Plumbing Systems: How to Inspect, Test, Diagnose & Repair Plumbing, Water Pumps, Water Treatment Equipment, Wells, Septic Systems InspectAPedia® -
Hot water: how to get more hot water flow, quantity, performance from your water heater
Oil tanks, how to find, inspect, test, remove above ground or buried oil tanks. Oil tank piping advice.
Septic systems: how to inspect, test, repair, install, maintain septic tanks, septic fields, alternative designs.
Tank Types Encyclopedia an encyclopedia of tanks in buildings, water tanks, oil tanks, gas tanks, expansion tanks, cisterns, antique, modern
Water wells, water pumps, water tanks, water piping, supply: how to inspect, test, repair
Questions & answers about plumbing system inspection, diagnosis, testing, & repairs
These plumbing repair articles answer nearly all questions about diagnosing and repairing building plumbing systems, including water supply and drain piping, vent piping, gas and oil piping in buildings, plumbing fixtures, water heaters, water pumps, water pressure, water softeners, water testing, water treatment equipment, water wells, and septic systems. We also explain oil tanks, water tanks as well as other building plumbing system inspection or defect topics.
InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers nor with topics or services discussed at this website.
Plumbing System Diagnosis and Repair Guides: List of Plumbing Articles
This InspectAPedia section contains links to in-depth articles on inspecting, testing, and repairing problems with
above ground and buried oil tanks, septic system design, inspection, testing, water supply and drain waste vent piping, wells, water supply pumps, water tanks,
water testing and water treatment.
New York State License # 16000005303 (inception to 2008) See our complete list of plumbing diagnosis and repair articles at page left.
Below we describe the contents of key plumbing system articles, organized by major topics:
Tank Types Encyclopedia an encyclopedia of tanks in buildings, water tanks, fuel tanks, gas tanks, heating system expansion tanks, oil tanks, water cisterns, water pressure tanks, pressure booster tanks, antique, modern
We discuss gas piping installation details, inspection for hazards, and basic repairs at GAS PIPING, VALVES, CONTROLS.
Hot Water Systems: Water Heaters
See WATER HEATERS where we address just about any question you may have about residential or light commercial hot water supply systems, including identifying types of water heaters, inspecting water heaters, diagnosing hot water supply problems, installing and repairing water heaters, water heater maintenance. Also see ALTERNATIVE HOT WATER SOURCES and SOLAR HOT WATER HEATERS
SUPPLY PIPING - Water Supply Piping Defects and Plastic or polybutylene water supply piping failures, leaks, and litigation\
Backflow Preventers, Check Valves, Flow Control Valves, Foot Valves
SEWAGE PUMPS - check valves in sewage ejector pumps
CHINESE DRYWALL HAZARDS discusses Chinese drywall odors, sulphur smells, and corrosive outgassing hazards in buildings. Major costs to remove this product, repair or replace electrical wiring, plumbing, and HVAC components may be involved, and there may be immediate safety hazards due to damaged smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors in buildings where Chinese drywall outgassing has caused damage.
Plastic Water Supply & Drain Piping Failures, Leaks, Repairs, Lawsuits: Water Supply Piping Defects and Plastic or polybutylene water supply piping failures, leaks, and litigation.
PB (polybutylene with mechanical fittings) Piping leaks: especially in mobile homes and in the U.S. South, for example trailers and double-wides throughout Florida that were piped with this material - per M Cramer. See "Polybutylene Piping: Time Bomb?" Daniel Friedman, Journal of Light Construction, August 1996 [Technical Q&A].
Plastic Supply and Drain Piping Failures: see PLASTIC PIPING - Leaks, Repairs, Lawsuits: Water Supply Piping Defects and Plastic or polybutylene water supply piping failures, leaks, and litigation.
Our main article on plastic supply and drain piping leaks, failures, litigation, repairs, at PLASTIC PIPING.
