According to ToiletWire, the severity of plumbing problems ranges from minor to catastrophic. However, having your plumbing fixtures inspected regularly allows you to identify problems long before they become emergencies.
The primary focus of the inspections will be kitchen and bathroom because they have many plumbing fixtures. But that is not to say that you should inspect other fixtures and appliances including the water heater in the utility area or the hose spigots outside.
Inspecting the bathroom plumbing
Household members use the bathroom frequently so most plumbing problems occur in this room.
Faucets
Regularly check for leaks in the shower, tub, and sink faucets. Fix dripping faucets by replacing worn cartridges and washers. According to Waterline Plumbing shower repairs, leaks in hidden water supply lines in the walls for shower and tub drains can lead to serious plumbing problems long before you identify them. Signs of hidden leaks include damage to the rooms below the leaking pipes.
If your faucets have irregular spray patters or weak pressure, there may be a buildup of calcium in the aerator. You can remove and manually clean aerators by soaking them in vinegar to remove the calcium buildup.
Drains
The sink, shower and tub drains in your bathroom are susceptible to clogging by hair and soap. Instead of waiting for them to become completely blocked, you should disassemble the drain traps regularly and remove debris and hair. It’s also advisable to unclog branch drains with a snake before they’re completely blocked.
Toilets
A toilet has many mechanical components, any of which can become worn and lead to plumbing problems. Remove the toilet tank lid and inspect it as you flush it. If at the end of the flush cycle the toilet keeps running instead of shutting off. The remedy for a running toilet is easy.
If upon sitting on your toilet, it rocks back and forth slightly, or if you notice it leaking at the base, the wax ring that seals the base of the toilet may be worn and might need replacement.
Caulk seals
The caulk around the showers and tubs is not technically “plumbing” but it does affect the plumbing. When it fails, water from the shower or bathtub seeps into the walls and under the floors, leading to serious damage.
Regularly inspect the all the caulk beads along the walls and floors to ensure that they are intact. Use fresh caulk to seal any gaps. Every few years, it’s advisable to remove old and replace it with a fresh bead of top-quality silicone caulk for showers and tubs.
Let a professional handle it
You can do some plumbing inspection and repairs or replacements yourself to save money. However, for the best results, you’re better off having a professional plumber inspect the plumbing in your bathroom, kitchen, and other areas.
A professional plumber will identify common plumbing problems that you’ll and suggest solutions. Just make you hire a skilled and experienced plumbing professional to be sure the inspections and maintenance are up to standard.
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