DIY Plumbing Inspection: What to Look for in Your Home

Checklist

Save money, catch small problems early, and understand when it’s time to call a pro.

Why do a DIY plumbing check?

A 20–30 minute walk-through a few times per year helps you spot leaks, corrosion, pressure issues, and slow drains before they turn into costly repairs. In Ada and many nearby communities, hard water and occasionally high municipal pressure can accelerate wear on fixtures and appliances—so regular checks pay off.

How often should you inspect?

• Quick check: every 3 months

• Deep check: every 6–12 months (spring/fall are perfect)

• After events: big freezes, power outages, or when you notice a change in water pressure or utility bills

Safety first

• Turn off electricity at the breaker before inspecting around electric water heaters or sump pumps.

• Use gloves and a flashlight.

• If you smell gas near a gas water heater, leave the area and call your utility/emergency line immediately.

The Whole-Home DIY Plumbing Checklist

1) Meter, Main Shutoff & Pressure

• Find your main shutoff valve. Turn it clockwise to test that it moves freely. Stuck? Tag it for a pro to service.

• Watch the water meter. With all fixtures off, the dial shouldn’t move. If it spins, you may have a hidden leak.

• Check water pressure. A simple gauge on an outdoor spigot should read roughly 50–60 psi. Consistently 70+ psi can damage appliances and fixtures—common inside city limits. Consider a Pressure-Reducing Valve (PRV) if you’re running hot on pressure.

  
  

2) Toilets

• Dye test the tank. Add a few drops of food coloring to the tank. Wait 10 minutes (don’t flush). Color in the bowl = a flapper/flush-valve leak.

• Inspect the base. Soft flooring, staining, or a musty smell around the base can indicate a wax ring leak.

• Listen for ghost flushes. Intermittent refilling points to worn tank parts.

  
  

3) Faucets & Sinks

• Look under every sink. Feel supply lines and shutoff valves for moisture. Check the bottom of cabinets for swelling or staining.

• Run hot and cold. Slow hot flow can suggest sediment buildup; pulsing pressure can signal aerator clogs or high pressure.

• Watch the drain. Gurgling or slow drainage hints at partial clogs or venting issues.

  
  

4) Showers & Tubs

• Shower valve & trim. Check for drips when the water is off.

• Grout & caulk. Missing or cracked caulk allows water behind tile—leading to leaks you can’t see.

• Drain speed. Hair and soap can reduce flow; note tubs that take too long to empty.

  
  

5) Water Heater (Tank or Tankless)

• Age & label. Most tank heaters last 8–12 years. Check the serial number for age.

• Look for rust or moisture. Rust on the top or a damp pan indicates trouble.

• Temperature. Set to 120°F for safety and energy savings.

• Hard water signs. Rumbling/popping noises or reduced hot water output can indicate sediment from hard water—common in Ada. Flushing or installing/servicing a water softener can help.

  
  

6) Appliances (Dishwasher, Fridge, Washer)

• Supply lines. Prefer braided stainless lines; replace rubber hoses over 5 years old.

• Check for drips. Look underneath and behind for moisture or crusty mineral deposits.

• Washer drain hose. Ensure it’s secure and not cracked.

  
  

7) Exposed Pipes & Valves

• Basements, crawlspaces, garages. Scan for green/white crust on copper/valves (corrosion), damp insulation, or drip marks.

• Winterization. Insulate pipes in unconditioned areas; cover outdoor hose bibs before freezes.

  
  

8) Drains & Venting

• Household “symptoms.” Frequent clogs in multiple fixtures, sewer smells, or gurgling can indicate a main-line or vent issue.

• Cleanouts. Know where they are. If you experience repeated slowdowns, a professional hydro jetting may clear stubborn buildup.

  
  

9) Outdoors

• Hose bibs. Check for drips; verify vacuum breakers are intact.

• Irrigation backflow. Inspect for leaks and ensure seasonal testing where required.

• Surface signs. Soggy patches in the yard when it’s been dry can signal an underground leak.

Hard Water & High Pressure: Why They Matter in Ada

• Hard water leaves scale on fixtures, clogs aerators, reduces water heater efficiency, and shortens appliance life.

• High pressure stresses supply lines, valves, and toilet fill valves, causing leaks and premature failures.

  
  

  Solutions: whole-home water softener and a PRV set to ~55 psi. Diamond Plumbing installs and services both.

  
  

When to call a professional

• Water pressure consistently above 70 psi

• Repeatedly slow or gurgling drains (especially across multiple fixtures)

• Hidden leaks you can’t locate (meter spins while fixtures are off)

• Rusty or noisy water heater, or a unit 10+ years old

• Sewer odors, slab leak indicators (warm spots on floors, sudden high water bills), or ceiling stains

Quick Fixes You Can Do Today

• Clean faucet aerators and showerheads (vinegar soak to remove scale).

• Replace old supply lines with braided stainless.

• Re-caulk tubs and showers where gaps appear.

• Test and label every shutoff valve so you’re ready in an emergency.

Printable Mini-Checklist

• ☐ Main shutoff located and turns freely

• ☐ Meter steady with fixtures off

• ☐ Water pressure 50–60 psi

• ☐ No moisture under sinks or around toilets

• ☐ Drains run freely, no gurgling

• ☐ Water heater: no rust/leaks; set to 120°F

• ☐ Supply lines: braided stainless, no cracks

• ☐ Outdoor faucets/backflow: no leaks

• ☐ Caulk/grout intact around wet areas

Need help or want a professional inspection?

Diamond Plumbing’s licensed technicians can perform a full home plumbing inspection, install pressure-reducing valves, and set up water softener solutions tailored to Ada’s hard water.

Call: 580.332.7668

Email: contact@diamondplumbingok.com

Online request: diamondplumbingok.com