Tank Types Encyclopedia an encyclopedia of tanks in buildings, water tanks, fuel tanks, gas tanks, heating system expansion tanks, oil tanks, water cisterns, water pressure tanks, pressure booster tanks, antique, modern
Septic Tanks: Onsite Waste Disposal - Septic Systems Inspection & Testing, Problem Diagnosis & Repair Procedures
The Septic System Information Website - Extensive, Detailed Consumer and Industry Information on Septic System Inspection, Testing, Maintenance, Alternatives for on-site waste disposal
Additives & Chemicals products for septic system maintenance. Are septic products needed? Are septic treatments legal?
Alternative Designs for septic systems with problem sites, poor soil percolation, limited space: aerobic, dosing, evaporation, gravelless, greywater, lagoon, media filter, septic filters, mounds, raised beds, waterless toilets
Backups and Clogged Drains diagnosing septic backups and septic system failures versus clogged drains - key step in septic repair
Backup Prevention: extra steps to avoid a septic backup such as during a party or when you anticipate heavy use of the septic system
Backup Repair: what to do when the toilets or drains are backing up
Basic Designs for septic systems, tank size, field size, design notes
Buy Septic Books Online at Amazon.com - books for septic system design. septic system education materials
Buyer's Guide Home Buyer's Guide to Septic Systems inspection & testing - what to do, step by step to inspect and test a septic system when buying a home
Biomat Formation in the Septic System Drainfield Absorption System - what leads to drain field clogging and expensive drainfield repairsCesspools home buyer's or Owner's cesspool maintenance advice
Cesspool Safety warnings about cesspool, drywell, seepage pit collapse dangers
Contaminants in Sewage which may be released from sewage spills from residential septic systems and wastewater disposal systems
Drain Clogs, Slow Drainage: how to diagnose & repair slow or clogged drains; find out if the problem is in a drain or in the septic system, a key step in septic repair
Drain Noises: may indicate defective or clogged plumbing: how to diagnose and cure drain sounds
Drain Line Replacement diagnosing a clogged drain leads to drain line replacement - step by step photo-illustrated guide to drain replacement
Drainfield Layout: septic drainfield or leaching bed shape and placement considerations
Planting Over Septic Systems: trees, shrubs, gardens, groundcover over or near the septic system: what can you plant over or near septic system components without causing a problem?
Septic Tank Inspection Procedure - how to inspect septic tanks and evaluate the septic tank condition, baffles, sludge levels, damage, evidence of septic failure, etc
.Septic Tank Location - How to Find the Septic Tank, how deep will the cover be, how to document its location
Septic Tank Pumping Reasons why relying on the septic tank pumping schedule table or advice from pumping contractors isn't enoughSeptic Tank Pumping Procedure step by step photo guideline of how to pump and clean a septic tank - septic tank care
Septic Tank Size: septic tank size and capacity vs. usage determine the required septic tank size, calculate size of an existing septic tank
Sewage Odors in Wet or Cold Weather - Septic Odors or Sewage Odor Diagnosis & Repair Guide for diagnosing and eliminating cold weather sewer gas odors
Sewage Levels in Septic Tanks - what are normal and abnormal sewage levels in septic tanks and what do they mean about tank condition, leaks, etc.
Sewer Gas Odors diagnosing, finding, and curing septic tank and sewer line smells
Sewer Gas - Methane and other septic system gas explosion or asphyxiation hazards such as hydrogen sulfide
Sewer Line Replacement diagnosing a clogged drain leads to drain line replacement - step by step photo-illustrated guide to drain replacement
TOILET REPAIR GUIDE how to diagnose and repair problems with toilets, leaks, flushes, odors, noises, running and wasted waterWhat is a Septic System? An Engineer's View & Septic System FAQ's
When Not to Pump a Septic Tank to avoid damage, unsafe conditions, or wasting money. Don't pump the tank right before a septic test
Water Supply Piping, & Drain Piping, Water Supply Equipment, other Building Pipes and Plumbing
The following basic water supply information is adapted with permission from Carson Dunlop AssociatesHome Reference Book.
The Home Reference Book - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 2010, $69.00 U.S., is available from Carson Dunlop, and from the InspectAPedia bookstore. The 2010 edition of the Home Reference Book is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. InspectAPedia.com ® author/editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume.
Public Water Supply Piping Properties, Pressure & Flow Problems
If your water supply is from a municipal supply and there are pressure or flow problems, see MUNICIPAL WATER PRESSURE DIAGNOSIS. Excerpts are below.
