Inspect all the places where water circulates in your home. Usually, a plumbing inspection begins with a visual examination of all the accessories and appliances connected to the plumbing system. This includes sinks, faucets, toilets, showers, bathtubs, water heaters, and any other appliance that uses water. The inspector checks for signs of leaks, corrosion, rust, or damage that may indicate underlying problems.
Examine exposed pipes in basements, mezzanines, or utility areas for signs of corrosion, rust, or damage. Pay special attention to joints and connections. Examine the water heater for signs of leaks around the base and at the connection points. Check that the temperature and pressure relief valve is working properly. When inspecting the exterior features of a commercial property, begin by visually inspecting all exposed outdoor pipes and drains around the perimeter of the property.
In doing so, look for signs of damage, such as cracks, corrosion, or leaks. Pay close attention to joints and connections, and don't forget to check for obstructions or debris that may be blocking the flow of water down the drains. After the initial visual inspection of the interior features, you'll need to evaluate water pressure and flow. Use a pressure gauge to measure water pressure in faucets and accessories and check that the measurement is at least 40 to 60 PSI.
Pay attention to any fluctuation in water pressure, such as cathodic sputtering or slow flow, as this could indicate problems with the main water supply or piping system. Next, you'll need to check the drainage performance of each appliance by running water and observing how quickly it drains. Pay attention to any gurgling sounds or air bubbles coming from drains, as they may indicate ventilation problems or obstructions in the piping system. In addition, when inspecting drain pipes, check for any sagging or misalignment in the horizontal pipes, as this may indicate structural or poor installation problems.
Like the other items on this self-inspection checklist, you'll need to check your water heater for signs of corrosion or leaks. Pay close attention to the bottom of the tank and around the fittings and connections. Working with a plumber ensures that all repairs are done with care and precision, preventing further problems in the future. Understanding the types of pipes in your home, performing pressure tests to identify leaks, inspecting under sinks and other accessories, checking for blockages in the drain line, using a water pressure gauge to measure flow rates, performing a hot water test, and hiring a professional plumber are important steps in the plumbing inspection process.
With compact, high-resolution cameras, the plumber can inspect the inside of the pipes to identify problems in the supply lines or the sewer line. Aaron Stickley is a licensed plumber with 15 years of experience in new commercial and residential plumbing and residential service and repair. While being your own plumber may not fit the definition of glamorous, having the skills of a skilled operator can be very useful, especially in cases of emergency. While these tips can help you identify some potential plumbing problems in your home, it's always best to hire a professional plumber to do a thorough inspection.
The plumber will perform a thorough inspection of the water heater's connections, pressure relief valves, and other accessories. Plumbers can also use specialized equipment, such as moisture meters or thermal imaging cameras, to detect hidden leaks behind walls or under the floor. The plumber performing the inspection will inspect sinks, toilets, and pipes and pipes for leaks, damaged connections, or other potential problems. The plumbing inspection checklist for a comprehensive plumbing inspection performed by a licensed plumber will cover many more points.
If you find that you've run into a more serious problem that you can't fix yourself, you can always call a professional plumber for additional help. Don't trust anyone other than a professional plumber and licensed plumbing companies to perform plumbing inspections. Follow the manufacturer's instructions or consult a professional plumber for guidance on how to safely and accurately perform the test. As the name suggests, the plumber will perform a visual inspection of all water and sewer fittings to check for leaks or signs of a leak.
