DIY Homeowner's Guide for Identifying Unknown Household Plumbing

Okay, I've taken a look at the Reddit post "How to figure out what these pipes are for?"

Analysis: The user, a new homeowner, stumbled upon some mysterious pipes in their main bedroom and thinks they might be for a washer/dryer. They want to figure it out without having to call a plumber. The comments offer various suggestions, like a sink, bar sink, or even a medical device hookup, which highlights a common issue of unidentified plumbing in homes. The main goal is to find a way to identify the purpose of these fixtures safely and without incurring professional costs for a simple identification.

Product/Service Opportunity:

1. Product Suggestion: A "DIY Home Plumbing Identification Kit & Guide."
   • Description: This would be a physical kit combined with an information resource.
     • Information Resource (Printed Booklet/Laminated Cards/QR Code to Web Resource):
       • A clear, illustrated guide on common residential pipe types (copper, PEX, PVC, ABS, galvanized) and their typical uses.
       • A visual dictionary of common plumbing end-fittings (e.g., for sinks, washing machines, toilets, showers, outdoor spigots, ice makers).
       • Step-by-step diagnostic flowchart:
         • How to safely identify hot vs. cold lines (e.g., feeling temperature after running water briefly, if valves are open).
         • Identifying drain pipes (typically larger diameter, P-traps if visible).
         • Looking for associated clues (nearby electrical outlets of specific types, e.g., 240V for dryers; vent pipes for washing machines or gas appliances; shut-off valves).
         • Common configurations for various rooms/appliances (e.g., what a typical laundry hookup looks like vs. a wet bar sink).
         • "When to stop and call a plumber" section (e.g., signs of leaks, corrosion, unknown gas lines, complex manifolds).
     • Physical Tools (Simple & Low-Cost):
       • Set of waterproof, writable pipe tags and a permanent marker (for labeling identified pipes).
       • A small, extendable inspection mirror (for looking behind or under pipes).
       • Basic pipe diameter measuring tool/card (to help differentiate supply from drain lines).
       • Optional: A simple, inexpensive non-contact thermometer (to quickly identify hot lines).
   • Target Audience: New homeowners, DIY renovators, individuals curious about their home's infrastructure.
   • Expected Benefits:
     • Sales of the physical kit.
     • Empowers homeowners to understand their plumbing, potentially saving them money on simple identification call-outs.
     • Reduces anxiety associated with unknown home features.
     • Could be marketed through hardware stores, home improvement blogs, real estate welcome packages, or direct-to-consumer online.
     • Potential for add-on sales (e.g., basic pipe cap set for unused lines once identified).

This combination addresses the user's desire for a physical solution and information to avoid an immediate plumber call for what might be a simple identification task.