Plumbing Checklist

Faucets and Fixtures

• Check the dripping of all taps and fix washers where necessary.


• Wash aerators of faucets to enhance water flow.


• Test showerheads to test clogs or spray asymmetries.


• Pad broken or patched-out washers in outlets.


• Check the hand areas around rust or corrosion.


• Always make sure all taps are closed so that there is no leakage.


• Replacement of old fixtures with water-saving fixtures.


• Check exterior spigots to check cracks or leakages.


• Check faucets with slow drips.


• Clean fixtures to avoid accretion.


• Grease the handles to work better.


• Install new showerheads to be more efficient.

Water Pressure Maintenance

• Measure pressure on the water with a basic gauge.


• Use a safe pressure which is 40-60 PSI.


• Observe sudden drops that may be a sign of leaks.


• Install a pressure regulator where the levels are high.


• Check pipes to see whether there is an accumulation of minerals that leads to low flow.


• Flush pipes once in a while to keep pressure.


• Flow of checks and sinks regularly.


• Make sure that washing machines receive sufficient water pressure.


• Hear for banging pipes, and this can be a sign of pressure problems.


• Recheck pressure upon plumbing repairs.


• Change plugged or rusty pipes when the pressure is low.


• Arrange a check-up each year to prevent unforeseen failures.

Drainage System

• Slow-draining test sinks, showers, and tubs.


• Install strainers to trap hair and debris in drains.


• Hot water must be used in flush drains every month to avoid accumulation.


• Do not pour grease or food waste down sinks.


• Baking soda and vinegar can also be used to keep run-free drains.


• Inspect the outdoor drains for leaves and dirt obstructions.


• Check the basement drains after heavy drainages to check whether they are blocked.


• Do not use chemical drain cleaners; use safer ones.


• Wipe off clear standing water as soon as possible to prevent mould.


• Maintain drain traps in a clean state to prevent bad odours.


• Contract specialists, when it comes to clogging that keeps returning.


• Install drain covers to prevent the entry of debris into the pipes.

Toilets and Flush Systems

• Continuous running after incessant flushing check toilets.


• Check the flapper and change it in case of leaks.


• Turn off test fittings and looseness.


• To determine the presence of leaks, add some drops of food colouring to the tank.


• Check tank water levels to make sure it is being flushed.


• Check the seals beneath the bottom to check for moisture or leaks.


• Screw loose bolts into the toilet to the floor.

• Wax rings that are damaged should be replaced to avoid leaks.


• Make sure there are good shut-off valves.


• Rim and jet mineral deposits cleanse.


• Replace with water-saving dual-flush toilets.


• Check connecting pipes to know whether they are rusty or corroded.

Pipes and Connections

• Verify the presence of leaks, cracks or rust on visible pipes.


• Check walls or ceilings around pipes.


• Wrap open pipes to prevent winter-time freezing.


• Hear him hiss or drip behind the walls.


• Substitute old galvanized pipes, which are subject to corrosion.


• Close loose joints and fittings to drips.


• Check pipe supports and make sure they are held.


• Observing green or copper pipes, see that it is indicative of a leak.


• Temporarily seal small leaks with plumber such tape.


• Have damaged parts replaced as soon as they are damaged.


• Examine flexible hoses (check) for bulges or cracks.


• Do not store things in pipes of basements or cabinets.

Water Heater Maintenance

• Check the heater for leakage of valves and fittings.


• Empty the tank at least once a year to get rid of sediment.


• Check the valve for temperature relief.


• Have the thermostat at 120°F.


• Hear rumbling sounds that are a symptom of sediment.


• Test the anode rod after a few years and change it in case of wear.


• The heater should be insulated to increase energy efficiency.


• Erose rust in the tank base.


• Check connecting pipes, leaks or corroded.


• Replace aging heaters that are close to 10-15 years old.


• Ventilation should be good in case you have a gas heater.


• Determine whether there are any abnormal smells which may be gas leaks.

Sump Pumps and Backflow Prevention

• Check sump pumps before rainy seasons.


• Wipe the pump intakes to guarantee the water flows well.


• Check power and auxiliary batteries.


• Check discharge pipes and check whether they are clear of freezing or not.


• Ensure the lids of pumps are closed to exclude trash.


• Install a flood alarm.


• Have test backflow prevention valves tested every year.


• Change out broken check valves immediately.


• Keep sump pits clean.


• Floating checks to operate smoothly.


• Make sure the pumps are a long distance from your foundation.


• Have the professionals serviced every few years.

Outdoor Plumbing

• Check garden taps after winter cracks.


• Unfreeze the drain hose when it is not snowing.


• Leak or blockage check irrigation systems.


• For uniform water coverage, adjust sprinkler heads.


• Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent overflows.


• Check that the outdoor drainage is clear.


• Test hose connections for tight seals.


• Frost-proof spigots will help in winter protection.


• Search around outdoor fittings.


• Insulate outdoor pipes which are uncovered.


• When not in use, disconnect hoses to minimize stress.


• Check rainwater systems to verify whether they leak.

Professional Inspections

• Have yearly inspections to identify early problems.


• Get drains professionally cleaned.


• Have water heaters repaired to be safe and effective.


• Inspect areas with thermal imaging devices.


• Ask tests to see safe levels.


• Periodically check sewer lines to detect the presence of tree roots.


• Check water hardness and think of putting in a softener.


• Get professionals to check the silent pipe leakages.


• Modernize old fixtures on professional recommendations.


• Get advice on water-efficient upgrades.


• Order a camera inspection in the case of concealed clogs.


• Contact licensed plumbers to make all the major repairs.