There are many reasons to undergo a home plumbing inspection. You might have noticed a few minor issues over recent months and would like a professional plumber’s opinion on the overall structure. You might be moving house and want a comprehensive analysis of the new property’s plumbing performance before you finalize your purchase. Or you may have an older home and want to catch potential repairs before they become a more expensive problem. 

Plumbing inspections provide insights and equipment analysis, and within this post, we’ll explain more about the inspection process.

What is the Purpose of a Plumbing Inspection?

You should consider a home plumbing inspection to check the performance of your pipes and appliances and to identify potential performance or safety concerns. 

During their inspection, licensed plumbers look for signs of corrosion and pipe leaks. They evaluate the performance of equipment such as water heaters and toilets. Inspection teams also check your water supply and sewage lines and identify potential concerns with water contamination.

Do I Need a Plumbing Inspection if I Already Had a Home Inspection?

Most homeowners assume home inspectors are experts in all areas of home equipment performance. Unfortunately, while home inspectors have generalized knowledge, they won’t be able to pinpoint a failing water heater or find a hidden leak in a drainage system. 

A home inspection is a general overview of your home’s equipment and may involve checking whether the toilets flush, the water heater works, and the drain empties. But for a comprehensive analysis of your entire home plumbing structure, it’s better to undergo a plumbing inspection from a licensed plumber. 

What Steps Does the Plumbing Inspection Include?

The steps included in a plumbing inspection generally depend on the type of inspection you choose for your home. The two inspection options are:

Visual Inspection

During a visual inspection, a plumber will check for gaps, leaks, warping, mold, and condensation around the property. They’ll review pipes, connections, and fixtures to pinpoint problem areas that may require comprehensive examination and repair.

Camera Inspection

For sewer pipe analysis and drainage inspections, plumbers generally use the latest camera systems to check the interior of pipes for potential leaks, damage, and blockages. This type of inspection is ideal for locating potential issues with tree roots impacting the home’s sewer system.

The Plumbing Inspection Process 

Examining All Water Entryways to the Home

The plumber will conduct a review of the exterior of the building to examine all walls and exterior pipes to check for structural damage, animal debris, and signs of water damage. 

Inspecting Fixtures and Checking Performance

Your plumbers walk through the home and test faucets, sinks, toilets, and bathtubs. They’ll note any leaks around the fixture and potential problems with handles, faucets and plumbing connections.

Reviewing Shut Off Valves and Sink Traps

Checking the exposed plumbing in the home gives plumbers an indication of the overall age and potential condition of the hidden structure. Plumbers will check shut-off valves to ensure they turn and review sink traps for debris.

Checking Installation Quality

Poorly installed plumbing equipment is one of the most common causes of water damage in the home. Plumbers will check all equipment for installation best practices and ensure connections are secure.

Sewer and Drainage Inspection

Most homes will require a camera inspection after a plumber’s visual inspection to ensure drain lines are clear and fully operational. The small additional cost of camera inspection services is well worth it to reduce the potential for a blocked drain causing a burst pipe and water damage throughout the property.

Thunderbird Plumbing is Victoria’s Plumbing Inspection Leader

For comprehensive plumbing inspections from experienced plumbers, turn to Thunderbird Plumbing. We offer dynamic inspection services, including the latest camera and sewer scoping technology to pinpoint potential plumbing repairs proactively and save you thousands of dollars on potential repair work. To learn more about the steps within the plumbing inspection process or to book a plumbing inspection directly, contact our team at 250-514-4044