It’s exciting to think that you are almost done with the construction of your new home. You have spent hours on the design, contractor selection and now it is time to move in. However, before moving day comes there are a few things that should be taken care of which include checking the plumbing system.
While many people would prefer to hire a trusted company like OneStop Plumbers to carry out the inspection, you can do this on your own.
If you are thinking of carrying out the inspection yourself or hiring a general contractor, there are certain things that should be considered.
Check the Blueprints
First, it would be good if you have access to plumbing blueprints which will help in identifying all fixtures within your home including the floor plan. It would also help if you were familiar with local building codes related to plumbing. You should also determine how much time it will take one person to complete an entire inspection. Finally, consider whether the project is feasible after taking into account other factors such as distance between fixtures and identifying shut-off valves, etc.
Clear The Area
It will be easier for you to inspect if you can move around unhindered. This means that all furniture, wall units, and debris should be removed.
Start With Fixtures Near the Point of Use
To start with it would be best if you inspect fixtures that are located in areas where there is high traffic or at the point of common usage. These include bathrooms, kitchen, laundry room, or any other important area in your home.
Close All Shut-Off Valves and Open the Water Supply Lines at the Fixture
You should also consider turning off all shut-off valves before starting the inspection since it is the easiest way to determine whether valves are functioning. To do this you can open the supply line at each fixture and then close the valve after allowing water to flow for a while.
Look Under the Sink or at Each Fixture You Open
Before opening any fixtures, try to note down the type of pipes located under your sink or inside walls so that you can easily identify them when you open up shut-off valves.
Start inspecting from the uppermost valve and work your way down to the lowest. Try not to skip around when carrying out your inspection so start testing out plumbing fixtures from the uppermost ones and work your way down till you complete testing all valve assemblies.
Testing Out Fixtures Along the Main Line and at the Lowest Point
After testing out fixtures from the uppermost ones, it is time to do the same with valves along the mainline and those positioned at the lowest point. This will help you determine whether there are any leakages or faulty valves in your home water system.
Finally, remember not to start turning on fixtures since this can reduce pressure present in your pipes which might be used for detecting leaks.
Once everyone has completed inspections it would be good if each person writes down their findings so everyone can share information. However, after completing the inspection, turn on all shut-off valves before restoring all the utilities to the house.