Many homeowners don’t give their plumbing much thought until something goes wrong. However, staying on top of your plumbing is the best way to prevent costly emergencies that could leave you with a flooded home or without access to water. Here is a look at what is involved in a plumbing inspection and how often it should be carried out.
What Is a Plumbing Inspection?
A plumbing inspection is an examination of all of the pipes, plumbing, and related fixtures in a home to ensure that they are in good working order. This applies to the home’s interior plumbing as well as its exterior drainage systems.
As part of a home plumbing inspection, you can expect your plumber to check your sewage lines, water heater, water supply, toilets, dishwasher, and pipes, among other fixtures. They will be looking for any signs of leaks or corrosion as well as other issues that could lead to bigger problems in the future.
How Often Should I Get a Plumbing Inspection?
In general, we recommend that homeowners get a full home plumbing inspection every year. A qualified plumber is able to see small changes in your home plumbing system that can indicate bigger problems.
Here are some other reasons why a plumbing inspection may be a good idea:
You’ve Recently Moved Into a New Home
If you have recently purchased a new home, more frequent inspections are a good idea, particularly during the early years of your homeownership, regardless of the home’s age. Without a track record that provides you a full picture of the home’s plumbing condition, you are more likely to be taken by surprise by an unexpected plumbing problem.
Your Home Is Older
If your home is older, it may make sense to have an inspection more often. Experts recommend that homes that are more than 40 years old undergo annual checkups.
You Are Purchasing a Home
Keep in mind that a standard home inspection that is carried out as part of the buying process does not look at the plumbing in great depth and should not be relied upon as any sort of proof that the home is not likely to encounter plumbing problems in the near future. A home is a major investment, and it is worth taking the time to assess any potential problems you could encounter, particularly if the home you are considering buying is an older one.
You Have Plumbing Work Scheduled
If you have recently encountered a plumbing issue and are calling in a plumber to perform work, this presents the perfect opportunity to ask for a complete inspection. With the plumber already at your home, you may be able to avoid a service fee for an inspection. However, it is important to make this request when you call the plumber so they can set aside enough time to carry out the inspection after the repairs.
There Are Plumbing-Related Issues in Your Neighborhood
If there are external factors related to your home that could lead to plumbing problems, you may want to have a home plumbing inspection more often. This could be the case if, for example, drains or sewer lines are backing up frequently in your neighborhood as problems outside of the control of your home could be creating more maintenance responsibilities.
Another scenario in which an immediate inspection is recommended is if roots are breaking up sidewalks in your neighborhood as this can disturb pipes and plumbing.
Types of Home Plumbing Inspections
There are two main types of plumbing inspections a home can undergo: a visual inspection and a camera inspection. Here is a closer look at each one.
Visual Inspection
In a visual inspection, a plumber will inspect all of the water and sewer fittings in the home for signs of leaks and other issues. These include:
- Inspecting all the points where water flows through your home, such as sinks, toilets, pipes, and lines
- Inspecting your water heater, including its pressure relief valves, connections, and other fittings
- Inspecting your outdoor plumbing fixtures, such as outdoor faucets and other fittings
- Examining your main sewer line and the cleanout access
Camera Inspection
For those needing a more comprehensive look, a camera inspection provides greater insight into the inner workings of your plumbing system. A compact, high-resolution camera can be used to see inside the pipes to identify issues with supply or sewer lines and detect future drain blockages.
Contact the Plumbing Professionals in Washington, D.C. Metro Area
A regular plumbing inspection is the best way to ensure everything is in working order and minimize the chances of experiencing a plumbing emergency. At O’Connor Plumbing, trained professionals have the expertise needed to diagnose and fix all types of plumbing problems, in addition to carrying out upgrades and improvements. Reach out today to schedule your service.