Bathroom Maintenance Inspection Checklist

Bathroom Checklist

Procedure. Always have a routine when inspecting or using your checklist. Always start and finish the same place and you will be less likely to miss a concern. Your checklist should have a space at the end of each item checked so that you can mark what the status is of that item. If something needs to be done write it down. NEVER leave your routine and try not to be distracted by a telephone call or talking to someone. By regularly checking everything you will notice immediately when an item is not right like draining or water pressure. I like to use:

OK no deficiencies noted.

or

Condition: write in what is of concern.

TASK:

Further evaluation required calling a plumber recommended.

Improve.

Monitor.

Provide.

Repair.

Replace.

TIME:

Discretionary.

Immediate.

Less than one year.

Less than two years.

Regular maintenance.

Unpredictable.

1. When entering the bathroom look at the door inside and outside for damage and in need of paint or stain. Check that the hardware(door handle) works, locks, is properly secured and is not damaged. Door hinges are secure and not rusted. Personally I like to see the bottom of interior doors spaced about one inch from the floor for better air movement throughout the house.

2. Turn on the light checking that the switch is in good condition, works, not damaged, not loose and a switch cover that is not damaged. People like good lighting in a bathroom so there may be multiple switches and lights to check. NOTE: electrical is covered in more detail in the electrical section.

3. Test the GFCI(ground fault circuit interrupter) plug-in, it has a test button in the middle of it. I also use a cheap $10 electrical tester at all plug-ins to ensure that they are wired correctly and grounded properly for your protection. It is a small handheld device that has prongs that fit into the electric plug-in. When inserted lights come on to tell you if the plug-in is wired correctly. All plug-ins in bathrooms should have GFCIs installed because of the proxcimity of water. GFCIs are there to protect you against electrocution! All bathrooms should have up to date plug-ins for use of hair dryers, hair curling machines, electric toothbrushes... No electric switches or plug-ins should be with in 3 feet of the bathtub or shower for your protection. NOTE: electrical is covered in more detail in the electrical section.

4. Test the heat to make sure it works. Turn up the thermostat and if it is electric baseboard feel the register. It should be warm to the touch in 20 seconds. Check that the heating fins are straight, clean, cover is on and the register is attached securely to the wall. If there is forced air heating put your hand over the floor register to feel for air flow and heat. NOTE: more on heat is covered in the heating section.

5. Next check the faucet and basin for damage or looseness. Put the plug in the basin and turn the faucet on checking water pressure, hot and cold. Look under the basin and check for water leakage and have a look to make sure the trap is in good shape. Now turn off the faucets and unplug the basin while watching under the trap area for water leaks. NOTE: Only check emergency water shut off taps when a plumber may have been called for other reasons. Many shut off taps will have water leakage problems from their lack of use and will need immediate attention.

6. While at the basin check that the countertop splashboard and caulking along the top of it is in good conditon. Check that the mirror is secure and has no damage.

7. Next check the toilet. Put all your weight on the floor around the toilet to check for soft spots from possible water leakage. Next put your knees on either side of the toilet and test that it is secured tightly to the floor. Lift the toilet lid and flush the toilet checking for a good flush and that water is not continously running.

8. Next check all around the bathtub and bathtub enclosure for soft drywall and that the caulking is in good shape. Check that the enclosure is in good shape. If tiled check that no tiles are loose and the grout is in good shape. Check especially close around windows. Now put the plug in the bathtub and turn on the water checking faucets for damage, water pressure, hot and cold. Let it run for a bit and then check to see how well it drains. Then turn on the shower to check it for pressure and the diverter is working. Check the enclosure door works and keeps water in.

9. Check floors, walls and ceiling for defects or damage.

Helpful Inspection Tips

1. Water damage is most common below bathroom windows, toilets, fixtures and plumbing.

2. MOST LEAKS occur at penetrations(soap dishes), change of direction of material and change of material.

3. Just above the bathtub along the joint where the walls of the bathtub enclosure meet are common spots for leaks.

4. Make sure shower door opens out.

5. Test basin/tub/shower/toilet for water flow and pressure by operating at the same time.

6. Check for shower pressure it is extremely important when other fixtures are running!

7.. When testing bathroom plumbing empty tub and basin at same time to check for siphoning/gurgling noise as the last of the water leaves the fixtures. If noise is heard this will suggest venting problems.

8.. When operating the whirlpool test the GFCI for the whirlpool to make sure the pump stops.

9. Check ceilings below bathrooms after testing for water stains.

10. With bathroom exhaust fan working put hand over exterior exit point of vent to make sure there is adequate air pressure blowing/exhausting. Also throw a few pieces of toilet tissue up against the fan cover when turned on to see if there is enough air suction to hold them there.