Too few or loose pipe fixings
Pipes that are not sufficiently fixed move with every pressure surge. This causes noise inside the wall and stresses the joints.
Pipes exposed: the last look at the pipe route
Exposed plumbing shows the route, fixings and every joint. Once the prewall, plaster and floor structure are closed, you only know roughly where things are. In the event of later water damage, exactly this determines the effort and costs.
The most common expensive defects in exposed pipes
Missing insulation against noise and condensation
Uninsulated cold water pipes sweat, uninsulated waste pipes can be heard throughout the house.
Insufficient fall on waste pipes
If the pipe runs too flat, solids settle and the line blocks regularly. Rule of thumb for horizontal waste pipes: about 1 cm fall per meter – photograph visibly horizontal sections and raise the issue.
Walls closed without a pressure test record
Small leaks often only become visible after closing up. Therefore, have the successful pressure test confirmed in writing beforehand.
What you should document and check now on exposed pipes
Every wall with pipework as an overview
Photograph the complete wall so that doors or windows are in frame for orientation.
Record the pipe route with a tape measure in frame
Hold a tape measure against it and document the distances to the floor and corners. This way, no one will drill into the pipe later.
All joints and transitions in detail
Capture each coupling, material change and branch individually. Make sure to include how the pipes are fixed and insulated in the picture.
Request and file the pressure test
Ask for the signed pressure test record before the pipes are closed in.
While every pipe is still visible
Upload your photos. You will receive structured feedback on visible issues with routing, fixings and joints – as a basis for your discussion with the contractor.