While hidden behind walls, your home’s plumbing system plays a vital role in delivering clean water and safely transporting waste away. Failing to promptly address leaks, clogs, or other plumbing issues can lead to extensive water damage or mold growth.
Conducting a thorough home plumbing inspection can reveal minor problems before they become expensive repairs.
Kitchen
With sinks, dishwashers, refrigerators with icemakers, and other appliances, kitchens utilize more plumbing than any other room in most homes. Inspecting under kitchen sinks for any signs of leaks around the pipes, garbage disposal, or trap assembly is essential.
Water in sink traps should be replaced regularly to prevent sewer gasses from escaping into the home. Test kitchen sink sprayers and their connections for leaks. Run the dishwasher and refrigerator icemaker, verifying proper drainage with no standing water underneath the appliances afterward. Also, check the dishwasher and refrigerator water lines for potential leaks.
Bathrooms
Check carefully for leaks underneath sinks and near toilets, tubs, and showers in bathrooms. Flush toilets to ensure no running water can be heard afterward, which would indicate a leak.
Make sure sink and tub drains are flowing freely and draining quickly. Turn shower and tub faucets to full hot and cold while checking for drips near the tub spout and shower head connections, which could signal worn washers or gaskets.
Don’t forget to inspect caulking around sinks, tubs, shower stalls, and toilets. Mildew or gaps in caulking can allow moisture intrusion behind walls, leading to hidden mold or rot.
Outdoors
While inside plumbing sees daily use, outdoor plumbing often gets overlooked until an emergency happens. Inspect the water lines and shut-off valves and check exterior faucets, irrigation systems, water features, or pool equipment for freeze damage or leaks.
Ensure irrigation systems drain properly to blow out lines at the end of seasons. Check outdoor sink, shower, and pool backwash plumbing for clogs or signs of leaks. Gutters and downspouts that drain improperly near the foundation can also lead to basement leaks and water intrusion. Having a professional plumber conduct a whole home inspection provides an expert eye to detect issues within wall cavities before serious damage or mold growth occurs. The technicians at Yoder Plumbing offer comprehensive evaluations of all interior and exterior water systems. Contact us to schedule your home plumbing inspection today!
