the plumbing checklist every homeowner must have

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