MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST
Satisfactory ○ Unsatisfactory
Electrical System
○220 volt service is needed for electrical clothes dryers, electric ranges and ovens,
and electric water heaters.
○Modern electric codes require electrical outlets not more than 12 feet apart within
each room.
○Check for damaged and malfunctioning receptacles.
○Ascertain that all electric switches operate and are free of damage.
○Extension cords underneath carpets or rugs and cords stapled along baseboards or
anywhere else that is hazardous and illegal. They should be removed.
Water Supply System
○Check water pressure by turning on water in bathtub and lavatory while flushing
toilet. If water supply diminishes to a trickle, the source of the trouble could be either insufficient pressure in the main water supply to the property or clogged water pipes inside the house. Call the water department to determine if pressure in the water main is normal (between 50 and 70 pounds). If the pressure is normal, the odds are that the pipe system in the house – and/or the supply line from the water meter to the house – is in need of replacement. Galvanized pipe, often found in older homes, is susceptible to corrosion by certain minerals found in water and should be replaced by a copper pipe or PVC system. Check your local codes for this project, but it could be an expensive project.
○Stains in tubs, lavatories, and sinks are indication of rust inside the pipes or high
iron content in the water. Probe further by filling the tub, to see how rusty the water is. If discoloration is excessive, have a plumber check the pipe system for corrosion. Rust in the hot water line may indicate trouble in the water heater. Light discoloration may be cleared by installing purifying filters at the faucets.
○Open and close each faucet a few times to check for drips and leaks. These leaks
can be easily corrected by replacing washers.
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○Check for leaking flush valves in toilets by adding blue food coloring into the
toilet tank without flushing. If water in bowl turns blue, the flush valve leaks. Repair or replacement is inexpensive.
○There should be enough water hose connections around the outside of the house to
reach all garden areas with a 75 foot hose.
○Before turning on the lawn sprinkler system, walk around the lawn to check for
water running from or standing around any of the sprinkler heads, especially the one at the lowest level. This would indicate a faulty or leaky sprinkler valve.
○Turn on lawn sprinklers to check for sufficient water coverage and for any broken
or clogged sprinkler heads.
○In case the water source is a private well, taste the water for palatability and have
the nearest water district check water samples for safety.
○Rusty color in well water is often a sign of high iron content, which can be cleared
by installing filters at the faucets.
○Ask permission to inspect water bills covering the last twelve months. Sudden excessive water consumption could indicate a leak in the system.
○If there is a high pitched whistling sound when the toilet is flushed, a plumber can
easily repair this problem by simple adjustment of the toilet valve.
○If there is a sucking sound when water runs out of a fixture, it is caused by
improper venting. A plumber may be able to eliminate this noise by unclogging the vent system; otherwise, a major change in the vent system may be involved.
○If there is a hammering noise in the water pipes when the water is turned off, this
can be caused by a sharp build-up of water pressure in the pipes and may result in broken or leaking pipes.
○When water is running and the sound can be heard throughout the building, it can
usually be traced to one of three causes:
1.Excessive water pressure, which can be corrected by installing a pressure regulator
2.Faulty faucet washers
3.Improperly isolated pipes, which may be remedied by installing felt spacers between pipes and structure.
○If there are clicking sounds, this is usually caused by faulty water meters, which is
the responsibility of the water department.
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Water Heater
○Look for signs of leaks, including rust and water spots at and around the base of
the water heater. Leaks sometimes seal themselves with mineral deposits from the water and can begin to leak again at any time.
○To test for excessive mineral deposits, close cold water inlet valve, generally at the
top of the water heater. Then open any nearby hot water faucet. A crackling, popping, and sometimes rumbling noise from the water heater is an indication of excessive mineral deposits, a sign that the water heater will soon need to be replaced.
○Make sure the water heater is equipped with a temperature pressure relief valve.
The relief valve is usually located on top of the heater. When the temperature reaches 210°F, the relief valve is activated and water is discharged via a pipe directed downward toward the floor. A lever manually operates the valve for testing. In the event that the heater is not equipped with this necessary and required safety device, it can easily be installed.
○The gas connection to water heaters should be rigid pipe or a flexible brass
connector. If gas connection is copper pipe, it should be replaced by one of the above as soon as possible, since gas forms scales in copper pipe which clogs and fouls the thermostat. This can cause dangerous overheating.
○Make sure gas water heaters are properly vented, that vent pipes are tightly
connected to chimneys and not rusted through or sagging.
Septic Tank
○Have the system inspected by a septic tank specialist, particularly if it is an older
tank made of redwood rather than concrete.
○Make sure that tank is large enough for your needs. The following minimum
capacities are recommended by the U. S. Public Health Service:
1 or 2 bedrooms 750 gallons (100 cu. ft.)
3 bedrooms 900 gallons (120 cu. ft.)
4 bedrooms1,000 gallons (133 cu. ft.)
5 bedrooms1,250 gallons (166 cu. ft.)
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○Check to see if the system has had regular maintenance. Most tanks require
pumping out every two or three years.
Heating and Air Conditioning
○Turn the thermostat up or down to see if heat or cool air comes on quickly and if
the system operates quietly.
○Check to see if system is easily accessible for service.
○Check for signs of neglect.
○Furnace room or closet must be adequately vented.
○Make sure fuel-consuming heating devices are vented to the outside, either
directly or through a chimney, and have appropriate draft hoods or dampers.
○Different sources of energy (natural gas, propane, oil, electricity, or coal) vary in
operating costs in your area.
○In an older home, have a heating expert inspect the system to determine if it needs
updating and, if so, at what cost.
○Obtain a report on the condition of the air conditioning equipment from an expert.
○Ask permission to inspect utility bills covering the last twelve months.
Fireplaces
○Make sure the fireplace has a damper.
○Fireplace hearth should extend at least 16 inches into the room.
○Check for cracks inside the fireplace.
○Screens should be used in front of all fireplaces.
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Built-in Appliances – Garbage Disposal
○Check for unusual metal against metal noise, a possible sign of loose or worn
impeller blades. The remedy is usually a new disposal.
Built-in Appliances – Dishwasher
○Check for peeled-off coating on baskets, interior lining, and door lining.
○Run the dishwasher with detergent in the dispenser, making sure it moves
smoothly through a complete cycle and check for leaks.
Built-in Appliances – Range and Oven
○Gas: turn on each burner. If knobs are hard to turn, they usually just need
lubrication. If a burner fails to ignite promptly, it probably needs cleaning.
○Electric: turn burners on high. They should get red hot throughout the coil.
Replacement of a burner coil is a simple operation.
Swimming Pool Equipment
○Obtain a report from a reputable pool maintenance company.