Home Plumbing Inspections 101

This blog article is for people interested in purchasing a new home, or just interested in learning more about how the plumbing systems in homes function. If you are aware of what to look for while evaluating the plumbing system of a home, you will be able to confirm that your new residence is up to code and devoid of any potential problems. During a plumbing examination of your home, it is important to keep an eye out for these three critical things.

Water Pressure 

When it comes to water pressure, there is no solution that is applicable to all situations; rather, it is contingent upon the kinds of pipes and fittings that are installed in the house. Nonetheless, the water pressure should be between 40 and 80 pounds per square inch (psi) on average (pounds per square inch). You can verify this information on your own by going to a hardware store in your area and purchasing a water pressure gauge. After installing the gauge on an outdoor hose spigot, you can then examine the displayed information. If the pressure is more than 80 psi, it may be an indication that there is an issue with the main shutoff valve or the pressure regulator. If the pressure is lower than 40 psi, it may indicate that the pipes are clogged or that the seals have worn out.

Drainage 

A lack of proper drainage can result in a wide variety of issues, including clogged toilets and sinks, flooding, and other expensive forms of damage. As a result, it is essential to perform routine inspections of the drainage system, not only in the restrooms and the kitchen, but also in any regions of the basement or crawlspace that may include drain lines flowing through them. Be careful to search for any signs of water buildup or dampness around these places; if you find any, it could be a symptom of blocked drains or damaged pipes that require immediate treatment. Be sure to look for any evidence of water buildup or dampness around these areas.

Water Heater

In addition, the state of your water heater is something that has to be checked on a regular basis; over the course of time, sediment can build up inside tank-style heaters, which can diminish their effectiveness and even lead them to fail before their time if not properly maintained. It is highly recommended that homeowners have a qualified technician inspect their heaters on an annual basis (or bi-annually if they have hard water); this will help ensure that the unit is functioning properly and that any potential problems are caught early before they develop into major issues later on.

Key Takeaway 

Inspections of the plumbing in your home may, at first glance, appear to be daunting, but this is not necessarily the case! You can have peace of mind that the plumbing system in your new home is up to par before the day you move in by paying close attention to the water pressure, drainage systems, and the condition of the water heater while conducting your inspection. This will give you the confidence that you need to make the move. It won’t take you long at all to become an expert at examining the plumbing system of a house once you’ve just brushed up on the fundamentals.