Routine repair & maintenance is part and parcel of being a homeowner. Think of your home as an intricate network of plumbing, heating, electrical, HVAC, and other critical systems. These systems necessitate regular inspections and maintenance to keep functioning at their optimal levels.
The focus of this article is the plumbing system inspection. Things like chipped paint easily catch your attention. However, a plumbing system is quite complex, and problems aren’t usually easily detected and fixed early on. Only once there is a clogged drain, leak, or backed-up sewage do you realize something is wrong with your plumbing.
Keep reading to learn more about plumbing inspection in detail.
What is a Plumbing Inspection?
A plumbing inspection a thorough review of your house’s plumbing system’s current health. A licensed plumber professionals visit you and investigate various components of the property’s plumbing.
The plumbing inspection components checklist are:
Faucets
Arguably, one of the most used parts of your plumbing system. Licensed plumbers check the condition of cartridges, handles, water inlets, mixing chamber, spot, and other serviceable parts of the faucets.
Dishwasher
During the plumbing inspection, the visiting expert determines if the dishwasher is leaking and if it is correctly attached to your kitchen’s countertop. They also identify the signs of water damage and clogs.
Outdoor fixtures
This is extremely crucial, especially when factoring in the freezing temperatures in Canada. Your outdoor fittings and fixtures are prone to damage due to pressure buildup during the winter months. A plumbing inspection ensures that they stay protected from harsh winters and operate efficiently.
Showers
Imagine running late for the office only to end up dealing with a clogged drain! If you delay calling in a professional, a clogged shower drain could cost you thousands of dollars later. By having your plumbing inspected annually, you can avoid such misfortunes and save money and time in the long run.
Sinks
Since the plumbing is concealed, it’s difficult to catch a leak before it’s already flooding your bathroom or kitchen sink. Hence, sinks are a significant part of every plumbing inspection.
Lead pipes
If you’ve purchased an older home or have lived in one for a while, a plumbing inspection is crucial. If the plumber finds that you have lead pipes running throughout your home, those pipes should be replaced as soon as possible. They are dangerous for your health because they release lead into your home’s water supply.
Water heater
A plumbing inspection also involves examining the water heater. It includes checking the safe operating temperature, water tank pressure, fuel safety inspection, etc.
Toilets and Tubs
Of course, a plumbing inspection wouldn’t be complete without evaluating the condition of toilets and bathtubs. A licensed plumbing professional checks for faucet leaks, clogged drains, and showerheads. They find out if the toilet is leaking, producing a gurgling sound, or is backing up due to clogged sewer lines.
Pipes
During an inspection, both outdoor and indoor pipes are investigated for corrosion, cracks, holes, and rust before the problem becomes too severe.
Permits: The role of a plumbing inspection is also to ensure that your home’s plumbing meets the codes and ordinances of the city.
Why is A Plumbing Inspection Necessary?
There are many reasons why routine plumbing inspections are important:
- Mitigating more significant damage by spotting and fixing the problems early on
- Preventing excessive water bills
- Avoiding structural damage to your home caused by severe plumbing issues
- Eliminating instances of inconvenience to your family caused due to disruption in day-to-day activities.
Why Do You Need a Plumbing Professional?
As you might have observed by now, a lot goes into examining a house’s entire plumbing system. It requires domain knowledge, skills, the latest technology, plumbing equipment, and experience to conduct a thorough investigation.
By hiring a professional, you can achieve peace of mind knowing that you and your family are safe in your home.
Is a Home Inspection Enough?
This is the question asked by many new homeowners. Since an inspection is a part of buying a new home, people assume that they don’t need a plumbing inspection. This couldn’t, however, be further from the truth.
A home inspector checks if:
- The toilets flush
- The faucets have running water
- The drains empty
But they don’t possess the tools and technical know-how to conduct an exhaustive plumbing inspection (and subsequent repair). For that, you need a licensed plumbing service.
Speaking of…
Got Plumbing Problems?
Schedule a plumbing inspection with The Super Plumber. Call 250-995-1234 for all kinds of plumbing services at any time of the day or night. We’ll make sure your entire plumbing system is working correctly, safely and trouble-free!