Typically, the water mains in
residential areas are four inches
to 12 inches in diameter, and run
several feet below the street
level. Smaller pipes, usually 1/2
inch or 3/4 inch diameter, run
from city mains into buildings.
The water is normally supplied
at a pressure of 40 to 70 psi
(pounds per square inch).
Typical Water Service Piping from Public Water Main to Building Interior
The 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch diameter
service piping carries the water
from the street mains to the
house. Some early service pipes were 3/8 inch diameter. Most or all of this cannot be seen.
Lead Water Service Piping
Lead piping was used between the street main and the house up until the 1950s. A good deal
of lead supply line is still in use, and the health authorities indicate that as long as it is used
regularly, there is no difficulty with it. If the water has not been run for some time, many
recommend that the water be flowed for several minutes before using it. The life expectancy
of lead piping is indefinite. See
Other water piping materials: Copper, Galvanized Steel, Plastic
Copper piping has been used extensively since the early 1950s for supply lines from the city main to the house. From 1950 to 1970, 1/2-inch diameter piping was used commonly. After 1970, 3/4-inch diameter copper service piping has been common. The life expectancy of
copper piping is dependent on water conditions. In many areas, its life expectancy is indefinite. In harsh water or soil conditions, it may fail within 20 years.
Galvanized steel is not commonly used as a service pipe, although galvanized steel fittings may be found at the point of entry into the house. Where galvanized service piping is used, it is typically at least 1 1/4-inch diameter. The word galvanized means zinc-coated. The coating helps prevent the steel from rusting.
Plastic water service piping may be polybutylene (PB), polyethylene (PE), cross-linked
polyethylene (PEX), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC). Most plastic piping is buried at least 18 inches deep. Exposed piping may be subject to mechanical damage and deterioration from sunlight.
Since the supply line from the street cannot be seen, no comment is offered during a home inspection. If there is a leak, it may go undetected for some time. In some cases, water can be heard running outside the basement wall. Water accumulating in the basement or a wet spot on the lawn is often the first indication. Leaks may be caused by building settlement, excavation, poor connections, faulty valves or a flaw in the pipe itself.
The underground water service line from the property line to the house is owned by the
homeowner. Beyond the property line, the pipe is the responsibility of the city. A leak in
the pipe requires excavation, and it is often difficult to know whether the leak is on the city’s or the homeowner’s side. The city is usually contacted and they excavate their section of the pipe, correcting the problem if they discover it. If no problem is found, the homeowner is left to correct the problem on his or her own. In some cases, the homeowner must pay for the city’s work if the city pipe is not at fault. Some municipalities use sophisticated leak detection equipment.
Low Water Pressure Due to Clogged Service Piping
Poor water pressure in the house may be the result of a partially closed or obstructed valve in the street. It may also be because of blockage, such as a stone or other foreign body in
the pipe.
New piping may be crimped during installation or become pinched under a rock during back-filling operations. This can also cause low water pressure.
City water mains may be undersized or deteriorated in older neighborhoods. Some cities have
poor pumping and/or distribution systems. In these cases, low water pressure problems are
usually experienced at every home in the neighborhood. The solution is to petition the city to
improve its system.
Water Service Piping Too-Small in Diameter
In most new housing, the supply
pipe from the street to the
house is 3/4-inch diameter. In
older houses, the piping was as
small as 3/8-inch. Modern life
styles and additional plumbing
fixtures usually require a larger
line, capable of providing more
pressure and volume. Replacing
this pipe is an expensive and
disruptive job. It is often deferred
as long as possible.
Shared Public Supply Service Piping May Cause Poor Pressure or Flow
In some older semi-detached
(attached) and row houses, a
single supply line would run under a front lawn, and then split to feed two houses. This often
yields unsatisfactory water pressure for both houses and is often replaced with two larger,
separate lines.
Pressure Regulator Needed on Public Water Supply Piping
Where municipal water pressure is above 80 psi, [perhaps even above 70 psi] a regulator
Needed should be provided to reduce
the in-house pressure to prevent
leaks at fixtures, stress on appliance
hoses and possible broken
pipe joints.
