You just purchased a house. Congratulations! This is an exciting time.
Your Pinterest board is probably full of inspiration, and ideas are popping into your head on how to decorate. Before you get to the aesthetics, take some time to make sure the core elements of your home are running smoothly. Don’t fall victim to a problem you could have prevented; water damage is the second most frequently filed insurance claim in the United States. Dealing with plumbing fixtures can be a daunting task for a new homeowner, but these tips will help you transition.
Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or just moved into a house that is new to you, here are 9 things to include on your bathroom checklist:
1. Toilet Tanks
Check the inside of toilet tanks in your home for broken or rusty parts that need to be replaced. Then, flush the toilet to see if water is swirling down properly, followed by replenished water to the appropriate level without delay.
2. Cleanliness Near Plumbing
Look for mold or mildew in the areas surrounding plumbing. If either is found, it is a sign that water is seeping through where it shouldn’t be. While bleaching the area will eliminate the mold temporarily, the only sure way to eliminate mold is to eliminate the moisture causing it.
3. Faucet Leaks
Turn handles off completely and check for drips falling from faucets. A loose faucet can cause continuous water flow and increase your monthly water bill.
4. Flooring
If tile flooring is cracked or broken, this could be a result of water pooling beneath. Water pooled beneath the floor is usually a sign of a leak, which could become a bigger problem than expected.
5. Water Pressure
Not only is decreased water pressure not ideal for washing needs, it could also mean that you have sediment building up.
6. Wall Strength
Test wall strength by pushing on walls around plumbing fixtures. Weak walls could mean that water leakage is causing structural damage.
7. Shower heads
Shower heads should be clean and free from debris. Removing a showerhead is an easy way to check for signs of sediment. There are some easy home remedies to clean out a showerhead, such as letting it soak in vinegar.
8. Caulking
Look for areas of caulking that are no longer sealed or only partly sealed as you go through your bathroom checklist. Reseal where necessary to ensure no future leaks or damage will occur. Even the smallest leak can be costly and lead to potential long-term damage, and letting them go untouched will only further deteriorate your home.
9. Drainage Speed
Run faucets to check for drainage speed. If it drains slowly, it could be a sign of sediment buildup within your pipes.
If you’ve encountered any problem after going through this checklist, give Mike Diamond Services a call. We offer a free house call for first-time customers.
Our Smell Good Plumbers can help you with drain cleaning, leaky pipe repair, and an array of plumbing services to get your bathroom in the best shape. Give us a call today and we’ll use our experience and expertise to help you with your bathroom checklist as we turn your new house into a comfortable and functioning home.
