Whether you own or are thinking about buying a home, getting a plumbing inspection can save you huge repair bills. As with most things, early detection is key. During a visual inspection, Shreveport Plumbing Company will check all visible water lines, drains, toilets, showers, tubs, outdoor spigots and appliances. They will also look for potential safety hazards like leaks near electricity or improper venting of gas appliances.
Fixtures and Appliances
Your plumbing system carries clean water into your home and distributes it to all the fixtures, including sink faucets, toilets, showers, tubs, outdoor spigots and more. It also removes wastewater through a series of drain pipes that connect to all the fixtures, including the garbage disposal.
When you hire a plumber to inspect your new home or existing house, the plumbing inspector will evaluate the condition of all the water-using appliances and fixtures in your home. They will look for signs of leaks, cracks, deterioration and other problems. They will check each fixture for proper operation, and they will test the drain lines for flow rates, pressure and obstructions.
If the plumber finds any issues, they will suggest the best way to fix them and provide you with a full written report. This report will explain the problem, the cost to repair it and what preventative measures you can take to avoid future problems.
Leaks are a common plumbing problem that can cause serious damage to your home and belongings. They can also lead to mold and mildew, which are unhealthy for your family. By fixing leaks quickly, you can save money and reduce the risk of major problems in the future.
During the inspection, the plumber will examine the kitchen and bathroom plumbing fixtures for signs of damage or wear. They will also check the hot and cold water pipes for leaks, corrosion, cross-connections (where the waste pipe and supply pipe are connected), and other problems. They will use a camera to examine the inside of your drains and sewer line for obstructions or other problems.
A plumbing inspection can catch a lot of problems that might otherwise go unnoticed, such as a clogged drain or a leaky water heater. These problems can be expensive to fix and can affect the overall value of your home.
In addition to reducing the likelihood of costly emergency repairs, a plumbing inspection can help you save on your energy bills by identifying and fixing issues that cause water waste. The average household wastes 10,000 gallons of water each year from leaky faucets, toilets, washing machines and dishwashers. By catching and fixing these issues, you can cut your water waste by 10%.
Water Heater
The water heater is the workhorse of the plumbing system. It keeps the water hot so you can take a shower, wash dishes, and use other water-using appliances. The plumber will check that the pilot light is on and operating correctly, that there are no cracks or rust in the tank or on the pipes, that the pressure relief valve is working properly, and that the temperature of the water is safe. The plumber will also look for water drips, especially in the crawl space or basement, as well as in sinks and tubs.
If the home has a gas water heater, the inspector will also check that the gas line and pilot light are functioning. The plumber will also look for signs of carbon monoxide leaks, which are not always visible.
A standard visual inspection should be enough to spot most issues, but sometimes problems are difficult or impossible to see. In these cases, a camera inspection may be necessary. This involves feeding a high-resolution camera behind walls, into ceilings, underneath floors, or through toilets to spot any breaks, clogs, or other problems. The plumber will then recommend the best course of action for fixing these problems.
Many homeowners can save money on their plumbing inspection by keeping up with minor maintenance tasks, such as draining the water heater occasionally to flush out any formed sediments or plunging a toilet when it gets clogged. Performing these simple tasks regularly can help extend the life of the plumbing system and minimize the need for costly repairs down the road.
Getting a plumbing inspection can help homeowners identify problems and prevent larger, more expensive ones down the road. It can also give them peace of mind about purchasing a new home or making sure that the current home’s plumbing is in good condition before selling it. To avoid expensive plumbing repair bills, homeowners should get their home’s plumbing inspected at least once every few years. To keep their plumbing inspection costs low, homeowners can do their own visual inspection or ask a friend with plumbing experience for suggestions on where to start. They can also request multiple quotes from a plumber to compare prices and find the best rate.
Supply Lines
The plumbing supply lines carry water throughout the home from the main pipe to each fixture and drain. They usually consist of copper, steel or plastic tubing. Older homes may have galvanized pipes, which are a health hazard and should be replaced. A plumber should identify the material of each visible pipe during the inspection, and note its condition and whether it is functional.
If the home is a newer construction, it will most likely have PVC or PEX pipes. These are safer and more durable than older galvanized pipes. They also are easier to work with than older copper pipes, which tend to be prone to corrosion. The plumber should inspect these lines for leaks, damage, and the presence of lead or other chemicals that could contaminate the water supply.
Another part of the supply line that needs inspection is the venting system, which is used to expel waste gases from toilets and other fixtures. The plumber will look for proper venting, which is important to preventing dangerous carbon monoxide poisoning. The venting system will also be checked for blockages and clogs.
The plumber will also test the water flow rate at each fixture. A slow draining sink or gurgling toilet is a sign that debris like hair, food scraps or grease is building up in the pipe or that the drainage and ventilation systems are not working properly. The plumber will also note the location of each main water shut-off valve.
Prevent emergency repairs – Problems like leaking water heaters and sewer backups can be expensive to repair, and they may cause severe damage if not caught early. Plumbing inspections find these issues before they become major problems.
Protect the home value – Plumbing problems can reduce a property’s value, but regular maintenance and inspections prevent them from occurring. A plumbing inspection gives the home owner a peace of mind that the system is well maintained and up to code.
Having a plumbing inspection done every two years is a good idea to catch any problems before they become serious. It is also a great idea for people who are planning on purchasing a home, as it can ensure that the plumbing is in good condition.
Crawl Space or Basement
Depending on the type of home you live in, you might have a crawl space or a basement. Both are below-grade structures that present different challenges to homeowners compared to above-ground ones. If you are deciding whether to buy a home with a basement or crawl space, it is important to understand the benefits and drawbacks of each type of foundation.
Crawl spaces are a great choice for homes in wet climates because they help keep the wood used to support the house from rot and mold. They also raise the floor of the house off the ground, which can be helpful for air conditioning and heating ducts as well as plumbing lines.
A crawl space can either have a dirt floor or a concrete slab. The latter is more common. The advantage of a crawl space is that it can be accessed by a ladder, making it easy for the inspector to get in and check for problems. However, the main issue with a crawl space is moisture. This can cause mold or mildew, which can damage the insulation in the space and potentially lead to poor indoor air quality in the rest of the house.
During a plumbing inspection, the plumber will check the venting and drainage system in your crawl space. If they see any signs of leakage or other issues, they will recommend solutions to fix them. They may also suggest installing a dehumidifier, which can reduce the moisture levels in your crawl space.
If you have a crawl space, it is worth having a professional look at it, particularly if you are thinking about buying a new home. A plumbing inspection will allow you to have a better understanding of the condition of your home and can be helpful in negotiating the price. A visual inspection is often enough, but a combination inspection with a camera can give the plumber a closer look at any problems. This is an option that should be included in your initial plumbing inspection quote. It will save you money in the long run by preventing costly repairs later on.