Freeze-Up Problems with Municipal Water Supply Piping
It is unusual, although not impossible, for the service pipe to be too close to the surface, and to freeze during very cold weather. Many service pipes extend above grade just before they enter the house.
Lead Municipal Water Mains or Water Service Piping
Up until World War II, most of the service pipes in built-up areas were lead. While these generally provide good service, they are small in diameter and may have to be replaced. Also, lead is relatively soft, and if building settlement occurs, there is a chance of leakage or crimping the pipe. Leaks can also occur at connections as a result of long-term deterioration.
Lead Water Service Piping Connected to Steel Pipe Nipple: Leak Risk
Many of the old lead service lines were connected to a galvanized nipple – a short piece of steel
pipe that was often in contact with the soil. This pipe rusts on the outside and inside, and may be close to the end of its life. It is often wise to replace this as a precautionary measure. Galvanized steel service pipes typically last roughly 40 years.
MUNICIPAL WATER PRESSURE DIAGNOSIS - how to improve water pressure and flow in a building with poor or intermittent municipal water supply
WELL WATER PRESSURE DIAGNOSIS - how to improve water pressure and flow in a building served by a private well and pump
CHINESE DRYWALL HAZARDS discusses Chinese drywall odors, sulphur smells, and corrosive outgassing hazards in buildings. Major costs to remove this product, repair or replace electrical wiring, plumbing, and HVAC components may be involved, and there may be immediate safety hazards due to damaged smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors in buildings where Chinese drywall outgassing has caused damage.
CISTERNS - for water storage outside or inside of buildings; rainwater storage; water tank types.
Clearances Required for Wells Distance Between Well & Septic System and other water pollution sources, Online Table of Well Distances
FREEZE-PROOF PIPES: how to winterize or freeze-proof plumbing in a building, how to avoid freezing pipes, how to thaw frozen pipes: how to winterize a building against freezing and frost damage.
Plastic Water Supply & Drain Piping Failures, Leaks, Repairs, Lawsuits: Water Supply Piping Defects and Plastic or polybutylene water supply piping failures, leaks, and litigation.
To diagnose particulate debris in the building water supply, faucet strainers, etc. that comes from the hot water tank, and how to fix that problem, see WATER HEATER DEBRIS FLUSH
WATER TANK REPAIRS - how to diagnose problems with water tanks, such as the need for air, how to add air, stop water pump short cycling to avoid damage - water storage water pressure tank safety.
WATER TANK SAFETY - water tank safety and water tank plastics and contaminants health warnings
Water Testing for contaminants in drinking water - what test are available, what tests to ask for, what they cost, how people cheat on water tests
WINTERIZE A BUILDING: how to freeze-proof plumbing in a building, how to avoid freezing pipes, how to thaw frozen pipes: how to winterize a building against freezing and frost damage.
Plumbing Links our big list of links to plastic piping and other plumbing defects
Questions & Answers regarding this article
Questions & answers about plumbing system inspection, diagnosis, testing, & repairs
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Thanks to Scott C. LeMarr, for sharing his file of keys to decode Furnace and Water Heater Age from the data provided on the manufacturer's equipment labels. Mr. LeMarr is
a professional home inspector, Certified Professional Inspector/President,
MASTER Indoor Environmental Specialist (MIES).
Vice President of Wisconsin NACHI. He and his company, Honest Home Inspections, LLC. can be reached at
262-424-5587 or by email to scott@honesthomeinspections.com
Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair
Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.
The Home Reference Book - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 2010, $69.00 U.S., is available from Carson Dunlop. The Home Reference Book is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. InspectAPedia.com ® author/editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume.
"Water Saving Tips: For Residential Water Use, Indoors and Out", Alliance for Water Efficiency, 300 W Adams Street, Suite 601 Chicago, Illinois 60606, Tel: 773-360-5100, 866-730-A4WE, Email: jeffrey@a4we.org, web search 12/14/11, original source: plumbingefficiencyresearchcoalition.org/
"Danger in the Shower: 2008 Forum Looks at Hot Water", John Koeller, Home Energy, Jan/Feb 2009,
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