A plumbing inspection is a systematic process which helps to detect the critical areas of the plumbing system of a property. Hiring professional plumbers will help to avoid costly damages, as they will detect if there is a risk of pipe corrosion, clogs, leaks, and burst tubes that can cause flooding and property damage.
Importance of Plumbing Inspection
Regular plumbing inspection keeps the system running smoothly and prevents costly and unexpected repairs.
- Detect early problems to mitigate the risk of damaged pipelines and plumbing systems;
- Helps to eliminate the trouble of delayed work due to clogs and water leaks;
- Avoid bigger water damage; and
- Prevent a hike in water bills.
Vital Points in Performing Plumbing Inspection
A plumbing inspection must cover all the major components of the plumbing system. This should include pipes, valves, water heaters, and drains. The reason for inspecting such areas is to ensure whether there are leaks, corrosion, clogs, and drainage problems.
The following are the vital points in performing plumbing inspection:
- Check water heaters for any leaks
Look for signs of damp concrete or puddles beneath the tank.
- Testing shut-off and pressure relief valve on water heaters –
Switch it on and off to ensure the working condition. Operation should be smooth and without unusual noise.
- Check electrical or gas valve connections on water heaters
Leaks in the gas valve connections can lead to costly repairs as well as create a fire risk.
- Inspect plumbing fixtures leaks or damages
Check for drips on the floor, signs of leaking in walls and any moisture on pipes. Small drips become major leaks if not repaired faster.
- Shut the main water supply:
Inspect the shut-off valve of the main water supply for defects and damages. Check if the water meter is working even if the valve is shut off. This will let you know whether there are water leaks.
- Ensure the plumbing system is watertight:
Fill the entire drainage systems with water to the middle of a trip waste overflow. This will ensure that plumbing systems are closely sealed.
- Conduct water piping pressure test:
Turn on the water service from 75 psi to 100 psi to test the normal working pressure passing through the water pipelines. Check whether the water runs smoothly even with the minimum water pressure requirement.
- Test flushing on toilets for leaks.
Your toilet should only run long until it gets refilled when you flush the toilet. If your toilet runs continuously then the seal inside needs to be replaced.
- Examine fixtures, supply lines, and drains:
All fixtures should have valves to control the water supply. Check for the 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.
Maintaining good plumbing systems is necessary to avoid emergency plumbing issues. Have a good plumbing system for your home to avoid frequent repairs. Save your time and money!