A plumbing inspection is a great way to find out about any existing or potential problems in a building. Plumbers can look for any visible damage, such as cracks, misalignment, warping, or other issues. They can either use camera, visual inspection or both.
Here’s what a plumbing spections includes:
Blog Post Highlights
- Plumbing inspections can catch problems early, saving you money.
- Plumbers will check exterior and interior plumbing.
- The plumber will perform a visual inspection, camera inspection, or both.
Let’s start with the basics. A plumbing inspection is essentially a deep dive into the pipes and select building fixtures. Generally speaking, a plumbing inspection will cover the following:
- Toilets and sinks
- Supply and sewer lines
- Water heaters
- Faucets and showers/bathtubs
- Hose bibs (outdoor and laundry)
Select areas of a home are given special attention because they are more likely to see problems. They include:
Pipes and Appliances
When having a plumbing inspection, a professional will check everywhere that water flows in your home. This includes sinks, toilets, exposed pipes, and any other area where leaks are common.
The inspection will also look for damaged fittings or any other issue that can cause problems down the line. If your home is older and has any lead pipes, they will be identified so that they can be replaced as soon as possible.
Water Heater
The water heater is also examined during a plumbing inspection. This will include connections, pressure relief valves, and other components, depending on the type of water heating system installed.
Outdoor Fixtures
Outdoor plumbing fixtures, such as outdoor faucets, are examined as well. Insulation is also checked to ensure that outdoor pipes will not freeze when the temperatures start to drop. While we do not typically experience harsh winters around San Jose, it is better to play it safe and protect your pipes.
Sewer Line
Another major component of this type of inspection is the sewer line. Depending on the setup, a camera may be required to get a full picture of what is going on. The sewer line inspection will look for sediment buildup along with clogs or pipe damage. If there is an issue with the sewer line, Plumbtree Plumbing & Rooter has the tools and experience to get it worked out.
Water Pressure
A thorough plumbing inspection also addresses the amount of water pressure in the home. If the pressure is too low, there is a good chance that there is a problem that will be found elsewhere in the inspection. If it is too high, it can be causing too much strain on the system, something that will cause problems down the line.
Types of Plumbing Inspections
There are two main types of plumbing inspections.
Visual inspection
The first is simply known as a visual inspection, and it is exactly what it sounds like. A trained eye looks for loose fittings, faulty components, leaks, and other easy-to-spot plumbing issues. A visual inspection also checks drains and select appliances, such as your water heater and dishwasher, to make sure they are connected properly and not leaking.
Other things that will be looked for during a visual inspection are condensation and mold, both of which could be signs that something is not working the way it should be.
Camera Inspection
For a more in-depth understanding of what is going on, a camera inspection is the right call. A high-resolution camera allows our plumbers at Plumbtree Plumbing & Rooter to actually see the inside of your pipes. We can look for damage, clogs, and other issues that need to be addressed right away or in the near future. Cameras allow us to see problems much quicker than we would be able to if we had to wait for damage or leaking water, and using one for an inspection can ultimately save you time and heartache later on.
How Often Do You Need a Plumbing Inspection?
You should always request a plumbing inspection when buying a home. Although a home inspection will include a cursory look at the pipes, it will not be nearly as detailed as a dedicated plumbing inspection.
This is especially important if you are buying an older home that may have outdated pipes and a long list of potential problems.
On the flip side, having an inspection done on a home you are selling can show potential buyers that you have taken great care of your property. This can increase the value of your home and make the selling process less of a hassle.
If you are planning on remodeling or otherwise upgrading your home, a plumbing inspection can make sure that everything goes smoothly. This is especially true if you are planning on redoing your kitchen or bathroom. One of the last things you want is to find an unexpected expense when you get started on your project!
So, what if you are not buying, selling, or remodeling your home? As a general rule of thumb, a plumbing inspection should be done every two years. This can help you avoid any major disruption to your water service. If your home was built more than 40 years ago, a yearly inspection is recommended by many professionals.
What Happens After a Plumbing Inspection?
After thoroughly examining your plumbing, our experts will sit down with you to discuss the next steps. In the best-case scenario, there are no issues to address and we will recommend another inspection in a year or two. Otherwise, we will make a plan to fix any leaks, clogs, or other issues uncovered by the inspection.
At the end of the day, it is impossible to predict what a plumbing inspection may find. Although hearing about a major plumbing issue may seem scary, it is better to know and fix things as soon as you can rather than let the problem continue to get worse.
If no issues are identified during the inspection, you still need to keep an eye out for problems down the road. If you do spot any signs of a leak, call our team as soon as possible. Water can be more destructive than some people realize, and the sooner it is back to flowing only where it is supposed to, the better.
Get the Plumbing Help You Need With Plumbtree Plumbing & Rooter
Getting an inspection is also a great idea for anyone concerned about the state of their plumbing and who wants to stop problems before they get started. Many people wonder what exactly a plumbing inspection entails. The Plumbtree Plumbing & Rooter team has all of the info you are after.
No matter what plumbing issue you find yourself facing, our expert team is here to help. Our plumbing inspections give you added peace of mind, no matter the reason for getting one in the first place. And if we do find a problem, you can rest assured that we will help you fix it right the first time.
We offer a full range of services, including those for gas and sewer inspection, as well as other plumbing services, like drain cleaning and repair. We’re ready to help those living around San Jose and the surrounding area to feel confident about their home and plumbing. Reach out to us today to schedule an inspection!
