you will also want
to take a more hands on approach.
• This will require simple testing to see if the systems are working
correctly.
• The following are recommended approaches.
Test Each System
• Check the water pressure in your shower, kitchen, toilet etc.
• If you are noticing a decrease in water pressure you may have
sediment building up.
− This can lead to problems down the road.
• In addition, remove your shower head to look for signs of sediment.
− This is often the easiest way to know if your low pressure issue is being
caused by sediment build up.
Test Each System
• Test the drainage speed of your appliances.
− Is your tub not draining quickly?
− Is your kitchen sink backing up where the garbage disposal is located?
− These are all indicators that your plumbing system may be backed up or
clogged with hair or other materials.
− Also if your drain makes any noise or bubbles up when water is going down
the pipe, this is often indicative of a plumbing issue.
Test Each System
• Flush toilets and be sure the water is swirling down properly
followed by replenishing the water to the appropriate level without
delay.
• Make sure toilets are not wobbly or coming loose from the floor. − If you can wiggle the entire toilet, this may be the sign of a leak.
− The area may need to be sealed once again in to the flooring to prevent future
issues.
Test Each System
• Drain the water heater periodically to assure that there is not an
abundance of sentiment present.
• Check the walls in the bathroom by pushing on them in the areas
around the sink and tube to assure no water is leaking and causing
structural damage.
• Turn the handles on all faucets off completely and watch for drips
or any other signs of leakage.
Test Each System
• The great thing about these tests is that you can do them yourself!
• If the task seems a bit daunting, ABC Plumbing and Rooter Co. can
send a professional to check for any problem areas in your home.
• Call 480-726-1600 for more information!
Plumbing Savings Program
• ABC Plumbing and Rooter Co. also offers a plumbing savings
program (PSP).
• As a member you get the peace of mind that comes with knowing
you can speak to an actual person, not a recording, 24 hours a day,
7 days a week and you also will receive the following benefits:
FREE initial health/safety evaluation (a $350 value)
Priority service and scheduling for members
15% to 20% of all repairs
Transferable membership to new address in service area
Money back guarantee
Upon start and each anniversary any single labor repair up to $250 at
no charge
START SAVING on your
plumbing today!
Online: ABC Plumbing and Rooter Co.
Phone: 480-726-1600