Homepoint Plumber

Here’s a checklist that you can use to do your own pre-inspection on your plumbing. There’s no reason not to check your house out yourself before you hire a certified home inspector.This way you can compare notes and ask questions. He will give you a thorough report on the home’s condition. Between what you found and what the inspector found you will be able to take care of what needs to be done before you put your house on the market.For now we’ll focus on plumbing, including bathrooms, the laundry area, and water and septic systems.

* Look for signs of leaks in exposed pipes, including in areas where pipes run through the walls or foundation.

* Check water pressure. Low pressure could mean a problem with the line or sediment buildup in the faucet aerator or shower head.

* Check on the state of the tub and shower caulking. Is it time to replace it?

* Look for evidence of mildew wherever water has a chance to stand for longer periods of time.

* Check the toilet base to be sure it doesn’t rock. There could be a leak that has damaged the floor around it.

* Look for cracks on the toilet tank or bowl and also on sinks

* Slide shower doors to check for sticking or rust. Examine the gaskets around the door glass for any gaps or tears.

* Turn on the shower and bath faucets to check for leaks around the handles and valves. Are they easy to use, or harder to turn on and off? Check any set screws you see.

* Unscrew the shower head and look for collected sediment. This could be lowering the water pressure.

* Examine vent fans for blockages or dust. If it sounds really loud when you turn them on, the bearings may be worn out or a flapper may have gotten stuck.

* Check washing machine hoses for signs of cracks, brittleness, or leaks.

* Check the dryer vents for tears. Vacuum or brush out lint in the hose and around the lint screen inside the dryer. Look for lint around the floor or on the wall, which indicates there’s a clog in the vent hose.

* If you have your own well for water, send out a sample of your water to your county cooperative extension to test it for chemicals and bacteria.

* Be sure that the well cover is tightly sealed but that there is still access to the pump.

* Check the sump pump by pouring water on it to see if it turns on automatically.

* Look around your septic tank/field for soggy ground or lush vegetation. This may mean the tank is full or failing.

Being familiar with your home inside and out will give you an advantage when dealing with your home inspector and prospective buyers.

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