Plumbing Snagging Checklist for London New Build Properties

What to Check in a New Build Plumbing Snagging Inspection

A plumbing snagging inspection for a London new build property should cover the full range of plumbing and heating installations from the incoming cold water supply through to the drainage connections. Starting with the cold water supply, the inspector should check that the incoming main stopcock operates freely and shuts off the supply completely, that the service pipe entry is properly sealed where it enters the building, and that the water pressure at the most remote outlet is adequate for the intended use. Low water pressure in a new build London flat, particularly on upper floors, is a common snagging issue caused by undersizing of the booster pump set or the distribution pipework, and it is an issue that is much easier to address before occupation than after residents have moved in.

The hot water system should be checked for adequate flow rate and temperature at all hot water outlets, for correct temperature settings on the hot water cylinder or combi boiler, and for the presence and correct installation of all safety devices including the temperature and pressure relief valve, the expansion vessel, and the discharge pipework from the tundish. For unvented hot water cylinders, the commissioning record should be inspected to confirm that the system has been commissioned by a competent person and that the commissioning certificate has been issued. For combi boiler installations, the Benchmark commissioning checklist should be completed and available for inspection, and the boiler controls should be demonstrated to be functioning correctly. Missing or incomplete commissioning records are a common defect in London new build completions and should be raised as a snagging item requiring resolution before completion is accepted.

Drainage and Sanitary Ware Snagging in London New Builds

The drainage system in a London new build property should be checked for correct fall on all horizontal waste pipe runs, for the presence of accessible traps at all sanitary appliances, for correct venting of the soil and waste system to prevent siphonage of traps, and for secure fixings on all soil and waste pipework. A practical test of the drainage system should be carried out by filling all baths, basins, and sinks and releasing them simultaneously to check that the drainage rate is adequate and that there is no evidence of gurgling or slow drainage that would indicate a partial blockage or an undersized pipe. The toilet cisterns should be checked for correct flushing volume, for the absence of running water after the flush cycle, and for secure fixing of the cistern and the pan connection.

Sanitary ware quality and installation standards should be assessed as part of the snagging inspection. All baths, shower trays, basins, and toilet pans should be checked for chips, scratches, and imperfections in the surface finish, for correct silicone sealing at all junctions with tiles and wall surfaces, for secure fixing of all fittings, and for the absence of movement or flexing when the fittings are loaded. The shower enclosure and screen should be checked for correct sealing, for smooth operation of doors, and for the absence of any gaps that would allow water to escape onto the bathroom floor. The kitchen plumbing should be checked for secure connections to the sink, for the correct installation of any under-sink water filter or softener unit, and for the operation of the dishwasher and washing machine connections. Prestige Engineers carry out independent plumbing snagging inspections for London new build buyers and can provide a written snagging report that can be presented to the developer for remediation before completion.