Key takeaways
- Find every cleanout and floor drain
- Run water through every fixture and listen
- Ask the seller for any drain history
- Set up a maintenance calendar in month one
Find the access points
Walk the property and look for cleanouts, capped pipes in the yard, the basement or the garage, and for floor drains in the basement, laundry room and garage. Take photos and write down where each one is.
These are what a professional will need at every visit.
Run the tests
Run every sink, tub, shower and washing machine, flush every toilet and watch how the water leaves. Note any slow drain, gurgle or smell. Run the dishwasher and the disposal.
Anything you notice in the first week is a good thing to tell the person who cleans the drains.
Gather the history
Ask the seller or the agent what they know: when the drains were last cleaned, whether there have been backups and whether anything has been repaired. Look at the inspection report for notes on plumbing.
If there is no history, treat that as information too, and plan a baseline cleaning.
Start the calendar
Book a baseline visit, then put the next visits on your calendar. A new owner who does this in the first month usually never has to think about it again. Our Plan Builder and Calendar Maker help.
Keep all the notes in one folder.
Quick answers
Should I get a camera inspection?
It is a good idea for older homes or homes with big trees. Ask us about a check-up.
Who is responsible for the sewer line?
In general the owner is responsible for the private lateral. Check with your utility for where responsibility changes.
Ready to put this on a schedule?
Call (615) 952-0844 or send the form below, and we will suggest a plan for your property.
