As kids head back to school, busy mornings leave little time for unexpected plumbing problems. A quick check of your home’s plumbing can help catch leaks, slow drains, and failing fixtures before they disrupt your family’s routine.
Checking these common trouble spots before school starts can also help prevent avoidable repairs and plumbing failures. Your back-to-school plumbing checklist should include the following:
Check for Hidden Plumbing Leaks
A single undiscovered leak can cause expensive water damage, especially if it goes on for months.
- Sinks
- Showers and bathtubs
- The water heater’s vicinity
- Supply lines for the washer
- Ice maker lines on refrigerators
- Toilet bases
Look for signs of rust on pipes and valves near fixtures. This indicates possible corrosion that might cause a future leak if there isn’t one already.
Staining is another indicator of leaking water. Moisture often appears in rings emanating from failing fixtures. For example, there might be concentric yellow rings around the base of your toilet. Leaks inside walls and concrete also frequently soak through and stain surfaces. Moisture can also soften materials, especially wood and drywall.
Musty odors are another possible sign of a leak because moisture encourages mold growth. If your basement smells bad, you could have a water line or water heater leak.
Move appliances and other items to look for where leaks might be. You don’t want a leak at the washer hiding just because the machine blocked your view.
If you find evidence of a leak but the source is unclear, our plumbers can find the issue with advanced leak-detection techniques. Whether the issue is with your kitchen or bathroom plumbing, we can diagnose and fix it.
Test for Slow or Clogged Drains
The next major concern is drain clogs. Drains can still work with a clog, but they drain slowly. You may see standing water in the sink that takes more than a few seconds to go down. If the clog is less severe, you may hear a gurgling sound, even though the drain seems fine.
Sometimes the source of slow drains is further down in the system. In these cases, odors can collect in the pipes and escape into your home.
Note how many drains seem to be causing trouble. Multiple slow drains often indicate an issue deeper in your plumbing system that may require hydro jetting or sewer line repair. Our plumbers can conduct a camera inspection to determine whether a blockage is in your drainage lines. Our drain cleaning services will often restore normal wastewater flow.
Check for Running or Leaking Toilets
A continuously running toilet is annoying and can cost you money. Check for a hissing sound after each flush and listen for running water. Look for water that collects at the base. Weak flushing also indicates the need for toilet repair.
- Wet wipes
- Paper towels
- Cotton balls
- Dental floss
- Toys and other objects
Test Your Home’s Water Pressure
Low water pressure can have several causes, including a partially closed shutoff valve, clogged plumbing, a pressure-regulator problem, or a leak. If multiple fixtures have low water pressure at the same time, check whether the problem persists throughout the day. Fluctuating pressure or sudden changes can indicate a temporary issue with the municipal water supply. In this case, your plumbing is not the issue.
For a persistent issue, locate your home’s main water pressure gauge, usually near the main water line, and check the reading. Home water pressure should be between 40 and 80 psi, while pressure above 80 psi can strain pipes, fittings, and appliances. Low pressure can make showers and faucets perform poorly, while excessive pressure can increase the risk of leaks.
If your shutoff valve is partially closed, opening it may restore normal pressure. However, if the pressure remains unusually low or high, our plumbers can identify the underlying cause, whether it is a failed pressure regulator, buildup in your pipes, or a leak. We’ll recommend the right repair.
Inspect Kitchen Plumbing Connections
Your kitchen often becomes a hotspot for plumbing trouble once school resumes. Preparing lunches, making after-school snacks, and putting together dinner all strain your plumbing.
Before school starts, check your faucet, dishwasher supply line, and the plumbing in the cabinet for leaks. Left unattended, these leaks are major sources of water damage. Keep in mind that faulty faucet handles can cause hidden leaks because the resulting wetness may look like splashed water.
If you notice any issues with your kitchen plumbing having a professional address the issue promptly is important. Small issues will only get worse, especially as your kitchen gets more use during the school year.
Test the Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals are another plumbing component that commonly runs into problems once school is back. To make sure it is ready for heavy use, our plumbers can inspect your unit.
We can address issues such as rattling sounds and poor performance. If your disposal is older, we can help you decide whether garbage disposal repair or replacement is the better option.
- Cooking oil or grease
- Fruit or vegetable peelings
- Coffee grounds
- Pasta, rice, or potatoes
- Bones
- Fruit pits
- Fibrous foods, such as celery
Check Your Water Heater
While you’re going through your plumbing checklist, stay ahead of issues that need water heater repairs. Look for puddles or stains at the base of the heater, especially anything rust-colored. Notice whether there are rumbling or other sounds during the heating cycle. Check whether the water is discolored. Even if the problem clears up after a few seconds, it indicates trouble.
Know your water tank’s age. The typical tanked unit lasts 8 to 12 years. Tankless water heaters usually last 15 to 20 years. As your water heater approaches the end of its expected service life, make a plan to replace it.
Arrange a Professional Plumbing Inspection
It’s wise to schedule a yearly inspection before school starts because it’s much more convenient to deal with plumbing problems before your schedule gets busy with school-related activities.
Our team checks for water heater problems, leaky water lines, failing fixtures, and ensures your water pressure is in a healthy range.
Get Your Orange County Home School-Year Ready With Bill Metzger Plumbing
At Bill Metzger Plumbing, we have been helping homeowners in Orange County with plumbing, drain, sewer, and water heater services for over 50 years. As a family-owned business, we focus on building long-term customer relationships. This means you can always expect quality work from our team.
If your back-to-school plumbing check turns up any problems in your Orange County, CA home, contact Bill Metzger Plumbing to book plumbing repairs.
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