The last box is unpacked, and, as new homeowners, you are beginning to feel like you’ve truly arrived in your new place. It’s a surreal, awesome moment, but as anyone who has undergone a move can attest, the overall moving process is a stressful endeavor that demands many hours of prep and even more time getting settled.
Before even getting that far, a pre-purchase plumbing checklist ought to be completed before signing the dotted line. While you may think you are in the clear and have all plumbing matters squared away, the weeks and months post-move can be telling.
Bottom line: there are common things that can go wrong when everything seems alright, and we want you to be prepared to face these challenges head on.
1. Inspect your hoses
Both your dishwasher and washing machine hoses have the potential over time to leak as they develop wear and tear. This can create serious problems down the road. Examine for signs of excessive use and wear. Be proactive and replace any hose 10 years old or older.
2. Check the water heater for sediment
Depending on the hardness of the water in your home, sediment is prone to build up in the bottom of your tank. As a result, the overall efficiency of the water heater will drop. Listen for a gurgling sound coming from the water heater itself as part of your plumbing checklist, as this indicates a build up of sediment at the bottom of the inside of the tank. Additionally, flush the water heater every six months to prevent this buildup and keep up efficiency. Of course, you might also consider replacing your conventional water heater with an efficient tankless model.
3. Check for toilet leaks
These leaks are small and often go unseen, but they can be major water wasters. Thankfully, it’s easy to check if your toilet is leaking even a small amount. Put a few drops of food coloring in your toilet tank—don’t flush!—and return after 30 minutes. If any coloring shows up in your toilet bowl, you’ve got a leak, and it’s time to call the pros.
4. Examine your drains
Turn on the water for a moment and watch the speed of drainage in fixtures like your sink, bathtub, or shower. Slow drainage indicates a clog or blocked pipe on your hands. A slow drain or bubbling drain are both signs of a problem. Meanwhile, water that flows easily or with a swirl is a good sign. Watch for these indicators and call a professional plumber if you suspect blockage as you go over your plumbing checklist.
While moving does require a tremendous amount of work and preparation, nothing is more satisfying than folding up that final box and feeling truly settled. In the wake of unpacking, this simple plumbing checklist encourages preventative plumbing maintenance before you get overwhelmed at the continual upkeep of your new home and unexpected plumbing problems.
If you encounter any hiccups and have any questions while completing the plumbing checklist, don’t hesitate to call the experts at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. Contact us for 24/7 emergency plumbing, plumbing repair, and other services. Additionally, we offer free estimates and are available around the clock, 365 days a year, so you don’t have to take matters into your own hands.