Plumbing problems could be catastrophic if left ignored and even cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars’ worth of repairs. However, you can prevent such disastrous plumbing situations by scheduling regular inspections on your key plumbing features. Hiring a professional plumber nearby is also a good idea to prevent further plumbing issues from getting worse.
Naturally, you need to check rooms in your house with plumbing fixtures such as the kitchen and bathroom. However, it would be best to check other parts of the home. Here is the checklist of what to inspect for any plumbing issues.
What to check in your bathroom plumbing
The bathroom should be well-taken care of as you get to use it every day. Naturally, you also get to find the most plumbing issues in this part of the house.
Toilets
Check if the toilet continues to run after a flush cycle. If it does, it means you are wasting a lot of water. Also, check whether the toilet slightly rocks when you sit on it or if you see water leaking around the base. If you notice these common toilet problems, you should have them fixed ASAP.
Faucet
Weak water pressure or an unusual spray pattern can be due to calcium buildup. You can have the aerator removed and manually cleaned by soaking it in vinegar when the latter happens.
Caulk seals
Caulk problems can still cause your flooring and walls and lead to mold and water damage. To prevent this, make sure to remove the old caulk, seal any gaps and apply fresh caulk every few years.
Drain
Instead of waiting for clogs to happen, it is best to clear the drain using a commercial de-clogger or boiling water. Remove loose hair from the drain as soon as you notice some strands.
What to check in the kitchen plumbing
Here are parts of the kitchen plumbing system that should be checked at least twice a year.
Sink drains
Check the P-trap and the sink strainer for signs of clogging. Use a commercial de-clogger or a mix of vinegar, water, and baking soda to unclog the drains and pipes.
Faucet
Inspect for signs of leaking, and repair or replace as needed.
Refrigerator
The refrigerator’s ice maker and water dispenser filters should be replaced about twice a year. Check the water supply hose for any signs of wear and replace it as needed.
Dishwasher
If the dishwasher fills slowly, it may have problems with the water supply hose or the shutoff valve. Check the water discharge hose for signs of pinching or clogging.
Garbage disposal
Clean your garbage disposer if it already emits a foul smell. Replace or tighten the connections of the gaskets if there are signs of leaking.
Aside from the kitchen and bathroom, you should also check other fixtures around the house, such as:
- Sewer main
- Septic system
- Vent pipes
- Sump pump
- Outdoor hose spigots
These are some of the most important parts of your plumbing fixtures and systems that should be regularly checked. Contact a professional plumber in Franklin, TN, immediately for more complicated plumbing concerns.
