What Is a Plumbing Inspection and When Should You Get One?

You have invested an arm and a leg in buying your new home, and now the last thing you want is your peace hurdled by a bursting pipe, clogged drains, running toilets, or sewer system backup. Now, this might come as news to you, but there is a high chance for you to face at least one of these issues if you don’t get a plumbing inspection before buying a house. A residential plumbing system is an important part of your home-buying process. It’s not that as a homeowner, you shall not conduct professional plumbing inspections, it’s equally important if you’re a homeowner as well. Also, if you’re getting a newly built house, then don’t get alluded to by a misconception that it will be free of plumbing issues. You shall conduct an inspection for each and every home, as this will help you prevent unforeseen circumstances in the future.

In this blog, we will discuss plumbing inspections in detail.

What is a plumbing inspection?

A plumbing inspection is the best way to know that everything related to your home’s plumbing system is in order. The inspection is usually conducted to identify potential issues by checking the following:

• Pipes
• Drains
• Fixtures
• Water heaters
• Faucets
• Sinks
• Outdoor bibbs
• Drainage

All of these are inspected for leaks, corrosion, blockages, and proper installation. The inspectors also assess water pressure and the condition of sewer lines using specialized equipment. A thorough plumbing inspection helps prevent costly repairs. It ensures the safety and efficiency of the plumbing system and provides you with peace of mind.

Types of Plumbing Inspections

Visual Inspection

This is the most basic and affordable type of plumbing inspection. During the visual inspection, the plumber inspects all showers, bathtubs, sinks, toilets, fixtures, and connects for water leakages and drainage. Along with this, they also inspect the water heater for property functionality, and the water pressure is also ensured that the pressure is within the normal range. Once all of this is done, you get the inspection report that details all the repairs and the found issues.

Camera Inspection

We’d be unbiased, but we have to say that the camera inspection is more thorough than a visual inspection. A camera plumbing inspection is also very useful for inspecting sewer-related issues. These cameras can go deep down into the pipe to check the sewer well. During the inspection, the camera is mounted on a flexible rod that captures the real-time images of the sewer system. If any issues are revealed related to the sewer, then the camera can be put down to the sink’s drain to closely inspect the pipe from within the house. On the other hand, to check the sewer in the yard, the camera can be put down to an outdoor pipe. The cameras used in this type of plumbing inspection are highly advanced, with sensors that send signals right when they find a clog in a pipe. This gives the inspector the exact location of the issue.

Why Should You Get a Plumbing Inspection?

Getting a professional plumbing inspection is the best way to save you from different issues leading to headaches. The inspection can save you from the annoyance of repairing issues like pipe leakages, slow-draining sinks, and weather-related issues like your pipes’ insulation freezing during winter. All of these issues are clearly a nuisance and if they come at you one after another, then it is more annoying. So, it is better to get a plumbing inspection done by a professional as a DIY plumbing inspection will not be accurate or reliable, plus there won’t be any assurance that every issue is thoroughly checked.

Moreover, plumbing issues are one of the hardest issues to get fixed. This is why it is important that you get them checked by a professional regularly, especially if you’re buying a new house. Plus, getting the drainage system inspected would also save you from the additional unseen repairs. So, don’t forget to add plumbing inspection as a part of your routine maintenance, as this will save you from spending a hefty amount on fixing expensive plumbing repairs.

How Often and When You Should Get a Plumbing Inspection Done?

It is better to schedule a plumbing inspection at least once every couple of years. This will help you ensure the proper functioning of your plumbing system and find the potential issues early on. However, if you suspect an issue, like low water pressure, water heater not working fine, etc., then you shall get the plumbing inspection done ASAP as the issue that might seem minor can be bigger on the other end.

Also, there are specific times that you must get a plumbing inspection; these instances are:

• Before buying a house
• After significant renovations
• Before putting your house on the market

With regular inspection, you can maintain the safety and efficiency of your plumbing system, prevent costly repairs, and extend the lifespan of the components. By getting these inspections as part of your home maintenance, you can avoid unexpected plumbing emergencies and ensure your home’s plumbing remains in good condition.

By staying proactive with inspections, homeowners can avoid unexpected plumbing emergencies and ensure their home’s plumbing remains in good condition.

Conclusion

Overall, a plumbing inspection typically takes between 1 to 2 hours. This depends on the size and complexity of the property. The duration can vary based on the thoroughness of the inspection and the accessibility of the plumbing components. The cost of a plumbing inspection can range from $200 to $500, influenced by factors such as the location, the extent of the inspection, and any additional services required. While this might seem like a significant expense, investing in a professional plumbing inspection can save you from the high costs associated with unexpected repairs and water damage in the long run.

Ensure your home’s plumbing system is in top shape with Advantage Inspection Service! Schedule your plumbing inspection today and enjoy peace of mind knowing that every inspection comes with FREE 90-Day Sewer Line & Main Water Line Protection. Don’t wait for problems to arise—contact Advantage Inspection now and safeguard your home against costly repairs and unexpected plumbing issues. Call us today to book your comprehensive plumbing inspection!