Got a plumbing inspection lined up? No need to stress – this guide has all the inside info you need. Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or brand new to this whole game, a little know-how makes the process way less daunting.
We’ll walk you through exactly what those plumbing pros will be checking out, from the kitchen sink to the sewer depths. You’ll be in the loop on what they’re looking for and why, so no more feeling completely lost.
But we’ve also got some handy tips to help get your plumbing shipshape before they show up. Trust us, you don’t want the inspectors catching you with leaks or clogs galore. Let’s make sure you’re prepped and ready to go – no fancy plumbing expertise required.
We’ll explain it all in plain English, not overly complicated jargon. By the end, you’ll be an inspection pro! Well, maybe not a pro, but you’ll at least know what’s going on.
Before the Inspection
Okay, time to get prepared for this plumbing inspection! First up, pick a date when you can actually be home. These inspectors need full access, so unless you want randos snooping through your place unsupervised, schedule it for when you’re around.
Next, do a little spring cleaning in the plumbing areas. The inspector is going to need a clear path to every sink, tub, toilet and appliance. Move any clutter, laundry piles or stacks of unread magazines out of the way. While you’re at it, dig up any paperwork on previous plumbing jobs or permits – it’ll give context.
Lastly, get familiar with where all your pipes, drains and cleanouts are located. Spend some quality time in the basement/crawlspace studying the layout. The more you can point out to the inspector, the easier their job will be. Maybe even do a practice walk-through!
The Inspection Process: Interior
When the inspector arrives, they’ll want to see every room with plumbing fixtures. Here’s a preview of what they’ll be checking:
The Kitchen
They’ll go over all the pipes and fixtures with a fine-tooth comb. Expect them to run the kitchen sink while checking for leaks around the basins, faucets and drain lines. They’ll also assess your water pressure and flow. Be prepared for the infamous stuck garbage disposal test!
The Bathrooms
Bathrooms are every plumber’s favorite space to scrutinize. They’ll examine each tub, shower, sink and toilet – checking for any cracks, leaks or drainage issues. Flushing city, here we come! The toilet tanks will definitely get inspected, and a camera might even get snaked down the drains.
The Laundry Room
Your washing machine hoses and drain lines are on the hit list. The inspector will ensure those hoses are properly secured, not leaking or spraying. They’ll also scope out the drains for any gunky obstructions or venting problems.
The Water Heater
This humble appliance is the main event. Expect the water heater to get a full body inspection – from the supply lines to the T&P relief valve. They might even go so far as flushing the whole tank while they’re at it.
The Basement/Crawlspace
If you have exposed pipes down there, get ready for the inspector to get up-close and personal with them. They’ll check for any leaks, damage, or improper sloping, and make sure lines are properly secured. Grab a flashlight and be ready to get dusty!
The Inspection Process: Exterior
Once your home’s interior plumbing gets the all-clear, it’s time to venture outside! Here’s where things could get a little wild:
The Main Water Line
First up, you’ll go hunt for your home’s main water supply line. The inspector will give this critical pipe a thorough check for any leaks, damage, or corrosion. They’ll likely test the incoming water pressure too and ensure the shut-off valves actually shut off.
The Sewer Line
Ah yes, the smelly backbone of your plumbing waste disposal. You can bet your bottom dollar this line will get inspected closely. This could involve snaking a camera down the pipe to look for any cracks, obstructions or bellied sections. Depending on the age, they might even need to pressure test the whole thing.
Outdoor Faucets and Spigots
Don’t think those innocent garden hose hookups are getting off easy! The inspector will check every last one, ensuring they’re properly drained for winter, checking water flow, and looking for any leaks or damage.
The Sprinkler System
Got an underground sprinkler system? That’s getting the full white glove treatment too. The inspector will make sure all the sprinkler heads are popping up and spraying properly. They’ll also check the control box, and backflow preventers, and likely run through a full test cycle.
The Vent Pipes
Last but not least, those vent pipes sticking out your roof will get inspected. The inspector will ensure they’re properly connected, sloped, and terminated up high away from any windows or vents. Critical for preventing any nasty sewer gas backups!
In summary – no pipe, valve or fixture will be overlooked in this process. Be prepared for the inspector to go over your entire plumbing system with a fine-tooth comb, both inside and out!
Advanced Inspection Techniques
For really in-depth inspections, some plumbers will bring out their bag of tricks and fancier diagnostic tools. Here are a few advanced techniques you might see:
Video Camera Inspections
If your inspector wants to get up close and personal with those pipes, they might go the video camera route. By snaking a tiny waterproof cam down drain lines, they can get an interior look at what’s going on inside. Great for spotting cracks, blockages and more!
