Plumbing is extremely important in all Sydney homes. It makes it possible to have bathing water, drinking water, maintaining the garden, and doing laundry among other uses.
Although you can depend on licensed plumbers for reliable and fast plumbing services in your home, there are certain things you can do to ensure your plumbing remains functional at all times. Having a plumbing checklist for homeowners in Sydney would come in handy at all times.
Here’s a simple checklist to keep your plumbing functional.
General Maintenance
- Stuck valves and corroded pipes– Even the most durable and reliable valves, pipes, and fittings can get stuck, corrode, deteriorate, or malfunction over time. All these issues can cause leaks or even lead to major spillage and damage. You can prevent these problems by replacing malfunctioning plumbing fixtures and fittings proactively.
Outdoors
- Hose bibs– Defective or frozen hose bibs can cause leaks within the walls or even damage the basement. Modern types of hose bibs don’t have to be drained seasonally or winter wrapped for they are made to be frost-free. In case yours aren’t frost-free, then replace them.
- Main water supply- Sediment or sand may cause serious problems with your faucets, toilets, and other water appliances. These problems occur with both town and well water. You can prevent these problems by installing a water filter on the main supply line.
- Water meter- The water meter and its register can lose its accuracy as it ages. Thus, you should replace it every 15-20 years.
Kitchen
- Refrigerator– You should ensure the refrigerator water line has a certified copper tubing, functional filter cartridges, and functional valves.
- Dishwasher- Check the area below your dishwasher to ensure the supply line or pan isn’t leaking beneath the cabinet or the floor.
- Kitchen sink– Ensure water leakages are repaired as soon as they’re noticed. Leaking water can damage the cabinet due to mildew or mold growth, warping, and rotting.
Bathroom
- The tub and shower– Inspect the tubs and shower to ensure they’re leak-free. Also, ensure the drain and diverter are functioning properly. You should also keep the showerhead clean.
- The toilet and faucets– A running toilet or leaking faucet can waste as much as 25 water gallons daily. You need to repair or replace a running toilet or leaking faucet to prevent water wastage and increased utility bills.
Laundry Room
- The washing machine rubber hoses– Hoses made of rubber may dry out to an extent of cracking. Consequently, they may leak or even burst, leading to water damage. You should install braided hoses to avoid such problems.
- Washing machine water drain– If the water drain of your washing machine is blocked, it may overflow and lead to costly damages. Thus, clear or replace the drain as needed.
- Dryer vent– You should clean the dryer vent regularly to enhance its efficiency, lower the energy bills, and ensure the risks of a fire are reduced.
Basement
- Sump pump– A malfunctioning or failed sump pump may cause water damages when water lines leak or during heavy rain. It’s recommended to maintain the sump pump regularly or replace it if needed to avoid water leakage and damage.
- Water heater– You can improve the efficiency of your water heater and extend its life by draining any sediment and replacing a damaged anode rod.
- Valves– Ensure every family member is fully aware of where all shutoff valves are located and how to operate them. They should at least know the location of the main shutoff valve. Knowing its location and how to operate it will prevent major damages in your home in the event of major water leakage.
If you’re unable to fix any plumbing issue by yourself, consider hiring the services of a reliable, licensed, and experienced plumber.