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Christchurch Plumbing Checklist

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Keep Your Home Leak-Free in 2024

Kia ora, Christchurch! As a proud locally owned and operated plumbing business, we know how important it is to keep your home’s plumbing system running smoothly.

Leaks, clogs, and other plumbing woes can be a real headache, not to mention a costly inconvenience. But fear not! By following our simple checklist, you can easily identify and address potential plumbing issues before they become major problems.

For Homeowners:

1. Regular Inspections

Once a month, take a quick tour of your home, checking for any visible signs of leaks, drips, or dampness around pipes, taps and appliances. Pay particular attention to areas like under sinks, behind toilets, and in garages or crawl spaces.

  • Visible Pipes: Take a good look at all exposed pipes, especially under sinks, behind toilets, and around washing machines. Any dampness, discolouration, or beading water is a red flag.
  • Walls and Ceilings: Bulging, peeling paint or discoloured patches could indicate hidden leaks. Don’t forget to check in corners and around fixtures.
  • Water Meter: Monitor your water meter for unusual spikes in usage, even when no extra water is being used. This could point to a hidden leak.

2. Listen Up

Keep an ear out for unusual noises like gurgling, hissing, or banging coming from your pipes. These can be indicators of hidden leaks or blockages.

3. Tap, tap

Test all your indoor and outdoor taps for leaks and drips. Even a small drip can waste a surprising amount of water over time. Tighten any loose handles and replace worn-out washers as needed.

4. Drain Patrol

  • Pour a pot of hot water down your drains every few weeks. This can help loosen and flush away hair, soap scum, and other debris that can cause clogs.
  • Shower drains are notorious for capturing rogue strands. Invest in a drain cover to trap hair before it forms nasty clumps.
  • Don’t let cooking oil solidify in your kitchen sink pipes. Use a grease trap to catch the goo before it clogs the system.
  • For minor clogs, try the natural route. A mixture of baking soda and vinegar can often break down and dissolve blockages.

5. Appliance A-Team

Check your washing machine, dishwasher, and other water-using appliances for leaks or abnormal operation. Regularly clean their filters and hoses to prevent clogs and buildup.

 

 

 

6. Hot Water Hero

If you have a hot water cylinder, check the pressure relief valve and temperature setting regularly. Flush the tank annually to remove sediment buildup that can reduce efficiency and shorten its lifespan. If you are uncertain about how to do this, give us a call.

For Landlords and Property Managers

1. Tenant Check-In

During tenant move-in and move-out inspections, pay close attention to the plumbing system. Make sure all fixtures are functioning properly and there are no leaks or signs of water damage.

2. Maintenance Matters

Schedule regular plumbing maintenance checkups, even if there are no apparent issues. This proactive approach can help prevent small problems from turning into major repairs.

3. Communication is Key

Encourage your tenants to report any plumbing concerns promptly. The sooner you address a problem, the less likely it is to cause serious damage.

Bonus Tip

Keep a plumbing logbook to document any repairs, maintenance activities, and appliance installations. This will be helpful for future reference and can help identify any recurring issues.

Remember: If you suspect a leak or other plumbing problem, don’t hesitate to call a qualified plumber like us at WaterTech Plumbing Services. We’re always happy to help keep your Christchurch home leak-free and running smoothly.

By following these simple tips and using our handy checklist, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your home’s plumbing system is in good shape.

We hope you found this blog post helpful. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always here to help!

 

I have worked with Brad and his team for many years now and they always do a great job, they are very accommodating and will always go the extra mile to get the job done to a high standard. I would highly recommend using them for any plumbing jobs.”

Michael Jennings