Introduction to Plumbing Inspection

There are several approaches to house protection. Some are self-evident, such as maintaining a well-maintained roof and siding, as well as paint.

Some are not as evident. For instance, have you recently thought about having a plumbing inspection?

This post will look at a wide range of topics related to having the plumbing in your house assessed.

What Is the Meaning of Plumbing Home Inspection?

An extensive examination of your plumbing system is called a plumbing inspection. An expert plumbing inspector will look at the following products and systems:

Plumbing pipes, comprising supply and sewage lines, both outside and inside.
Hose bibs in the washing room and outside
Bathtubs and sinks
Showers and faucets
Restrooms
Hot water heaters

There is another type of inspection called basement inspection. Enough knowledge about this field will help you understand plumbing inspection better.

If you do not know anything about this inspection, click on the basement inspection article to find out.

Benefits of Plumbing Problems Inspection

There are several advantages to routine plumbing inspections for both your house and your pocketbook. Here are a few main benefits:

Early Problem Identification
Enhanced Water Efficiency
Increased Security
Tranquility of mind
Extended Fixture Lifespan
Decreased Hazard of Emergencies
Increased Home Value
Insurance Objectives

Besides, a condo inspection provides you with several benefits, too. If you do not know what it is, click on the condo inspection article to find out.

Essential Components of a Plumbing Inspection Checklist

All of the system's essential parts should be covered by a comprehensive pre-purchase plumbing inspection checklist, guaranteeing both its functioning and safety.

1. Check for Leaks

The following are some crucial components to have:

Any indications of water around fixtures, pipelines, drains, or the water heater will be checked for by the inspector.
Discolorations or stains from water on the walls, ceilings, or flooring, puddles of moisture around pipelines or fittings visible pipe fractures or perforations.
The existence of moisture and possible leaks in concealed places or behind walls.

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2. Test Faucets and Fixtures

In order to verify their correct operation and spot any issues, testing faucets and fixtures is an essential component of a plumbing inspection. Typically, inspectors look for the following:

Every fixture has enough water pressure.
Water flows continuously, without sputtering or oscillating.
Hot and cold water controls should function properly.
Every fixture will be examined for how well it functions:
Leaks and flowing water should not occur after appropriate toilet flushing.
Showers, bathtubs, and sinks should all have effective drains that don't clog or back up.
Faucets and showerheads should function smoothly and regulate water flow and temperature as desired.

3. Inspect Toilets

What a plumbing inspector usually looks for is as follows:

Full waste flushing that doesn't leave any trace.
The appropriate water level in the bowl following a flush.
There are no leaks at the toilet's base.
After flushing, no water running.
Fill valve and flapper
A flapper that closes the tank securely and keeps leaks from happening.
To make sure the toilet handle and chain or lever work smoothly and efficiently to initiate flushing, the inspector will evaluate their performance.

4. Examine Water Heater

What a plumbing inspector usually looks for is as follows:

Usability:

After turning on the water heater, the inspector will make sure that the water is heated efficiently.
They'll make sure the thermostat is adjusted to maintain the appropriate water temperature by checking its settings.

Breach:

The water heater tank and all of its connections will be visually inspected by the inspector to look for leaks or water damage.
They will closely inspect the drain valve, pressure relief valve, and any pipes that are visible and attached to the heater.

Features for Safety:

The inspector will confirm that the following crucial safety elements are present and operational:
Temperature and Pressure Relief (TPR) Valve: This valve keeps tanks from rupturing by releasing pressure when either the water temperature or pressure rises over acceptable bounds.

5. Assess Drains and Sewer Pipe

A plumbing inspection must include an assessment of the drains and sewage lines in order to find any possible blockages, leaks, or damage that can cause backups, water damage, or health hazards.

Visual Examination:

The visually inspecting inspector will check the available drainpipes beneath sinks, tubs, and showers for damage, corrosion, or leaks.
Additionally, they will look for any incorrect installation or loose connections.

Assessing Drainage:

For the purpose of observing the drainage speed, the inspector will run water through each sink, tub, and shower.
Complete backups or slow draining are signs of possible obstructions or other problems with the drain system.

6. Check Water Meter

This is how it is usually carried out:

Find the Meter: The location of the water meter is often outside your home or close to the curb where the city water line enters the property.
Examine the Meter: The water meter's current reading will be noted by the inspector.
Keep an eye out for changes: After a few minutes, they will ask you to switch off all water sources in the house, including the water heater, shower, and appliances.
Interpretation: Even if there isn't a visible leak in the plumbing system, it might still be there if the meter reading changes after all water sources are turned off.

7. Inspect Water Quality

A regular plumbing examination does not include a water quality inspection. But as an extra service, some plumbers could provide water quality testing, which is useful in specific circumstances.

Sample Gathering: Water samples will be taken by the inspector from a number of locations in your plumbing system.
Parameters for Testing: After that, the water samples are submitted to a lab for a variety of parameter analyses.
Testing for pollutants includes looking for potentially dangerous microorganisms.

8. Examine Sump Pump

If your house has a sump pump, one of the many plumbing inspections should include a look at it to make sure it's working properly and to guard against future flooding.

Usability: By creating an increase in the water level in the sump pit, the inspector will test the sump pump.
Electrical Attachments: The electrical wiring and connections to the sump pump will be visually inspected by the inspector to make sure they are safe and undamaged.
Recuperation Mechanism: In the event of a power outage, certain sump pumps have battery backups.

