What is a Plumbing Inspection?

A plumbing inspection is a systematic process of assessing the critical areas of the plumbing system of a property. It is performed by certified plumbers to avoid the risk of pipe corrosion, clogs, leaks, and burst tubes that can cause flooding and property damage.

Importance of Plumbing Inspection

Conducting regular plumbing inspections keeps the system running smoothly which helps businesses or households prevent costly and unexpected repairs. However, plumbing inspections should be properly executed to be able to achieve the following objectives:

• Detect early problems to mitigate the risk of damaged pipelines and plumbing systems;

• Eliminate the hassle of delayed work due to clogs and water leaks;

• Avoid bigger water damage; and

• Prevent a drastic increase in water consumption bill

Vital Points in Performing Plumbing Inspection

A plumbing inspection should cover all the critical components of the plumbing system. This should include pipes, valves, water heaters, and drains. These components are assessed for leaks, corrosion, clogs, and drainage problems. The following are the vital points in performing a plumbing inspection:

• Shut the main water supply: Visually inspect the shut-off valve of the main water supply for defects and damages. Check if the water meter is continuously reading even if the valve is shut off. This would help verify if water leaks are present on the property.

• Ensure the plumbing system is watertight: Fill the entire drainage system with water to the middle of a trip waste overflow of every tub installed to validate if plumbing systems are closely sealed.

• Conduct water piping pressure test: Turn on the building water service from 75 psi to 100 psi to test the normal working pressure passing through the water pipelines. Check the water supply if it runs smoothly even with the minimum water pressure requirement.

• Check the sewer and drainage lines: Assess the sewer lines from the property to the curb connection, septic tank, and drainage systems to thoroughly check if pipe damage, corrosion, or major clogs are present.

• Examine fixtures, supply lines, and drains: All fixtures must have separate valves to control the water supply. Validate any signs of water damage on the internal and external parts of the property. Check the gutter, flexible hoses, and drains for any blockages that may affect the plumbing systems.

What is Involved in a Plumbing Inspection?

Maintaining good plumbing systems is necessary to avoid emergency plumbing issues such as water bursts, gas leaks, or broken water lines. This includes:

• Check your faucets regularly for leaks and damages.

• Ensure there are no water drips when the spigot is turned off.

• Check underneath the sinks for water stains or drips when the water is running.

• Immediately unclog slow drains.

• Never dispose of rubbish, greasy oil, and unused medicines to prevent a clogged drain.

• Visually inspect visible signs of water stains on walls and ceilings.

• Ensure water pressure is at a safe level.

• Drain the water heater to remove formed sediments.

• Check the toilet for loose fittings including the flapper.

• Replace the hoses if there are visible signs of cracks, brittleness, or leaking.

• Avoid using chemical clog removal products that can cause corrosion on pipes.

• Shut off the water valves for outdoor spigots.

• Clean the gutter to avoid water blockage.

• Inspect septic tanks regularly .

• Be aware of the property structure and perform regular drainage maintenance.