The Liverpool Homeowner's Annual Plumbing Checklist (Used by S2F Plumbers)
By Start 2 Finish Plumbing | Reviewed by Licensed Plumber, Licence No. 383982C | May 10, 2026
This is the actual checklist our plumbers work through when conducting annual plumbing inspections in Liverpool area homes. We have divided it into DIY-safe items you can check yourself, and items that require a licensed plumber. For each item, we have included the verdict: what it means if something is wrong, and what to do about it.
The most expensive plumbing problems in Liverpool homes are not the dramatic ones — burst pipes and flooding are obvious. The most expensive ones are the slow, undetected issues that run for months before anyone notices: a gradual hot water leak that corrodes the surrounding structure, a tree root that takes three years to fully close a clay sewer line, a gas valve that has been slowly degrading. An annual check takes 30–45 minutes and costs nothing. Here is exactly what to look for.
"In our experience conducting plumbing inspections across Liverpool area homes over 20 years, the most commonly missed issues are: deteriorating hot water system anodes (found in approximately 60% of systems over 8 years old that have not been serviced), slow drips at outdoor tap connections, and pressure relief valves that have not been tested in over 12 months. None of these are visible from normal daily use — all of them become expensive if left unchecked."
— Licensed Plumber, Start 2 Finish Plumbing, Licence 383982C
Hot Water System Checks (Every 12 Months)
Check for water pooling around the base of the unit
Verdict: If present — Call a plumber. Base leaks indicate tank failure and the unit needs replacement.
Listen for unusual sounds when the unit is heating (rumbling, banging)
Verdict: Minor noise — DIY: flush the tank to remove sediment (check your manual). Loud or persistent — Call a plumber.
Check the pressure relief valve (the lever on the side of the unit) — lift it briefly and release. It should allow a small amount of water to escape, then reseal.
Verdict: If it does not reseal or leaks continuously — Call a plumber. A faulty PRV is both a safety risk and a source of ongoing water loss.
Check the cold water inlet and hot water outlet connections for drips or corrosion
Verdict: Visible drip or white mineral deposits — Call a plumber.
Note the age of the system (check the label on the unit)
Verdict: Over 10 years old — book a professional service. Over 12 years old — begin budgeting for replacement.
Book a hot water system inspection in Liverpool →
Drain and Sewer Checks for Liverpool Homes
Run water in every drain in the house — kitchen, bathrooms, laundry, outdoor. Note if any drain is slow.
Verdict: Slow drain — DIY: check for hair or debris at the drain opening. Still slow after clearing — Call a plumber for a professional blocked drain assessment.
Flush every toilet and observe — does it drain fully? Any gurgling from other drains while flushing?
Verdict: Partial flush or gurgling in nearby drains — Call a plumber. This can indicate a partial sewer blockage.
Check outdoor drains and stormwater grates — clear of debris?
Verdict: DIY: clear debris from grates. If drain is slow even when clear — Call a plumber.
Note the age and material of your visible sewer pipes (if accessible in the roof or under the house)
Verdict: Original clay pipes in a home built before 1980 — consider a CCTV inspection every 3–5 years. Root intrusion is common in Liverpool area clay sewer systems.
Water Pressure and Tap Checks
Test water pressure at the kitchen tap — does it seem lower than usual?
Verdict: Noticeably low pressure — Call a plumber. Could indicate a supply line issue, pressure regulator fault, or concealed leak.
Check every tap and mixer for drips when fully closed
Verdict: Any drip — Call a plumber or DIY if you are confident replacing tap washers. A single dripping tap wastes up to 20,000 litres per year.
Check under kitchen and bathroom sinks for any moisture, staining or soft cabinet base
Verdict: Moisture or staining — Call a plumber. Under-sink leaks are often slow and cause significant cabinet damage before being noticed.
Check outdoor garden taps and hose connections for leaks at the connection point
Verdict: DIY: replace washer or hose fitting. Persistent leak from the tap body — Call a plumber.
Gas Appliance Safety Checks
Gas checks should always involve your nose as much as your eyes. If you smell gas at any point during these checks, stop and follow the gas leak procedure immediately — leave the property and call Jemena Gas Networks on 1800 427 532.
Check all gas appliances for consistent ignition — does each burner light first try?
Verdict: Delayed or inconsistent ignition — Call a licensed gas fitter.
Visually inspect flexible gas connectors behind appliances (where accessible) for cracks, kinks or deterioration
Verdict: Any visible damage — Call a licensed gas fitter immediately. Do not use the appliance.
Check your gas hot water system or gas heater for soot marks around the unit
Verdict: Soot marks indicate incomplete combustion — Call a licensed gas fitter.
Book a licensed gas appliance inspection in Liverpool →
When to Book a Professional Plumbing Inspection in Liverpool
While this DIY checklist is a great start, some situations demand a professional eye:
- Annual inspection is recommended for all homes over 10 years old
- Before buying a property: always commission a plumbing inspection — it identifies issues that building inspections miss
- After any significant tree work near sewer lines — root damage often occurs during removal as roots shrink and shift
- After any period of high water bills that cannot be explained
- After any period where the property has been vacant
- Our annual plumbing inspections cover all the items in this checklist plus a full visual inspection of all accessible pipework, drain testing, and a written report
Book an annual plumbing inspection across Liverpool and surrounding area →
Book Your Annual Plumbing Inspection in Liverpool
Start 2 Finish Plumbing conducts annual plumbing inspections across Liverpool, Warwick Farm, Casula, Prestons, Moorebank, Hammondville and surrounding area. We work through a thorough inspection, provide a written report, and give you fixed-price quotes for any items that need attention. No call-out fee — we charge $0 to attend.
Written by the team at Start 2 Finish Plumbing
This checklist was developed by the team at Start 2 Finish Plumbing with input from our licensed plumbers — NSW Plumbing Licence No. 383982C. We conduct plumbing inspections across Liverpool and surrounding area based on 20+ years of experience.
Content reviewed by Licensed Plumber, Licence 383982C, Start 2 Finish Plumbing.