9. Inspect Dishwasher Inspection and Washing Machine Hoses

These items are inspected through the dishwasher and washing machine hoses inspection:

Condition of Hose:

The hoses will be visually inspected by the inspector to look for any indications of wear and tear, cracking, or bulging that would point to weakness or an imminent breakdown.
The places where the hoses and appliances are connected will be closely observed by them.
Check for Leaks: The examiner will visually check the area surrounding the dishwasher for any indications of leakage, such as watermarks on the cabinetry or floor.

10. Evaluate Outdoor Plumbing

To guarantee the correct operation and safety of your external plumbing components, evaluating your outdoor plumbing is a crucial part of a thorough plumbing inspection.

Outdoor taps and hose bibs:

Leaks: Look for evidence of water leaks by examining the area surrounding the faucet's base and the hose connectors.
Functionality: Examining each faucet's water flow and operation to make sure it runs smoothly and has enough pressure.
Freeze Resistance: To avoid freezing and possible damage during cold weather, the inspector will check if hose bibs are appropriately winterized or have frost-proof features in colder locations.

Sprinkler Systems:

Check the sprinkler heads for correct coverage and operation for a brief moment, noting any damaged or non-functioning heads.
Examine the connections and pipework of the sprinkler system for any damage or leaks.

11. Review Water Pressure

During a plumbing examination, water pressure is usually examined in the following ways:

A simple, affordable piece of equipment that is easily accessible is the pressure gauge that the inspector will be using.

They'll fasten the gauge to an easily accessible outside faucet or hose bib.

The inspector will completely open the faucet and check the gauge's pressure reading after turning off all other water sources in the residence.

12. Check for Signs of Mold or Mildew

While the main emphasis of a plumbing inspection is the plumbing system's operation, it is also possible to look for mold or mildew, especially in places that are prone to dampness and leaks.

Look for signs of visible mold development, such as discolorations that are black, green, or brown on the walls, ceilings, floors, or surrounding plumbing fixtures such as toilets, sinks, bathtubs, and showers.

Examine any water damage. Mud and mildew love moist conditions. Seek indications of water damage in the vicinity of fixtures, pipelines, or poorly ventilated places.

13. Check for Lead Pipes

Although the primary emphasis of a plumbing examination is the system's operation, lead pipe detection is vital since lead exposure poses health hazards.

During a plumbing examination, you might be able to spot lead pipes in the following ways:

Location: Look for the water meter where the city water line enters your property, which is typically outside your home or close to the curb. The service line, which may be composed of lead, is the conduit that connects the meter to your home.
Physical attributes: Lead pipes have unique characteristics.
Color: Dull gray, occasionally tinted somewhat blue.

Factors Affecting Plumbing Inspection Cost

The price of a plumbing check might vary depending on a number of factors, such as:

1. Inspection Type:

- Standard Inspection: This is the most popular kind, and it usually includes visually inspecting the plumbing fixtures, faucets, pipes, drains, and water pressure, as well as looking for leaks or other damage indicators. This usually comes in the $100–$400 range.
- Camera Inspections: The fee goes up if the inspector utilizes specialized cameras to look for concealed pipelines, sewage lines, and drains. Depending on the intricacy of the examination and the quantity of video footage needed, this might cost anywhere between $250 and $1,000.
- Extra Services: To increase the overall cost, some inspectors may provide extra services like testing the water for lead or other toxins.

2. The extent and intricacy of your property:

- Greater homes: Obviously, examining a bigger house with more pipes and plumbing fixtures requires more time, which raises the cost of the inspection in comparison to smaller houses.
- Intricate plumbing networks: Multiple bathrooms, well water systems, and large outdoor plumbing systems are examples of characteristics that may increase the time and skill needed for an inspection, thereby raising the cost.

3. Location:

- The cost of a plumbing examination might vary based on the demand for plumbing services and typical labor rates in your area.

4. Emergency inspections:

- Some plumbers may charge more for after-hours or emergency service visits if you need an inspection right away because of problems like a busted pipe or overflowing toilet.

For more information about plumbing inspection costs, click here.

Common Plumbing Issues Found During Inspections

Many problems are found during plumbing inspections, however, the following main causes are often identified:

Leaks: Because they can result in water damage, mold development, and water waste, leaks are a serious problem.
Problems with Drainage: Complete backups or slow drains
Issues with Water Pressure
Older or Defective Plumbing Parts

Plumbing Inspection Requirements

The following considerations can affect the criteria for plumbing inspections:

Local Laws

When an examination is required (for example, during new construction, renovations, or house sales).
Which plumbing system components require inspection?
Which regulations or standards must be followed during the inspection?

Sort of Plumbing Work

New Construction: To guarantee compliance with codes, new plumbing systems usually need to be inspected many times throughout the building phase.
Renovations: Inspections may be required to confirm the safety and operation of the altered plumbing.
Selling a House: To make sure the plumbing system is in good working order for the new owner, several localities need a plumbing examination prior to the sale of a house.

Conclusion: Maintaining a Healthy Plumbing System

Plumbing inspection is a must if you are thinking about purchasing or selling a house because it reveals many hidden issues.

If you want to purchase a new home, you must ask for a plumbing inspection report, because plumbing issues are not usually visible.