Essential Plumbing Inspection Checklist for Homeowners and Property Managers

Most plumbing disasters start small: a slow drip under a sink, a toilet that runs now and then, a water heater with a little rust at the base. A regular plumbing inspection checklist helps you catch those early. This one is built for Central Florida properties and includes extra items for property managers who oversee rentals or multiple units. Print it, keep it with your home records and check items off as you go.

Monthly Walkthrough (15 Minutes)

Kitchen

• [ ] Look under the sink with a flashlight for drips, stains or swollen cabinet floor
• [ ] Run the faucet and check that the sprayer and handle don’t leak
• [ ] Check the dishwasher toe-kick area for moisture
• [ ] Run the garbage disposal and listen for grinding or humming

Bathrooms

• [ ] Look for drips at faucets and showerheads
• [ ] Check that toilets don’t run or refill on their own
• [ ] Rock each toilet gently. It shouldn’t move.
• [ ] Look for cracked grout or caulk around tubs and showers
• [ ] Note any slow drains

Laundry and Garage

• [ ] Inspect washing machine hoses for bulges or cracks
• [ ] Look for moisture or rust around the water heater
• [ ] Check water softener and filter connections for leaks
• [ ] Make sure the main shutoff is visible and unobstructed

Whole House

• [ ] Glance at ceilings below bathrooms for stains
• [ ] Notice any musty smells
• [ ] Compare the water bill with the same month last year

Seasonal Checks (Every Few Months)

• [ ] Toilet dye test. Add food coloring to each tank, wait 20 minutes and check the bowls.
• [ ] Water meter test. With all water off, watch the leak indicator for a few minutes.
• [ ] Water heater. Check the relief valve discharge pipe for drips, and plan an annual flush to clear sediment.
• [ ] Water pressure. A simple gauge on a hose bib shows whether pressure is too high.
• [ ] Shutoff valves. Turn fixture valves off and on so they don’t seize.
• [ ] Outdoor spigots. Look for drips and leaks at the wall.
• [ ] Irrigation. Run each zone and look for broken heads and soggy spots.
• [ ] Clean aerators and showerheads. Hard water scale builds up quickly in Central Florida.

Before and After Storm Season

• [ ] Confirm everyone in the household knows where the main shutoff is
• [ ] Clear yard drains and make sure downspouts direct water away from the house
• [ ] Test the sump pump if you have one
• [ ] After heavy rain, watch for slow drains or sewer odors that could signal a drain line problem

Extra Items for Property Managers

Managing rentals adds responsibilities. Build these into your routine.

At every unit turnover

• [ ] Run every fixture for at least a minute and check drains
• [ ] Inspect under every sink and around every toilet
• [ ] Test toilets with dye
• [ ] Check water heater age, condition and relief valve discharge line
• [ ] Verify fixture shutoffs and the unit’s main shutoff work
• [ ] Photograph conditions for your records

Ongoing

• [ ] Give tenants a simple way to report leaks and encourage early reporting
• [ ] Track water heater ages across units to plan replacements
• [ ] Keep a log of plumbing calls by unit to spot recurring problems
• [ ] Schedule backflow tests where your water utility requires them
• [ ] Have a licensed plumber’s 24/7 number on file for after-hours emergencies

When to Call a Professional

Stop checking and call if you find:

• A leak you can’t stop at a fixture valve
• A meter that moves with everything off
• Discolored or rusty water
• Several slow drains or gurgling toilets
• Sewer odors indoors or in the yard
• Rust, leaks or a constantly dripping relief valve on the water heater
• Warm spots on slab floors

A professional inspection uses leak detection tools and camera equipment that go beyond what a walkthrough can find. Our article on finding plumbing inspection services explains what to look for in a provider, and if you’re interested in scheduled visits, read about the benefits of plumbing maintenance plans.

Professional Inspections From K&K Plumbing

K&K Plumbing inspects and services homes, rentals and commercial properties across eight Central Florida counties. Whether it’s residential plumbing service for a single home or commercial plumbing for a multi-unit building, we’ll explain what we find and price any repairs upfront. If your checklist turns up a leak, our water leak repair team can track it down.

Found something on the checklist that doesn’t look right? Call or text 352-810-9472 and we’ll take a look.