What Should Be Included in a Plumbing Inspection

Plumbing inspectors ensure that new construction, changes, or repairs to existing structures comply with local and national building codes and ordinances, zoning regulations and contract specifications.

Before prospective homebuyers purchase a property, they should take a closer look at the plumbing. It could save you thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs. Just as the mechanical condition of your car is vital to the marketability of your vehicle, the mechanical condition of your house is also very important to buyers, especially plumbing.

In the same way a vehicle inspection report can be a useful marketing tool for your car, a plumbing inspection report can provide strong marketing benefits for your property. Today, plumbing inspectors have some amazing technology to spot potential problems, including camera inspection of the main drain lines. This can pinpoint problem areas within the drain lines that usually go unnoticed during your typical home inspections.

By catching plumbing problems with a plumbing checkup and camera inspection of the home’s main drain lines you can avoid costly repair costs.
Here’s a plumbing checklist for making your home’s drainage system is working property:

Bathroom

• Fill bathtubs with water and then drain them to check the drainage flow.
• Flush toilet to check drainage.
• Fill sinks with water and check drainage.
• Check around the base of the show to make sure there is no leakage.

Start by filling the bathtubs with water and then draining them to observe the drainage flow. This helps identify any slow drainage issues that could indicate blockages. Flush the toilets to ensure proper drainage and check for any signs of leaks or continuous running water, which could signify faulty seals or valves.

Similarly, fill the bathroom sinks with water and observe the drainage. Look for leaks around the base of the shower, as these can cause significant water damage if left unchecked. Regular maintenance in these areas can prevent minor issues from turning into major problems.

Kitchen Laundry

• Check garbage disposal to make sure it works properly.
• Run the dishwasher full cycle to make sure it works and doesn’t leak.

In the kitchen, verify that the garbage disposal is functioning correctly by running it and checking for any unusual noises or operational issues. Run the dishwasher through a full cycle to ensure it works efficiently and check for leaks underneath.

For the laundry area, run the washer through a complete cycle to ensure it operates smoothly and doesn’t leak. Inspect the shut-off valves for both hot and cold water to ensure they are accessible and not leaking. Proper inspection of these appliances and fixtures can prevent water damage and costly repairs.

Laundry

• Run the washer full cycle to make sure it works and doesn’t leak.
• Inspect the shut off valves for both hot and cold water.

In the laundry area, start by running the washing machine through a full cycle to ensure it operates smoothly and doesn’t leak. Check for any unusual noises or vibrations that might indicate mechanical issues. Inspect the shut-off valves for both hot and cold water, ensuring they are easy to access and not leaking. Look closely at the hoses for signs of wear, cracks, or bulging, as these can lead to significant water damage if they fail.

Ensure the drain hose is securely connected and properly positioned to prevent backflow or spillage. Regular maintenance and inspection of these components are crucial in preventing costly repairs and water damage. Taking these steps ensures your laundry area functions efficiently and safely, protecting your home from potential water-related issues.

Other Plumbing Areas

• Inspect water meter.
• Check sprinkler systems for leaks.
• Check sprinkler timer systems.
• Inspect water supply shut off valves.
• Inspect water heater hot and cold shut off valves. Most water heaters need bracing; check to make sure they meet the code requirements in your area.

Inspect the water meter to check for any discrepancies that might indicate hidden leaks in the plumbing system. Examine the sprinkler systems and their timers to ensure they are functioning correctly and not wasting water through leaks. Inspect the main water supply shut-off valves to ensure they can be easily operated in case of an emergency.

Finally, check the water heater’s hot and cold shut-off valves. Ensure that the water heater meets local code requirements, including proper bracing to prevent damage during seismic events. Regular inspection and maintenance of these areas can significantly extend the lifespan of your plumbing system and prevent unexpected issues.