Repairs for plumbing issues can cost homeowners a lot of money, which is why keeping the system in good shape is vital. An inspection is a key part of plumbing maintenance. Performed by licensed professionals, these inspections can catch small problems before they grow into bigger ones. They may also be required for certain situations, such as buying or selling a home or performing renovations.
Explore different types of plumbing inspections and why they are important.
Types of Plumbing Inspections
Different types of plumbing inspections usually respond to different needs. A thorough infrastructure inspection — called a rough plumbing inspection — comes during construction or renovation. Meanwhile, a plumbing pipe inspection might require a camera to diagnose issues inside the pipes.
The following are a few different scenarios where you might need an inspection:
- Diagnosing issues: Some plumbing problems will be immediately apparent — grinding sounds when flushing the toilet or a sink not draining are clear evidence of an issue. However, some issues, such as widespread water damage or mold, are more difficult to diagnose. An inspection can take a comprehensive look at your plumbing to diagnose the source of your problems.
- Buying or selling a home: When you buy or sell a home, a home inspection may come with the terms of the sale. You'll want to get a professional plumber to look at the system, too. They will have the expertise to identify potentially costly issues. Most problems come from small leaks in faucets or pipes, but bigger issues might involve poor water pressure or outdated plumbing supply pipes.
- Performing renovations: If you are working on renovations in the basement, kitchen or bathroom, you might benefit from a plumbing inspection to verify that your changes will not interfere with your existing systems. Opening up walls or floors is also a great opportunity to closely examine your sewer and water supply lines.
- Bad weather: Weather disasters like hurricanes and floods can affect your plumbing infrastructure. Similarly, freezing weather can lead to burst pipes and other plumbing issues. A prompt inspection after bad weather allows you to identify and act on issues, even if they are not immediately obvious.
Professional Home Plumbing Inspection Process
A licensed plumber performs a professional home plumbing inspection. To tell if a plumber is licensed, just ask! A plumbing contractor will often be more than happy to provide their state license. In some places, you can also look up plumber licenses online.
When you call for a plumbing professional to inspect your home, preparing the areas in advance is a good idea. Clear a path to the water heater, sump, drains, faucets and pipes to give them clear access to where they need to work.
There are dozens of items a professional plumber will check during an inspection, but the key areas they will look at include:
- Water heater pilot light and connections
- Sump pump operation and mechanisms
- Toilet flush and refill rate and flappers
- Exterior hose bibs
- Damage, cracks or leaks in pipes and fittings
- Faucets, showerheads and drains
- Main water shut off and valves
- Home water filtration system
DIY Plumbing Inspection Checklist
While repair or plumbing services should be done by a licensed plumber, there are a few things you can do on your own to inspect and maintain your system. Like most aspects of property ownership, keeping a close eye on your home can help you catch issues before they become a big headache. Cautiousness allows you to call a professional to fix smaller issues at lower costs rather than finding out after a lot of damage has already occurred.
In addition to professional inspections, you can perform a do-it-yourself (DIY) inspection of your plumbing a few times a year. Some general items to check off include:
- Checking the water pressure and flow on each of your interior and exterior faucets
- Ensuring your hot water heater is working and hot water flows out of the taps
- Checking for water spots on ceilings and floors, particularly near sinks and tubs
- Looking under sinks for signs of leaks or mold
- Testing hot and cold water valves
Now, review your plumbing systems room by room.
Kitchen
The kitchen plumbing system sees a lot of traffic, so keeping up with regular maintenance is important. A DIY plumbing inspection in your kitchen should include:
- Sink: Ensure your water flows well and look for loose fittings or connections. If it drains slowly, identify if there is food buildup in the P-trap or branch drain. It is important to never pour oil or grease down the drain, as these can harden and create blockages.
- Garbage disposal: Check the garbage disposal works correctly. Foul smells can usually be cleared with baking soda and vinegar, salt and ice or hot water.
- Dishwasher: Look at the supply line and drain for leaks or cracking. Depending on your dishwasher model, you may be able to remove and clean the bottom filter.
- Fridge: Check around the fridge for leaks, especially if you have an attached water and ice dispenser.
Bathroom
Bathrooms also endure a lot of wear and tear and are full of essential plumbing components. Check your bathroom for:
- Sink: Follow the same steps as in the kitchen to verify your sink fittings and connections are in good shape. Have a peek underneath to check for leaks.
- Tub and shower: Ensure there is no standing water in your tub or shower after use and all nozzles and handles are tightened. Inspect caulk and tile grout for separation or cracking.
- Drains: Verify all sink, tub and shower drains are draining properly. Hair, soap scum and certain types of bathing products can build up in drains and lead to clogs.
- Toilet: Check the toilet flush rate and how long it takes to refill. Make sure it sits flush to the ground, does not wobble and has no water or dampness around the base.
For bathrooms on the second story, check the ceiling underneath for signs of water damage, such as dark stains or mold. It is also in your best interest to verify you are not flushing wipes down the toilet — even if they are advertised as flushable, they have been proven to block septic systems because they do not break down fast enough.
Laundry Room and Basement
Inspect other rooms in your home with plumbing equipment, including a dedicated laundry room or a basement wet bar. Double-check the hot and cold-water valves and hoses for leaks or water damage on your washing machine. If you have a sump pump installed, manually fill the sump pit with water to verify it will kick on and pump the water out.
Exterior
Look around the exterior of your home and check that your hose spigots are functioning. If you have a sprinkler or irrigation system, ensure all sprinkler heads operate properly in early spring.
In early fall, winterize the system by draining all water out of the lines. If water backs up near your home during heavy rains, check exterior drains on your property for blockages.
Choose Mr. Rooter Plumbing for Inspection Services in Oneida, NY
To ensure your plumbing system's proper functioning, reach out to Mr. Rooter Plumbing for a plumbing inspection. We provide emergency and regular plumbing services to customers throughout Syracuse and Oneida. We can perform preventive maintenance, diagnose drain blockages and detect leaks. Regular servicing through our maintenance plans ensures your home is in good hands.
Our licensed and professionally trained plumbers will treat your home like it is their own. Contact us to schedule your service today.