Pressure Testing
To check the integrity of pipes, some inspectors will do an air or water pressure test. They’ll pump up the lines and then monitor for any pressure drops that could indicate a leak or breach somewhere. Kind of like a plumbing lie detector test!
Leak Detection
When standard visual inspection isn’t enough, pros might bust out specialized leak detection gear. This could involve injecting colored smoke or using electronic sensors to pinpoint the exact location of those sneaky water leaks.
While a basic inspection covers the obvious areas, these fancier methods allow a real deep dive into your plumbing system’s nooks and crannies. Just be ready to be wowed by some of the high-tech tools they might use!
After the Inspection
The inspection’s done – phew! But don’t celebrate just yet, there’s still some follow-up work to do.
First, your plumbing inspector will provide a detailed report outlining everything they found during the process. This will list any issues, potential problem areas, you name it. Don’t freak if it looks scary – most homes, especially older ones, will have at least a few items listed.
Go over the report with your inspector and get them to explain anything you don’t understand. They should break down how severe each issue is and what could happen if it’s not addressed. This is also your chance to ask their advice on what repairs should be the top priority.
Once you’ve got a game plan, you can start scheduling any needed plumbing repairs or upgrades. Or if everything looked good, you can simply bask in the glory of your well-maintained system! Either way, at least now you have a clear picture of what condition things are in.
DIY vs. Professional Inspections
Doing your own plumbing inspection to save money might seem tempting. But how much can you really assess as a DIY amateur? There are some basic checks most homeowners can do like:
- Visually inspecting exposed pipes for leaks/damage
- Checking water pressure at faucets
- Flushing toilets and watching for running
- Ensuring drain pipes are vented properly
- Operating the main water shutoff valve
However, many critical plumbing components are hidden behind walls and underground. Without specialized camera equipment, you’ll miss a ton. There’s also the risk of causing damage if you don’t know what you’re doing.
For a truly comprehensive inspection that catches all potential issues, it’s best to call in a licensed pro. Plumbers have the training, experience and tools to thoroughly evaluate every part of your system, both exposed and concealed.
Frequency of Plumbing Inspections
How often should you actually get your home’s plumbing inspected? There’s no one-size-fits-all rule, but most experts suggest:
Newer Homes:
Have a full inspection every 8-10 years. Newer construction with modern materials can go longer between checks.
Older Homes:
Plan for inspections every 5-7 years. Older plumbing has more potential failure points, so more frequent monitoring is wise.
You may need to inspect more often regardless of your home’s age if:
- You notice leaks, low water pressure or drainage backups
- You’re experiencing frequent clogs
- You’ll be renovating in a way that could impact plumbing
- You’re getting the home ready to sell
The bottom line – don’t wait until your pipes are gushing like geysers! Proactive inspections can catch plumbing issues early before they turn into costly nightmares.
Benefits of Regular Plumbing Inspections
At this point, you might be wondering why you’d willingly sign up for this whole inspection song and dance on the regular. Here’s why it’s worth the minor hassle:
Prevent Catastrophic Failures
Small plumbing problems can quickly escalate into big, costly emergencies if ignored too long. Proactive inspections help catch leaks, corrosion and other issues early before they cause flooding or major damage.
Extend System Lifespan
With proper maintenance and repairs, you can squeeze way more years out of your plumbing system’s components. Inspections identify areas needing attention to keep everything running smoothly.
Improve Water Quality
Over time, pipes can develop buildup that impacts your home’s water quality and pressure. Inspections allow you to flush out that nasty gunk.
Save Money
Routine inspections are relatively inexpensive, especially compared to the nightmare costs of repairing water damage or replacing an entire plumbing system prematurely.
Maintain Peace of Mind
The biggest benefit? Avoiding surprise plumbing disasters and being able to rest easy knowing your system is in top shape.
Trust Bassett Services for Your Annual Plumbing Inspection
Your home’s plumbing system deserves its own annual checkup, just like you get a physical. Neglecting regular inspections is just asking for nasty surprises like leaks, blockages, and water quality issues down the road. Minor problems quickly turn into costly nightmares when left unchecked.
Do yourself a favor and get Bassett Services’ plumbing experts to give your system a thorough examination. Our certified inspectors will spot any potential issues before they can wreak havoc. We’ll provide a detailed report and plan to keep those pipes flowing smoothly.
Skip the amateur hour – call the pros at (317) 360-0054 to schedule your inspection today!
