Plumbing Maintenance Checklist for Homeowners

When it comes to home repairs, YouTube and other sources on the internet give plenty of step-by-step tips on how to replace a plumbing fixture or repair a leaky toilet. However, there are some repairs that are just better left to an OBX plumbing professional.

Gremlins in your house?
On the beach we’ve got year-round residents, seasonal residents and visitors. For seasonal residents and owners of vacation properties returning to their homes in the spring, it often seems like Gremlins invaded the house over the winter!  Addressing some of these checklist tips now could save multiple service calls over the course of a season – and keep your vacation rental guests happy!

Quick Spring Checklist for Plumbing Preparedness

  • Run high volume of water throughout home to clear/flush water lines
  • Make sure hot water heater is working, check for strange noises or exterior moisture
  • Inspect washing machine hoses for swelling/corrosion
  • Check for “running” toilets, make sure they flush properly, and no water is dripping on floor from either the tank or cut-off valve
  • Check for leaks/drips from tub/shower valves
  • Inspect the tub drain to see if the diverter spout is getting stuck
  • Check lavatory faucets for drips/leaks
  • Check for drain leaks under kitchen sink and proper kitchen faucet operation
  • Disposal operation should “hum” during operation; rattling or loud noises may mean it’s time to have the unit replaced
  • Operate/check-out pool spigots and showers (are they secured to house? Is the handle rusted out?  Is shower looking like it’s seen better days? Is the shower head clogged?

Of course, we highly recommend consulting with a plumbing professional at least once a year to assess the condition of your plumbing system, and always have the performance of any aging or ‘finicky’ appliances evaluated to determine whether they need to be replaced or repaired. Your plumber is your friend! They are very familiar with the signs of aging, wear and tear, and symptoms of potential problems, and often provide free estimates to repair or replace. The cost to inspect fixtures in your home or business will always be far less than the expense of repairs in an emergency, so make your plumbing inspection a top priority on your spring cleaning checklist!