Plumbing is one of those modern-day conveniences that we rarely think about until something goes wrong. But nothing brings stress faster than a clogged drain, slow drainage, gurgling pipes, loss of water flow, or a broken garbage disposal. Even worse is a sewer line breakdown that causes wastewater to spill into your home instead of flowing safely into the septic tank or sewer system.
If you’re not the DIY type, you may not feel confident navigating your residential plumbing system. Plumbing may seem complicated, but with the proper checklist, you can spot hidden leaks, test water piping, and catch issues before they become costly repairs. Start with the most critical areas, such as central water lines and drainage systems, to identify significant problems that may affect other fixtures in the future.
To help, we’ve created this comprehensive plumbing checklist. Walk through it regularly to keep your system in top shape, or schedule a professional plumber to perform a thorough inspection for added peace of mind.
Your Plumbing Maintenance Checklist
Water damage often begins small, such as a slow leak or mineral buildup, but can quickly escalate into costly plumbing problems. Regularly inspecting your water lines and plumbing fixtures helps you catch issues before they become emergencies. The following plumbing checklist provides a straightforward way to stay ahead of hidden risks and maintain your home’s safety.
1. Do you know where the shutoff valves are located?
If your washing machine malfunctions or a pipe bursts, shutting off water quickly is critical. Ensure that everyone in your household is aware of the location of shutoff valves and knows how to operate them. Label each one clearly. If you’re unsure, ask a professional plumber during your next service call to give you a walkthrough.
2. Have you checked for leaks lately?
Walk through your home and inspect faucets, showerheads, water heaters, and exposed pipes. Check ceilings and under sinks for hidden leaks or water stains. Even a slow drip can increase water bills and weaken caulking around fixtures. If you notice reduced water flow, it could mean a supply line issue or corrosion in your water piping.
3. When’s the last time you had your septic system checked by a licensed professional?
If you have a septic system, schedule an annual inspection by a licensed professional. Tree roots, clogged vent pipes, or damaged piping can cause backups and foul odors. A routine pressure test can identify problems before they escalate into major breakdowns.
4. Do you have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors near the water heater?
Install detectors near your water heater and furnace. Leaks or combustion issues can allow harmful gases to accumulate in your home, making detection a life-saving precaution..
5. Has a plumber checked your water heater’s ventilation system for fire hazards?
Keep flammable items away from your water heater. Have a licensed plumber inspect the vents, pressure relief valve, and pressure gauge to ensure proper function and safety.
6. Do you pour grease down the kitchen sink’s drain?
Avoid it. Grease solidifies in water piping, causing blockages that often require hydrojetting to remove. Instead, store grease in a container and discard it with the trash.
7. Do you treat your toilet like a trash can?
Manufacturers design flappers and drains to handle only waste and toilet paper. Flushing wipes, feminine products, or litter can cause serious clogs. If you hear a constant running noise, check the flapper for wear.
8. Do you run your garbage disposal dry?
To prevent food particles from sticking and creating blockages, and to extend the life of aerators and blades, always run water while using the disposal. The self-cleaning function eliminates the need for manual cleaning of the garbage disposal.
9. Where is your water heater temperature set?
For optimal comfort, safety, and efficiency, set your water heater between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Maintaining this temperature range also helps extend the unit’s lifespan and saves you money. We recommend periodically checking the temperature of your water heater to confirm the setting is correct.
10. Do you keep your drains clear?
To prevent clogs, avoid pouring grease down the kitchen disposal. In bathrooms, use inexpensive hair catchers in sinks, tubs, and showers to prevent hair from clogging drains. Regularly remove hair and sludge with a Zip-It drain cleaning tool or a wire hanger. Be alert for gurgling sounds or slow drainage, as these indicate potential pipe clogs. Also, remember to clean faucet aerators periodically.
Outdoor Plumbing Inspection Checklist
Your plumbing system doesn’t stop at the walls of your home; your outdoor lines and drainage systems play just as critical a role. Seasonal changes, shifting soil, and heavy use of irrigation systems can all put stress on these components. A quick outdoor plumbing checklist helps you spot slow drainage, leaks, or pressure issues before they cause costly water damage.
● Run water from exterior spigots and test for leaks or slow drainage.
● Test your water meter with all fixtures off to check for hidden leaks.
● Use a pressure gauge to measure your home’s water pressure in pounds per square inch (PSI).
● Inspect hose bibs, irrigation system connections, and sprinkler systems.
● Locate the main sewer cleanout for emergencies.
● Check your sump pump to ensure it’s functioning during wet weather.
Additional Plumbing Basics Every Homeowner Should Know
A plumbing checklist isn’t just about inspections. It’s also about building smart habits. Beyond routine checks, follow basic practices that maintain the health of your fixtures, water lines, and drainage systems. These tips will help you prevent minor plumbing problems from becoming costly repairs.
● Watch for warning signs, such as slow drains, dripping faucets, or water pooling around appliances. Minor problems can quickly become expensive breakdowns.
● Address issues right away. Gurgling pipes or constant drips don’t fix themselves.
● Know your piping. Older galvanized water piping corrodes over time and may require replacement.
● Perform a simple pressure test to reveal weak spots in your system.
● Inspect caulking around tubs, sinks, and toilets. Worn caulking allows water to seep into walls and floors, potentially causing damage.
● Add a backflow preventer if you have an irrigation system in place. It keeps contaminated water from entering your household supply.
● Keep a basic plumbing toolkit. Include a plunger, wrench, drain snake, pressure gauge, and Zip-It tool for clogged drains.
Stop Plumbing Problems Before They Start
Even the most detailed home plumbing inspection checklist can feel overwhelming when you’re busy or unsure what to look for. That’s where a professional plumber makes all the difference, bringing expertise, tools, and experience to catch issues homeowners often miss.
If this home plumbing inspection checklist feels overwhelming, you don’t have to do it alone. A-1 Sewer & Septic Service offers complete residential plumbing inspections. Our professional plumbers can run water through your system, check for hidden leaks, test your sump pump and sprinkler system, inspect pressure relief valves, and ensure every part of your plumbing system is functioning correctly.
Call A-1 today to schedule your plumbing inspection and protect your home from costly repairs.