Plumbing Inspection Checklist for 2024

Summer has come and (almost) gone, and while you may be focused on enjoying the last few weeks of fun in the sun, it's important not to neglect your plumbing system. The hot weather can strain your pipes and fixtures, leading to potential issues if improperly maintained. It’s also a great time to host backyard barbecues, take vacations, go swimming, ride bikes, visit with friends, and do all the fun things we like to do when the weather is nice. All these activities can mean increased traffic in your home, including many more toilet flushes, loads of clothes and dirty dishes.

With the increased use of your plumbing system, the likelihood of issues arising also increases. According to a survey by HomeAdvisor, 20% of homeowners experience some form of plumbing issue every year. Common problems include clogged toilets, leaky faucets and issues with water heaters. By staying on top of your plumbing maintenance, you can prevent these common problems and avoid costly repairs.

To help you keep your plumbing in top shape this summer, we've compiled a plumbing inspection checklist. From checking for leaks to inspecting your outdoor faucets, following these tips will ensure your plumbing system runs smoothly all season long.

Common Summer Plumbing Problems

During the summer months, increased use of your plumbing system can lead to various issues. Understanding these common problems can help you take proactive steps to prevent them. Here are some frequent plumbing problems homeowners face during the summer:

Clogged Toilets and Drains

With school out, college kids home for the summer, and friends and family over to visit, more people in your home means more frequent use of toilets and drains, leading to clogs and backups. Common causes include excess toilet paper and hair. Ensure everyone knows what can and cannot be flushed, such as wipes and feminine hygiene products; or washed down the drain, like hair. Keep a plunger and drain snake handy for minor clogs.

Running Toilets

A running toilet can waste a lot of water. Often, this is due to a worn-out flapper valve or a misaligned float. Regularly check for leaks and make timely repairs to avoid this issue.

Leaky Faucets and Spigots

Leaky faucets and outdoor spigots can waste water. These leaks are often caused by worn-out washers or O-rings. Replacing these small parts can solve the problem quickly and inexpensively.

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure can be caused by mineral buildup in your pipes, leaks, or municipal water supply issues. Check for leaks and clean aerators and showerheads to improve water pressure.

Water Heater Issues

Increased use during summer can strain your water heater. Common issues include leaks, strange noises, or inconsistent water temperature. Regular maintenance, such as flushing the tank, can keep your water heater running efficiently.

Sprinkler System Problems

Sprinkler systems can develop leaks, broken heads, or clogged nozzles. Regular inspection and maintenance can prevent water waste and ensure your plants receive adequate hydration.

Sump Pump Failures

Heavy summer storms can cause flooding if your sump pump isn’t working correctly. Test your sump pump before the rainy season and perform any necessary maintenance.

Burst Pipes

Increased water pressure and wear and tear can cause pipes to burst. Keep an eye on your pipes and address any signs of stress or leaks to prevent this issue.

7 Things to Add to Your Plumbing Inspection Checklist

1. Inspect for Leaks

Summer is the ideal time to check for leaks, as winter can leave hidden impacts on your plumbing system. Catching these issues in warm weather allows for timely repairs before colder temperatures set in.

Individually inspect all water-using elements inside and outside your home, including faucets, pipes under sinks, shower heads, bathtub spigots, drinking water lines, water softeners, outdoor spigots, sprinklers and pools. Look for rust, corrosion, leaks or broken parts. Use a bright flashlight to check underneath cabinets and in dark corners. A towel and some tissues can help detect moisture.

Inside Your Home:

Toilets - Add a few drops of food coloring to the toilet tank to check for leaks into the bowl. If the color appears in the bowl without flushing, there's a leak. Examine the tank floater and valve, as worn-out parts can cause leaks and running water noises. Gently wiggle the toilet to see if the floor feels soft, which might indicate a leak under the wax seal.

Bathtubs and Showers - Inspect the grout around the edges of the bathtub and the seal to the wall tile. Any missing or chipped grout can allow water to seep where it shouldn’t, like under the tub or into walls. Press on the wall tiles where they meet the tub; if they move or the wall feels soft, there might be a hidden leak.

Outside Your Home:

Outdoor Faucets and Sprinklers - Check outdoor spigots and sprinklers for leaks or damage. Look for rust, corrosion and any signs of wear. Ensure connections are tight and functioning correctly. Watch for water pooling in the yard, which can indicate a leak in the underground pipes.

Puddles – Check your yard for pools or puddles of water that collect in areas that aren’t part of your drainage system. This could mean a cracked or burst sewer line pipe.

How to Test for Leaks

Water Meter Test - Pick a time when no water is being used in your home for at least 15 minutes to an hour. Record the water meter reading before you leave and check it upon your return. If the numbers have changed, it suggests an unseen leak.

Water Usage Monitoring - Keep an eye on your water bill for any unusual increases in usage, which can also indicate leaks. Compare usage statistics over time to identify any significant changes.

2. How to Use Your Main Water Valve

Understanding the location and operation of your home's main water shutoff valve is essential. This valve can be inside your home, such as in the basement, garage, or utility closet, or outside, near the water main at the street, curb, or sidewalk. During your next plumbing service, ask the plumber to show you its exact location.

The main valve usually looks like a wheel with spokes, which you turn to the right, or a lever that you turn until it's perpendicular to the pipe. To test if you've turned it off correctly, try running water from a faucet. If no water comes out, you've successfully shut off the main valve.

Knowing how to shut off the main water valve is crucial for managing emergencies with any water-using appliance or area in your home. It's especially useful if you plan to be away for an extended period, like during a summer vacation, as turning off the valve can prevent potential water mishaps and flooding while you're gone.

