DIY HOME PLUMBING HEALTH CHECK
Here at MHP we’re big believers in preventative maintenance. As the old saying goes, ‘a stitch in time, saves nine’ and similar words could be said about the plumbing in your home. A simple fix now, or consistent DIY maintenance could save you an emergency call out in time.
That said, this month I’m taking you through a simple, health check you can complete for the plumbing in your home.
Inspect Your Flexible Hoses
These are the silver flexible hoses found under your vanities and kitchen sink and behind the loo connecting to the water supply. Inspect these gently for kinks and signs of rust. Rust spots on these hoses can burst unexpectedly and cause flooding and major water damage.
FLEXIBLE HOSES
VISIBLE RUST SPOTS
AGED FLEXIBLE HOSES
Locate your Gas Meter
It may sound simple, but knowing the location of the gas meter for your property can save precious time in an emergency.
VISIBLE RUST SPOTS
Locate your water meter
Knowing the location of your water meter ensures the water can be shut off in case of an emergency, preventing expensive and extensive damage to your home. Once you’ve found your water meter, gently turn the tap to ensure it can be shut off with no leaks.
Meter with standard tap
Buried meter
New meter with 1/4 turn tap for easy shut off
Storage Tank Hot Water System (hotties)
Knowing the location of your water meter ensures the water can be shut off in case of an emergency, preventing expensive and extensive damage to your home. Once you’ve found your water meter, gently turn the tap to ensure it can be shut off with no leaks.
Check the TPR valve
TPR stands for temperature and pressure relief. These valves keep the water temperature and pressure within your tank at a safe level. These should be tested every 6 months. To test, lift and release the metal lever at the top of the valve, water should flow from the valve when lifted and cease when the lever is dropped. If no water flows or the water continues to flow when the lever is dropped, your valve may need replacing.
Be safe. Keep your feet, hands and face away from the release pipe. If unsure, always consult the pro’s!
How to test your TPR valve
Check for rusty water
A tell tale sign of an ageing hottie is rusty/discoloured water coming out of your pipes. Fill the sink or run a bath in your home to check for any discoloured water. For systems older than 5 years we recommend doing this every 6 months.
How old is your tempering valve?
These valves can be found on the copper pipework of your hot water system. They’re a legal requirement on all new hot water systems and ensure the temperature of the water entering your bathroom is at a safe level to prevent burns in the home. These valves should be replaced every 5 years to maintain their efficacy. Think yours is older than 5 years? It could be time for a replacement. Don’t have one? If you have small children or elderly friends/family in your home, we recommend having one installed to keep everyone safe.
One style of tempering valve. Hot water enters on one side, cold on the other. The water mixes and tempered water is released through the bottom into your home.
Clear Downpipes
Use a hose to run water down the downpipes of your home to check for steady flow and to flush out debris. This can be done seasonally to keep them flowing well.
Gutters
We recommend inspecting your gutters often for to remove built up debris. The frequency varies from home to home. If your home is surrounded by trees, consider doing this monthly. Sick of full gutters? Consider installing gutter guard to keep your gutters free of debris, and your stormwater system flowing freely.
Gutter guard comes in many forms. It works to cover your gutters, preventing leaves and nature debris building up in them. This is a metal mesh style guard.
Locate your outside drains
Locate and take a look in the outdoor drains around your home. Generally speaking, these should not hold water. Use your garden hose to flush the outside drains in your home. Water shouldn’t rise or pool and instead should flow through.
Investigate pipe condition
Many Inner West homes contain original sewer pipework. These pipes are made of clay/earthenware and were commonly used in the area until the 60’s and 70s. With age and natural ground movement, this material has a tendency to collapse, crumble or crack and fall victim to pesky tree roots which can lead to blockages in the home. If you suspect your sewer pipes are made of clay, we recommend a camera inspection to evaluate the condition of the pipes. This way, you can locate and repair potential minor damage early on, preventing major emergency repairs and excavation in time.
Intact earthenware pipes
A collapsed earthenware pipe
