What Is a Plumbing Inspection?
A thorough examination of your plumbing system is a plumbing inspection. It’s more of an organized process for figuring out which parts of a building’s plumbing system are the most essential. To reduce the possibility of pipe corrosion, clogs, leaks, and burst tubes that could result in floods and property damage, it is carried out by licenced plumbers.
Inspections of your plumbing are a significant factor in your home’s routine maintenance schedule. Many homeowners are reluctant to have a plumbing check done because they believe it would be a waste of money or, worse yet, would discover the need for pricey repairs. Even while it may not seem like much, a single leaky faucet can waste several gallons of water each day, leading to higher than usual water bills.
We’ll walk you through the steps of a plumbing inspection in this post, identify the people who can conduct them, and discuss different types of plumbing inspections.
Checklist for a plumbing inspection
A certified plumber inspects and evaluates the condition of a building’s plumbing system using a checklist. It is used to record any issues discovered throughout the inspection. During an inspection, a skilled plumber will pay attention to the following elements and systems:
- Both indoor and outdoor plumbing systems, including supply and sewage lines
- Outside and inside hose bibs.
- Examine the pipes, pressure relief valves, water heater, and drains for leaks and damage.
- Check the bathtub, toilet, and sink fixtures for corrosion or other potential problems.
- There will be an examination of the functioning and freeze protection of outdoor faucets and fittings.
- Take photos as proof and include annotations, notes, etc.
- Assign corrective actions for quick repair
- Provide general suggestions
Why should you have your plumbing checked?
If you’re purchasing a property, you might believe a comprehensive plumbing check is included in the home inspection. However, a conventional home plumbing inspection just looks at a few items, such as whether the drains are clear, the toilets are flushing, and the faucets are operational. Therefore, several other elements require a comprehensive plumbing examination.
Regular plumbing inspections keep the system functioning properly, assisting households or companies to avoid expensive and unforeseen repairs. However, for the following goals to be accomplished, plumbing inspections must be carried out correctly:
- Find issues early to reduce the danger of plumbing and pipeline damage.
- Eliminate the inconvenience of work disruption caused by blockages and water leaks
- prevent more severe water damage
- Avoid a significant spike in your water bill.
When should you have a licenced plumber inspect your plumbing?
- You’re making a home purchase.
Regular house inspections are not as thorough as a professional plumbing examination, as we just mentioned. Be on the watch for any plumbing issues before signing the contract, especially if you’re making a sizable investment in an older property. - You intend to sell your home.
Potential buyers may be attracted to a property after a plumbing inspection. You will be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that your property’s plumbing systems, sewer lines, and other plumbing-related elements are in outstanding condition. - You want to avoid costly plumbing emergencies.
A wise homeowner fixes things before they break, not after. Regular plumbing inspections assist in preventing small issues from becoming more serious ones. - You wish to safeguard your house
After all, is said and done, this is perhaps the best reason to have your plumbing systems inspected. Even a small leak or clogged drain might require complicated, expensive, and time-consuming repairs. Perhaps even more costly than a plumbing inspection!
Different types of plumbing inspections
- Visual inspection: The most popular kind of professional examination is a visual inspection. The plumber will perform a visual inspection of all water and sewer fittings, as the name implies, to look for leaks or other indications of leaking. They’ll also make sure your water heater is connected correctly and that all of your drains and drainage systems are operational.
- Camera inspection: Utilizing small, high-resolution cameras, the plumber can examine the interior of pipes to spot problems with supply lines or your sewer line. Future drain obstruction is frequently detectable with a camera inspection. It’s a thorough method of plumbing system inspection.
Who can do a plumbing inspection?
For plumbing inspections, only certified plumbing businesses and qualified plumbers should be trusted. They can complete the task correctly and give you a thorough analysis of your plumbing system because they have the necessary expertise, equipment, and experience.
How frequently should my plumbing be checked?
The majority of experts advise having your home’s plumbing inspected every two years. You should have your home evaluated more frequently if it is older. Many experts advise yearly inspections for houses that are more than 40 years old.
Important Considerations for Plumbing Inspection
All of the plumbing system’s crucial parts should be covered by a plumbing examination. This should cover drains, water heaters, pipes, and valves. These parts are examined for drainage issues, corrosion, leaks, and blockages. The following considerations are crucial while doing a plumbing inspection:
After turning off the main water supply, visually check the shut-off valve for damage and flaws. Verify that the water meter continues to read even after the valve is closed. This could be used to confirm whether there are any water leaks on the property.
- Ensure water tightness of the plumbing system: To verify whether plumbing systems are tightly sealed, fill the complete drainage system with water until the middle of a trip waste overflow of every tub installation.
- Conduct pressure test in water pipes: To test the usual working pressure flowing through the water pipelines, turn on the building’s water supply between 75 and 100 psi. Check to see if the water supply is operational even with low water pressure.
- Check the sewer and drainage lines: Examine the septic tank, drainage systems, and sewage lines that lead from the property to the curb connection to see if there is any pipe damage, corrosion, or significant obstructions.
- Check the drains, supply lines, and fixtures: Each fixture needs its valve to control the water supply. Verify any indications of water damage on the building’s internal and external surfaces. Inspect the flexible hoses, drains, and gutter for any obstructions that can compromise the plumbing systems.
A plumbing inspection is a low-cost solution to avoid costly repairs in the future if you feel that your property may have plumbing difficulties or if you’re considering buying a home.. A knowledgeable plumber can do a thorough plumbing inspection to identify any potential issues quickly. When it comes to something this important, you shouldn’t wait. Therefore, if you think it’s time for one, contact a nearby plumber and arrange an examination straight away.