When you move into a new home, it is essential to do a plumbing inspection to check to see if the plumbing system is okay. The purpose of conducting a plumbing check is to confirm that you have a water meter and no pipe leaks. It also helps you locate your internal stop tap, check the boiler’s maintenance history, and identify lead water pipes.
Before installing a new kitchen or bathroom, you should familiarize yourself with the plumbing laws. Here are top plumbing tips to keep in mind when you move into a new home.
Locate the Stop Tap
It is essential to know the location of your stop tap. It can be located anywhere but mostly in places where the water supply pipe enters the house. The location will depend on the age of the property. Some of the most common places include the garage, bathroom, utility room, stairs, and kitchen sink.
Ensure that the stop tap is in good condition and that you can turn it and off in case of an emergency.
Confirm You Have a Water Meter
When you move into a new house, make sure that there is a water meter. If there is, you will only pay for the amount of water use. You can find the water meter on the ground outside your house or near the stop tap.
If you can’t find it, you can contact your local water supply company for help.
Do It Yourself Whenever And Wherever Possible
A significant degree of plumbing work should be performed by trained and experienced plumbing professionals. That said, homeowners might be able to tackle certain small or uncomplicated jobs themselves. Completing specific tasks means the homeowner will only be required to pay for the materials used to complete the undertaking. However, they will not also be forced to remit labor costs.
Look Out For Leaks
Leaks can lead to costly damages and hiked water charges. To identify leaks, look for the following signs:
- Rust.
- Look for stains on the floors and walls.
- Look for mold on the walls and ceiling.
- For underground leaks, look for Patches of lush.
Confirm the Boiler’s Service History
Make an effort to know the age of the boiler in your new home. The previous homeowner should tell you how often it is serviced. If it is due for service, make sure that you hire a registered and experienced engineer.
Identify Lead Pipes
Water that has been passed through lead pipes is not suitable for human consumption, especially young children and pregnant women. Therefore it is advisable to replace them with plastic or copper ones. You can only find lead water pipes in old buildings. Currently, it is illegal to use lead pipes when supplying water.
If you plan to work on your home’s plumbing system, make sure you notify your local water supplier for approval. It is your legal duty to ensure that any plumbing work complies with the set laws and regulations.
Contacting Us
If you have questions about simple plumbing techniques, or need more extensive or complicated work performed in your home, please contact us!
You can call us directly at: 828-253-4269 or fill out this CONTACT form, and we’ll reach out to you as soon as possible!
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