How to Check Your Plumbing to Prevent Water Damage Before it Strikes

While plumbing can seem like a mystery to those that have never had to deal with anything related to pipes or water, hiring a professional plumber to take care of regular routine maintenance is an extremely costly service call.

Instead of bringing in the professionals to stop a problem before it happens, even without knowing your way around the maze of pipes in your home, you can take preventative measures to ensure your plumbing won’t cause any major issues to your house.

Stay Ahead of the Issue

The main point of a plumbing check is to prevent any potential problems from becoming full blown and costly issues. Plumbing problems are the leading source of residential water damage, and by the time you’ve noticed there’s a problem – either by a puddle, slow drip, or even damp spots in your home – it’s typically too late to take any preventative measures. A plumbing failure typically costs upwards of $5,000 after your insurance deductible is paid – which is why stopping the problem before it starts will save your sanity, and your pocketbook.

Plumbing Inspection Checklist

When you’re ready to start your inspection, there are several things to look at and make sure they’re in working order. Again, you don’t have to be a professional plumber to handle this checklist – just follow these simple steps and you can potentially save your home from major water damage issues in the future.

  • Look low

    Pipes run all over your home, and appliances that connect to water spouts can spring leaks like any other pipe. Check all appliances like toilets, sinks, dishwashers, refrigerators, tubs, etc. Check for any leaks, moisture, or damaged flooring. If you see any signs of warped floors or walls, cracked pipes, stained walls, or bubbling, it may be a sign of water damage.

  • Check high spaces!

    With water running through all walls, high areas need to be a priority as well. Keep an eye on ceilings and walls on high spaces, especially beneath bathrooms or laundry rooms. Check for sagging ceilings or drywall.

  • Check connections of pipes to plumbing.

    Where pipes come together they are prone to leaking if that connection is not structurally sound. While moisture and water is only one sign of a bad connection, look for corrosion or stains in cabinets or flooring.

  • Look for cracks in pipes.

    Pipes must be in solid condition to work properly and to prevent water from escaping. When it is possible, check the pipes both visually and by touch to see if any pipes show signs of damage.

  • Crawl under the house.

    While you might get dirty, crawl spaces and other tucked away areas should be checked for water leaks – this could be a drainage problem or a cracked pipe.

  • Increase drainage.

    If drainage is slow, this can mean plumbing problems are at hand. While it can be fixed with a plunger or natural clog removal, if clogs are large enough – it may require the need of a professional plumber.

  • Watch your water bill.

    If you water bill increases, extra cost is due to a drip, leak, or plumbing part.

Keeping an eye on this checklist will help you keep expensive water damage in the future, but if water damage does happen, McMahon services is here to help. Our water damage restoration services provide 24/7 teams to Northern Illinois homes and businesses for cleanup, restoration, and construction services.

Give us a call today to schedule an appointment!