Maintenance Guide: Annual review of electrical and plumbing installations
Prevent electrical failures, sewer odors, and water leaks. Annual checklist for your home's installations.
The electrical and plumbing installations in your Canadian House are designed according to current regulations and pass municipal inspection. However, daily use and natural aging of materials make an annual review the best investment to prevent costly problems.
1. Electrical Panel Review (Every 12 Months)
The electrical panel is the heart of the installation. In Chile, electrical faults are the second leading cause of residential fires according to ONEMI.
- What to check: Circuit breakers are not stuck in an intermediate position (neither fully on nor off — a sign of frequent overload). No exposed wires or loose visible connections.
- Differential (GFCI) test: Once a month, press the TEST button on the residual current device. It should cut the circuit immediately. If it doesn't, it needs replacement.
- Who can do it: Only SEC-certified electricians. Do not handle the panel without qualification.
2. Plumbing and Drainage System Inspection
PVC embedded pipes are durable, but bathroom and kitchen seals (tile, P-traps) require periodic attention.
- Odors: If you smell sewer gas in the bathroom, the P-trap dried out from lack of use. Pour water into shower drains and floor outlets you rarely use.
- Pressure: If you notice low pressure throughout the house and there's no supply cutoff, check the filter on the main shutoff valve (near the meter). It gets clogged with sediment.
- Fixtures: Constantly dripping faucets waste up to 50 liters/day. Replacing the cartridge is a 30-minute task.
3. Gas System Review (If Applicable)
If your home uses natural gas or cylinders for cooking or water heating, SEC regulations require inspection every 2 years for new connections.
- DIY leak detection: Apply soapy water with a sponge to connection joints. If it bubbles, there is a leak — close the shutoff valve and call a technician.
- Ventilation: Verify that ventilation grilles in the water heater space are not blocked. CO accumulation is silent and deadly.
4. Rain Gutters and Downspouts (Post-Autumn)
Regardless of your home style (American or Mediterranean), water discharge points must direct flow away from the foundation.
- Minimum distance: Drainage should reach at least 80 cm from the wall. If the ground is consistently flooded next to the foundation, it can cause settling over time.
- Cleaning: Remove leaves and sediment from gutters every May.
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