Regular plumbing inspections are an excellent way to prevent significant repairs. Being proactive when it comes to maintaining your plumbing systems is recommended for identifying issues before they escalate into expensive problems. A qualified plumber will thoroughly check your plumbing and recommend necessary repairs.
Several key components make up a successful plumbing inspection. Each step is designed to find potential problem areas and remedy them to prevent damage to your home or building.
Examination of Pipes and Fixtures
All supply and drainage pipes are examined for corrosion, leaks, and failed connections. This includes metal and PVC pipes, as well as PEX supply lines. A skilled plumber has the correct tools used to detect leaks and blockages that might not be visible to the naked eye. Hidden leaks can cause damage to the structure and possibly cause the growth of unhealthy mold.
Checking all the bathroom and kitchen fixtures, faucets, and valves will help to ensure that everything is functioning properly and efficiently. This is especially important if your fixtures are outdated and no longer meet current plumbing codes.
Examination of pipes and fixtures also includes checking gas and water lines that serve your appliances, such as ranges, garbage disposals, dishwashers, and ice makers. Hose bibbs are also part of this inspection.
Waste Lines and Sewer Assessment
If you have ever experienced a backed-up toilet or dirty water filling up your tub, you know what a mess a clogged drain or broken sewer line can make. The first sign that you are headed for a blockage or backup is often an unpleasant odor coming from a drain. Before that happens, have your plumber check these lines. A video camera inspection can save you a lot of money if the problem is detected early enough. These cameras can find things like tree roots and crushed drain pipes.
Evaluation of a Water Heater
It can be very inconvenient when you turn on the shower and there isn’t any hot water. The water heater is a critical component for daily hygiene and washing of clothes and dishes. An older water heater might leak or have a buildup of sediment that causes it to run inefficiently. By having your water heater periodically inspected, the life of the unit can be extended by flushing the tank and repairing leaks. This in turn will save you the cost of early replacement.
Heating System Inspection
Many older homes have hydronic heating systems where water is heated and circulated through radiators. This type of system is often very comfortable and clean. However, you might be experiencing uneven heating with cold spots or hearing banging noises coming from your radiators. Skilled plumbers will assess your hydronic heating system during a routine inspection. If issues are identified, they can bleed the air from the system and repair any leaks.
Having your whole-house or commercial building plumbing regularly inspected and maintained is a practice that will ultimately save you in costly repairs and potential damage to the structure and finishes. It will also identify issues that can be addressed to prolong the life of the entire system from concealed supply pipes to exposed shower heads. This service offers a great return on investment and affords you peace of mind and safety.