1.  Water Pressure

      Low water pressure could mean a problem with the line or just sediment build-up in the  

      faucet aerator or shower head.

      Well – it could also be a problem with the well pumping system.

      Public Water – it could be a problem with the pressure reducing valve.

 

2.  Drains

      Check drains for speed of drainage. A slow drain may have a clog or a blocked vent pipe.  

      Look for a full swirling drain. Bubbling drains are a sign of a problem.

      Also check your garbage disposal for leaks and operation issues.

 

3.  Sinks/Faucets

      Turn on faucets and check for visible leaks around the faucet. Sinks have drains and supply 

      lines that are easily accessible. These areas should be checked for leaks or corrosion. Also

      check the shut-off valve to be sure it can be turned and is not leaking around valve.

 

4.  Showers and Tubs

      Turn on shower/tub faucets and check for leaks around handles and valves. Are they easy to

      use or harder to turn off?

      Check set screws around escutcheon plates.

      Check the state of the caulking to see if it’s time to replace it.

      Look for cracked tiles. Tap on tiles to look for loose or hollow ones, which could be masking a

      rotted backboard behind them.

 

5.  Toilet

      Remove the tank lid and flush the toilet to make sure it is operating properly. Check for leaks

      under the tank and supply line to the tank. Inspect the mechanisms within the tank. The seals

      or flapper may shrink or crack, which can cause annoying leaks. The filler mechanism may

      wear out or become clogged, which can interfere with proper operation.

      Conduct a dye test to be sure there is no tank leakage. Put several drops of food coloring in  

      the tank. Wait for 15 minutes and check the toilet bowl to see if there is any coloring. If so,

      you have a leak that needs attention.  

      Wiggle your toilet to be sure it doesn’t rock. Your toilet needs to be sealed properly to

      prevent sewer gases from escaping into your home. A rocking toilet can also mean a leak that

      could damage the floor around it.

 

6.  Washing Machine, Dishwasher and Ice Machine

      Check the supply hoses not only for leaks but also look for signs of aging. Over time the

      supply hoses become brittle and may crack.

 

7.  Water Heater

      Look for leaks and drips around fittings and connections.

      Flush your water heater (annually) to remove sediment build up. Drain several gallons from

      the faucet near the bottom of the tank through a hose directed into a nearby drain to flush

      out any sediment that could settle in the tank.

      If you have a gas water heater, check the flue pipe. Also look inside the burner chamber of

      the water heater for rust flakes. Check the flame. The flame should be an even blue with no 

      yellow. A yellow flame indicates soot, or a problem with the gas-air mixture, or could be a gas

      pressure problem.

 

8.  Sump Pump

      Check your sump pump to be sure it is working properly. Make sure it turns on properly, look

      for leaks, and listen for strange noises.

 

9.  Basement or Crawl Space

      Check all visible water lines, drain lines and connections for leaks or corrosion. Look for signs

      of leaks in areas where pipes run through the wall or foundation.

      Watch for green stains around brass or copper fittings and shutoff valves. This is a sign either

      of corrosion or electrolysis caused by mismatched metals (ie galvanized to copper). This will

      cause leaks and possible water damage if left uncorrected.

      Check main shut off for proper operation so the water can be easily turned off in case of

      emergency leaks. This will be located by your meter, or if you have a well it should be located

      by the expansion tank.

      If you have gas service, leak test joints.

 

10.  Exterior

      Examine all hose bibs for leaks.

      Make sure the well cover is tightly sealed but there is still access to the pump.

      Look around your septic tank for soggy ground or overly lush vegetation. This could mean 

      that your tank is full or failing.