A North Houston resident bought a 3-story home last year and it was old enough that a friend expressed concerns about plumbing and wiring. “If there’s anything wrong, the inspector will catch it,” said the home buyer airily. Months later, the kitchen ceiling crashed to the floor from the weight of water damage.
Home Inspections Often Superficial
For the purposes of buying/selling real estate, home inspectors do only 3 things to inspect the plumbing:
- They check if water runs from the taps, drains empty, and toilets flush.
“Home inspectors do not have the technical knowledge to advise potential homeowners if the plumbing in the house is up to code or even if sewer gas is leaking back into the home,” says one professional plumber.
Professional Plumbing Inspection
There are many reasons why you may want a professional plumbing inspection. In addition to buying or selling property, you may want an inspection to prevent costly emergency plumbing services.
Here are some things to expect from your home plumbing inspection:
- Check water filtration systems
- Examine fixtures, supply lines, drains
- In-depth investigation of all above-ground, exposed plumbing, including shut-off valves and traps under kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room sinks
- Inspect sinks, showers, bath and toilets
- Inspection of bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room draining and venting systems
- Inspection of the storage water tank or tankless water heater
- Plumbing video camera inspection of underground sanitary drains and sewer pipes. Cracks and misalignments that can lead to future drain blockage or collapse.
- Shut-off valve inspection
- Sump pump and discharge inspection
A plumbing inspection consists of the following:
- A check of your home’s filtration systems
- A check of your fixtures, drains, toilets, showers/ tubs and supply lines
- A check of your drainage and ventilation systems
- A video inspection of your sewer lines
- A check of your water heater
A plumbing inspection will also usually include a check of your sump pump. Additionally, they will ensure that your shut off valve is working properly. To learn more about getting your plumbing inspected, contact us today.
To pass a plumbing inspection, you will need to make sure the following things are working correctly:
- Sinks, drains, toilets, showers and tubs
- Dishwasher, refrigerator and washing machine
- Water heater, sump pump and sewage system
- Ventilation systems, drainage systems and filtration systems
The most surefire way to pass your plumbing inspection is to have the plumbing in your home consistently maintained. If your plumbing goes unmaintained, you are more likely to have unexpected issues arise with your plumbing systems. To get your plumbing inspected and serviced, call us today.
A plumbing top out inspection is a check of the following after a rough in is complete:
- Drain lines
- Waste lines
- Vents
The plumbing top out inspection is done when the rough in is complete and ready to be reviewed. Additionally, in the top out inspection final additions are made to the plumbing. To learn more about a plumbing top out inspection, contact us today.
Early Detection Key to Whole-House Wellness
Physicians often claim early detection can save lives, so they promote preventive care. Your home’s plumbing systems can benefit from early detection too. Our emergency plumbing services are available 24/7, but why would you wait until a crisis?
Bradbury Brothers Cooling, Heating & Plumbing professionals are honest about what your home needs now and what you may be looking at down the road.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. -Benjamin Franklin
