Home Inspection: General Plumbing
General Plumbing
Test Yearly: Public water provided in many urban areas has been found to be contaminated. Water from a few large cities (especiallyNew York andLos Angeles) is likely to be safe, but smaller water companies are likely to produce contaminated water (the federal government’s General Accounting Office has found that most community water companies fail to follow the government testing guidelines). The chlorine most communities introduce into the water to kill bacteria may produce cancer-causing agents when it interacts with organic debris (such as rotted leaves) in the water. Private wells may draw water that fell as rain or snow hundreds of miles away, and is especially likely to be contaminated by intervening farms and factories.
Therefore, it is recommended that all water supplies be tested at least once a year. If you are using public water, ask for their latest water quality report and compare it with EPA regulations (available by calling 800-426-4791). It is important that household water be tested to be sure that lead, excess copper or other contaminants are not being introduced into pure public water. It is especially important that water from water treatment devices found on the property be tested, for often these are major sources of contamination as they age. A mail order testing agency that rated well in numerous tests by Consumers Union is the WATERTEST Corp. 800-426-8378(800-H20-TEST); local water tests often do more than check for coliform bacteria; but call your local health dept. to see if they provide inexpensive testing.
Chemical Drain Cleaners: As a rule, it is best to avoid chemical drain cleaners for drains. According to many articles in Consumer Reports, they rarely clean drains, and these caustic or acidic chemicals may endanger the person who has to repair clogged drains. Some pipes and gelcoat (common in plastic tub/showers) can be damaged by them. Some specialists do recommend their use to keep drains open, but pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain each month probably works as well. However, new enzyme cleaners appear to be both safe and effective.
Leaks: Leaks should be fixed immediately, for even a small leak can promote unsanitary conditions and may damage the structure. A leak in the basement or worse yet, crawl space, may cause much damage before being detected. A warning device that will sound an alarm, when major leaks wet the nearby area is available for about $40.
DWV Lines: Building drains that exit through a basement sidewall are more vulnerable to damage by settling backfill than those that exit through the floor. Tree roots are an enemy of septic lines. Avoid planting trees and bushes near the drain field of a septic system. Never pour grease down the drain. The grease can not only damage pipes, but can destroy the bacteria eating enzymes in the septic tank which help break down solid waste in the tank.
Main Cutoff: The location of the main cutoff valve should be known by every family member so they can cut off the water in case of a catastrophic leak. Wise homeowners hang red tags on the main cutoff valve to help family members find it during an emergency. Homeowners must be able to turn the valve’s handle. Attempts to open a “frozen” valve with a wrench can result in a broken stem. Such valves are not likely to be opened by even the strongest of family members. Prevent this problem by turning the valve a few turns at least once a year to keep it limber. If the valve is totally frozen, you can probably free it by loosening the flange nut slightly, and then trying the handle again. Don’t turn the nut too much unless you want to turn the room into an indoor swimming pool. If you doubt your plumbing expertise, call a plumber to free the valve.