INSPECT ACCESSIBLE PIPING

• Wherever piping is accessible, it should be examined visually and then be tapped with the grip end of a screwdriver. In the case of metal piping, corrosion occurs from the inside, due to the friction created by the moving water and, in some cases, the mineral content of that water. The sound or “feel” derived from the tapping can indicate if the pipe is about to break. In some cases a pipe may be paper-thin, and the tapping itself can cause it to break.

INSPECT INACCESSIBLE PIPING

• Inaccessible piping can be “observed” by checking for stains or rot. The most obvious place for them to appear is in pipe insulation, on baseboards, or on floors.

CHECK STANDPIPES AND SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

• Depending on the size of the building, its occupancy, location, and other factors, other plumbing systems may need review. Check the sprinkler system extremely closely to see that it is working properly.