The last chance to catch problems easily
Most issues with new plumbing show up in the first hours of use: a slow drip at a new valve, a shower that runs lukewarm, a toilet that will not refill properly. Catching them while the crew is still on site is far easier than calling them back later.
Do the walkthrough with the crew lead, not after they leave. Run water at each fixture long enough to clear air and debris from the new lines, and have them show you the work you cannot see easily, such as the attic routing.
Fixture test grid
| Fixture | Hot OK | Cold OK | Valve OK | No drips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen sink | ||||
| Dishwasher | ||||
| Each bathroom sink | ||||
| Each toilet | n/a | |||
| Each shower and tub | ||||
| Washer hookups | ||||
| Outside hose bibs | n/a | |||
| Refrigerator line | n/a |
Order of the walkthrough
- Main and water heater.See the new main shutoff, the heater connections and the seismic straps.
- Every fixture.Run hot and cold, close and reopen each shutoff, look under each sink.
- Aerators.Unscrew and rinse them; new lines can shed debris at first.
- Attic.Look at or photograph supports and insulation along the new lines.
- Walls.Check patches against what the contract says about finish.
- Paperwork.Collect the final invoice, permit sign-off and any written warranty.
Paperwork to keep
- Final invoice matching the contract scope.
- Permit number and final inspection record.
- Written warranty terms, if offered.
- A note or sketch of where the new lines run.
- Photos of the open walls before patching, if you took them.
Ask before final payment
- Has the final inspection passed?
- Was the system flushed after connection?
- Is all old pipe disconnected and capped?
- Who do I contact if a leak appears later?
Common questions
Why does water spit or look cloudy at first?
Air in new lines causes spitting and cloudiness that usually clears after running. Persistent problems should be reported.
Should I withhold payment until the inspection passes?
Tie the final payment to completion as written in your contract, which ideally includes the final inspection.
Do I need to update my shutoff map?
Yes. Valve locations often change during a repipe.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.