A Tsawwassen plumber performing a check on a water heater in Richmond

The Plumbing and Heating Checklist Every New Homeowner Needs to Have

Are you moving into a new home in Burnaby, Richmond, or somewhere else in the Vancouver area? The following plumbing and heating checklist can help you prevent your dream of home ownership from turning into a nightmare. When it comes to your plumbing and heating, an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure. Keep reading for a list of things you should be on the lookout for whether you’re still on the market, or you’ve just moved in.


• Water Pressure

Poor water pressure could indicate a leak or a clog somewhere in the system. Run each tap in the kitchen and all the bathrooms to see if the problem is isolated to a specific area or if it affects the whole house.

• Water Heater
The age and condition of the hot water tank should give you a good idea of when it’ll need to be replaced. Check for signs of rust, cracks, leaks, mineral build-up and poor insulation.

• Poly-B Piping
Polybutylene, Poly-B for short, is inexpensive piping material that’s highly susceptible to leaks. If you’re not sure how to spot Poly-B piping on your own, visit Hillcrest Plumbing & Heating today.

• Shut-off Valves
If you’ve just moved into your home, you’ll need to know the location of your shut off valves in case you ever have a burst pipe or you need to do repairs. Each toilet has its own shut-off valve that you can use in the event of an overflow, as do most sinks.

• Water Main
You’ll also need to locate the shut-off valve for the supply lines. The main water and gas valves are typically in your basement towards the front of your house. If you don’t have a basement, they may be in the garage or next to your water heater.

• Backflow

Another item that should be on your home inspection or maintenance checklist is backflow testing. The backflow valve is what prevents water from backing up inside the sewer line and flooding your house. It’s difficult to check on your own, so this is a job that’s best left to the professionals.

The items on this checklist can assist you in evaluating a home you’re considering purchasing and help you maintain it once you move in. Whether you’re in Langley, Tsawwassen or somewhere else in the area, when you need the help of a friendly and professional plumber, visit Hillcrest Plumbing & Heating. Our team of HVAC specialists and plumbers have proudly served customers from North Vancouver and throughout the Lower Mainland for over 50 years. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment.

0 0