Homeowner Maintenance - Plumbing
Water Supply | Drain | Noisy Pipes | Shutoff Valves | Plumbing Fixtures |
Faucets | Toilets | Caulking | Waste Drains | Well | Septic | Water Heaters
Water Supply
The main water service coming into a house and in the house may be lead, galvanized or copper piping. The piping underground and in walls is not visible for inspection. Lead is a confirmed toxin. This can be a hazard, particularly to young children. There are simple and relatively inexpensive tests you can use to determine if your water contains unacceptable levels of lead.
Galvanized water pipes were used in homes built before 1942. These pipes will gradually rust from the inside out having heavy rust buildup at the joints or piecemeal replacement with copper that may have deteriorated and need replacing.
Copper is generally considered the best. Copper pipes have been used in quality houses since 1935 and have different degrees of thickness but will usually last throughout the life of the house.
Plastic water piping (CPVC) is used in recent years for interior piping. Compared to copper piping, it's very cost effective. However, there have been problems with polybutylene piping used for main water service coming into the house.
Drain
The drain pipe from the structure to service is underground, and the plumbing under concrete providing floor drain, condensation drain, rough plumbing, and in walls is not visible for inspection. However, the drain pipe above the concrete or in the crawlspace supplying the systems components and venting that is visible will be inspected and in most cases will revile the overall condition of the drain piping.
In most cases, the presence of a leg tub in a bathroom in an older house indicates lead waste plumbing. If lead plumbing springs a leak, it cannot be repaired and must be replaced.
You should inspect to see whether the sewer pipe leaves the basement above floor level. Most sewer pipes go into the basement floor and out to the sewer. A working basement bath indicates the sewer pipe is below the floor level. A special pump is required to install a basement bath if the sewer line is above floor level.If you are looking at a house that does not have public water and sewer, and is instead, served by a private well, and private disposal system. The existing private well, and private disposal system needs to be inspected, and pumped, be sure there is sufficient suitable area with proper percolation for a new system if/or when needed.
Noisy Pipes
Noisy pipes can be more than an annoyance, vibrations accompanying the noise can loosen plumbing fittings and cause leaks. Noise can be caused by a number of reasons, including worn washers, loose parts in a faucet and steam in hot water pipes. You should repair noisy pipes promptly. If you cannot locate the cause of the noise or cannot make the repair yourself, call a professional plumber.
Shutoff Valves
Shutoff valves control water flow to a particular appliance. Shutoff valves can usually be found under sinks and toilets and behind clothes washers, water heaters and other appliances. Location of the main water shutoff valve will be noted in the report.
Periodically examine each shutoff valve for signs of leaks. Look for water, green crust or water stains on the valve, surrounding pipes and floor underneath. If the valve leaks, you can tighten the valve fittings with a wrench. Do not over tighten. If the leak continues, call a professional plumber.
Plumbing Fixtures
A variety of commercial cleaners are available for cleaning sinks, showers, tubs, toilets and other plumbing fixtures. Follow the manufacturer’s directions when using a cleaner. Regular cleaning will prevent soap scum buildup and discoloration. Don’t use abrasive cleaners.
Periodically examine each sink and other plumbing fixture for signs of water leaking from the fixture, the water supply or the drain. Look for water, green crust or water stains on pipes, fittings and the floor underneath. You can tighten leaky plumbing fittings with a wrench. Do not over tighten. If the leak continues, call a professional plumber. Sump pumps should be tested.
FaucetsMany sinks today have modern, washerless faucets. The standard compression faucets with a washer are also common. If a faucet leaks or malfunctions, consult a plumbing repair book or call a professional plumber.
The only maintenance your faucets should require is to clean the aerators. Aerators add air to the water as it leaves the faucet, eliminating splashing and reducing water usage. To clean an aerator, unscrew it from the mouth of the faucet, remove any deposits, remove and rinse the washers and screens, replace in their original order and put back on the faucet.
ToiletsOverflowing or clogged toilets: Never flush hair, grease, lint, diapers, sanitary products or rubbish down the toilet. These wastes can stop up toilets and sewer lines.
Inspect the base of the toilet and the water supply line for leaks. If the water chamber appears to leak, the water may only be condensation forming on the outside of the tank. If you think that the toilet is leaking or if you are having other problems, consult a plumbing repair book or call a professional plumber.
A loose toilet can weaken the seal between the toilet and the drain pipe. Water can then leak along the toilet’s base and damage the floor. Test the toilet mounts by grabbing the toilet with your hands and try to rock it from side to side. If the toilet moves, tighten the nuts holding the toilet to the floor on either side of the base. Tighten until snug, then test again.
Caulking
Caulking is used to seal around bathtubs, sinks and showers. It is normal for caulking to dry out or crack after several years. Periodically inspect caulking around sinks, showers and tubs. Look for signs of deterioration. Remove the old caulking and replace with fresh caulk. This is a simple do-it-yourself project. If you do not have a caulking gun, caulking material can be bought in applicator tubes or in disposable caulking guns.
Outdoor Plumbing
To prevent frozen pipes, drain water from outdoor faucets and pipes, insulate and wrap exposed pipes and remove and store outdoor hoses.
Waste Drains
Visible waste plumbing should be checked for leaks. Each plumbing fixture in your house has a drain trap. This U-shaped piece of pipe is designed to provide a water barrier that prevents air-borne bacteria and the odor of sewer gas from entering the house. Because of their shape, traps are also the source of most clogging problems. Any fixture that is not used infrequently should be turned on at regular intervals to replace evaporating water and insure that the barrier remains Common sense can prevent your drains from clogging. Don’t pour grease down a drain. Keep your drains free of hair and other debris. Do not use lye or its derivatives. It can damage your plastic drain pipe. “Flush” your drains once a month to prevent residual grease and soap from clogging drains. Run hot water through the drain. Add three tablespoons of baking soda. Add a little more hot water. Let stand for 15 minutes, then “flush” again by running more hot water.
Well
Well equipment should be inspected semi-annually. A water quality test should be performed periodically on the advice of local authorities.
Septic
Septic tanks should be checked and cleaned if necessary every three years.
Water Heaters
Modern water heaters have a test lever on the pressure relief valve. This lever should be tested every three months or so to ensure that the pressure relief valve is not seized. If the relief valve does not discharge near a drain, a bucket will be required.