3. Inspect Your Outdoor Faucets

Summer means an increased use of outdoor faucets for watering plants, washing the car or filling up the kiddie pool. Before you start using them regularly, take the time to inspect each faucet for leaks or damage. Check for any signs of corrosion or rust, and ensure the handles turn quickly without any resistance. If you notice any issues, it's best to address them immediately to prevent further damage. At WIN, our experts can help you identify and fix any outdoor plumbing issues to keep your summer activities running smoothly.

4. Clean Your Gutters

Clogged gutters can lead to water backup and drainage issues, which can pressure your plumbing system. Take the time to clean out your gutters regularly throughout the summer to ensure that water can flow freely away from your home. This simple task can help prevent costly water damage and keep your plumbing running smoothly.

Clear Out Significant Debris - Start by removing any major debris from your gutters, such as fallen leaves and twigs. Securely attach a bucket to your ladder to collect the debris or lay out a tarp on the ground to catch what you remove.

Hose Down Your Gutters - After clearing away the large debris, use a garden hose to flush out smaller particles. This helps ensure that any lingering debris is washed away. While hosing down the gutters, watch the flow of water to check for any leaks or clogs. The water should move smoothly through the downspout without pooling.

Address Any Leaks or Clogs - If you notice the water isn’t flowing freely, your downspout might be clogged. Disconnect the downspout from any underground pipes and use a powerful spray of water to clear any blockages. If this doesn’t work, you might need to use a plumber’s snake to remove the debris.

Ensure There's No Standing Water - Check your gutters for any slow-moving or standing water, which indicates an inadequate slope. You may need to adjust the hangers or spikes to create a better slope directed at the downspout, ensuring efficient water flow.

Secure Hangers or Spikes - Over time, hangers or spikes can loosen, creating gaps between the gutter and the wall of your home. Check these supports and re-secure or replace them if necessary. If you notice water running down the side of your house during rain, it’s a sign that your hangers or spikes are loose and need attention.

Examine the Seams and End Caps - Inspect the seams and end caps for leaks, as these areas are prone to wear and tear. If you find leaks at the seams or end caps, you can often fix them by removing the old sealant and applying a new layer. For holes in the gutter material itself, more substantial repairs or replacements might be necessary.

5. Check Your Water Heater

Hot weather means more showers and laundry loads, so ensuring your water heater is functioning properly is essential. Check for any signs of leaks or corrosion around the tank and listen for any strange noises when it's running. Here are some common signs that your water heater might need attention:

Inconsistent Water Temperature - If you notice fluctuating water temperatures, it could indicate an issue with the thermostat or a problem with the heating element. Sometimes, it may simply mean you need a larger tank.

Low Water Pressure - Reduced water pressure when using hot water often points to sediment buildup in the water heater. This buildup can block the flow and reduce pressure. Flushing the tank or cleaning the supply lines can help.

Discolored Water - Rusty or murky water is a sign of corrosion in the water heater tank. Replacing the anode rod might solve the problem, as these rods prevent rust but wear out faster than the tank itself.

Strange Noises - Unusual sounds like rumbling, popping, or hissing can indicate sediment buildup or moisture issues. Flushing the tank and checking the anode rod can address these sounds.

Eggy Smell - An eggy smell in your hot water usually points to sulfur bacteria buildup in the tank. Raising the tank's temperature temporarily or replacing the magnesium anode rod with an aluminum one can help eliminate the smell.

If you notice any issues, it may be time to call a professional for an inspection or repairs.

6. Inspect Your Sump Pump

Heavy summer rains can lead to basements or crawl spaces flooding if your sump pump isn't working correctly. Here’s how to test your sump pump and ensure it is functioning properly before the rainy season hits:

Test the Pump - Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to trigger the pump. It should start automatically and begin pumping water out. If it doesn't activate, check the power source and ensure the pump is plugged in and receiving power.

Listen for Unusual Noises - When the pump is running, listen for any unusual sounds such as grinding or rattling, which can indicate mechanical issues. The pump should run smoothly and quietly.

Check the Discharge Line - Ensure the discharge line is clear and directs water away from your home. Any blockages or clogs in the line can prevent the pump from effectively removing water.

Inspect the Float - The float should move freely without obstruction. A stuck or damaged float can prevent the pump from activating when needed.

Examine the Backup Power Source - If your sump pump has a battery backup, ensure the battery is charged and functioning correctly. This backup is crucial during power outages when the primary pump might fail.

If you have concerns about its performance, contacting a plumber or a home inspector can help you determine whether to replace your pump.

7. Schedule a Professional Inspection

While there are many tasks you can do yourself to maintain your plumbing system, it's always a good idea to schedule a professional inspection at least once a year. A qualified professional can identify potential issues before they become major problems and offer solutions to keep your plumbing system in top condition. At WIN Home Inspection, we provide thorough plumbing inspections. Don't wait until something goes wrong – proactively maintain your plumbing system!

WIN Home Inspection is a top-rated home inspection company, known for its commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. We offer over 35+ services, covering every aspect of your home’s health and safety. From detailed plumbing inspections to comprehensive assessments of your electrical systems, HVAC, roof, foundation, and more, WIN Home Inspection ensures that your entire home is thoroughly evaluated.

By following these summer plumbing maintenance tips and utilizing the expertise of WIN Home Inspection, you can ensure your home's plumbing system remains efficient and trouble-free. Contact us today to schedule your professional inspection and keep your home in top shape all year round. With WIN, you get peace of mind knowing your home is in the best possible hands.