A SIMPLE CHECKLIST TO MAINTAIN YOUR HOME PLUMBING SYSTEM

Avoid a costly plumbing disaster later by caring for your pipes now. Through regular checks and maintenance, you can address minor issues before they become major problems.

If we told you there was a simple checklist that could help you avoid a burst pipe, blocked drain or any other plumbing nightmare, would you believe us?

It might not come to your mind as easily as cleaning the tiles and grouts of your shower, but maintaining your home plumbing system can be as easy as ticking a box, you just need to know where and what to lookout for.

From a leaking tap and toilet, to low water pressure and slow drainage, here’s a checklist of everything you need to know about maintaining your home plumbing system.

Leaks tend to go unnoticed unless they are overtly obvious such as a leaking tap or toilet. There are so many different places in your home where a leak can occur, which makes it hard to know where to start.

Leaks can appear as water marks on the walls or ceiling, damp patches, depressions or soft patches in your yard, low water pressure, or even the sound of running water within your walls. The easiest place to start is to check for pools of water underneath all your taps and the pipes under your basin.

If there is a gas leak you’ll be able to smell rotten eggs.

Lookout for any water leaking out of the pipes outside of the toilet pan, this is often referred to as the flush cone seal or pan seal. If you notice water leaking into the pan then this is the result of a faulty outlet washer. Several other reasons that can cause a leaking toilet include faulty or damaged inlet valve, cistern washers are damaged or loose, or a cracked pan.

Also test your toilet flush button. Does the toilet water keep running once it’s flushed? It may be the case that the button is worn out and needs replacing.

It is illegal to complete any plumbing work without having a license in WA. Contact Gillies Group for a reliable and professional plumbing service that’s free to your door.

Is there a noticeable drop in your water pressure when you turn on the shower? Low water pressure can occur for a number of reasons including blocked shower heads, a burst pipe, leaking pipe, or an issue at the municipal water supply.

Find out How to check your water pressure

The next time you take a bath or fill up the kitchen sink, check the time it takes for the water to completely drain when your finished. If it is draining at a slow rate it means you could have a blocked pipe. You may also notice pools of water forming around your feet in the shower.

Check the hose connection to make sure it’s completely secured and not showing any signs of wear, rust or leakage. Inspect the hose for any bulges, cracks or excessive wear. A washing machine frequently used will inadvertently move during a wash cycle or during cleaning, which can cause kinks in the hose.

Keep an eye out for any moisture at the connection or on the hose as this is a clear indication that you may have a leak and will need to be replaced immediately.

Test every single tap in your home and lookout for any pools of water which form at the base of the faucets. This can include taps in your shower, bath, powder rooms, backyard, laundry and bathroom.

We also recommend checking the piping beneath each basin and to see if there are any concealed leaks.

You’ll want to do a top to bottom inspection. Here’s what to lookout for:

– Is the pressure relief valve leaking?
– Condensation on the water heater unit
– Is the tank itself leaking?
– Is the cold water valve inlet leaking?
– Can you see any rusty spots?

If you’re inexperienced or unsure on how to inspect your hot water heater, we recommend leaving it to a professional.

Observe the water coming through your taps and shower and look out for any discolouration and how it tastes. A discolouration could be an indication that you may have rust in your pipes or hot water tank.

Lookout for any missing or broken sprinkler heads, which can lead to damp or softened patches around your backyard as well as areas that are flourishing more than others.

Pools of water can also begin to form on your lawn where a sprinkler may be damaged.

This could also be an indication that you may have a faulty solenoid valve, burst or leaking pipe.

Attempting to resolve a plumbing issue that is underground or within the walls of your home can be a difficult and messy task. You risk causing further damage to your home and your plumbing.

The highly trained staff at Gillies Group are fully equipped with advanced technology that can identify hidden leaks without starting a demolition.

If you notice any of these changes around your household, contact Gillies Group now or request a call back and we’ll get back to you within 30 minutes.