Looking for another way to be productive while at home? Take a look at our Do it Yourself (DIY) plumbing inspection – a quick and easy way to ensure proper maintenance of your home’s plumbing system.
Regardless of the age of your home, unexpected repairs can add up quickly if left unchecked. Mr. Rooter recommends preventative maintenance to avoid costly issues or emergency plumbing services.
Do it yourselfers can launch into our plumbing check list below. It’s easy! But, Mr. Rooter appreciates our “DIFM” (Do it for me) customers too! If you’d prefer a professional annual inspection, just call us to schedule a convenient appointment.
DIY Plumbing Checklist
Sinks & Plumbing Fixtures
- Examine all faucets to make sure there are no drips while turned off.
- Partially fill the sink with water and then drain to ensure good flow.
- Check the pipes under the sink for any leaks.
- Look for rust or corrosion on sinks and pipes.
*Extra tip: To prevent leaks, Mr. Rooter recommends braided stainless steel supply lines.
Bathroom
- Fill bathtubs with enough water to drain and confirm good flow. The water should “swirl” into the drain.
- Inspect the base of toilets for signs of water damage, including stains and soft flooring.
- Flush toilets. Water should flow briefly and shut-off. No strange noises!
*Extra tip: If the water pressure from your shower head isn’t as strong as you’d like, contact a licensed plumber to have it tested.
Kitchen Appliances
- Any issues with the garbage disposal or dishwasher? They should be doing their job quietly and efficiently without any backups.
*Extra tip: Check-out other things to look for in appliance maintenance and preventing water damage.
Washing Machine
- Check the supply lines connected to your washing machine for any leaks or corrosion. This is another area where Mr. Rooter recommends braided stainless supply lines for safety, as burst washing machine hoses are a leading cause of home flooding.
- Turn the water supply valves on and off to test for leakage.
Water Heater
- Visit our instructions on how to determine the age of your water heater. If its over 10 years old, we recommend a professional assessment for optimal efficiency.
Main Water Line
- Inspect the water meter and observe the small dial that spins when water flows through the system. Then follow these easy steps to test for possible leaks.
- Ensure no appliances or fixtures in the home are running.
- Check the dial on the water meter. It should be still. Movement indicates a possible leak in your plumbing system.
- Call Mr. Rooter for a thorough evaluation before water bills increase.
Sewer Line
It’s last on the list, but it’s the easiest.
- Call Mr. Rooter for a video inspection to verify the condition of your sewer line.
*Extra Tip: Beyond routine maintenance, when buying or selling a home, a sewer line inspection is an important part of the home inspection process.
Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Portland is at your service 24/7 and we never charge extra for night or weekend service.
