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Plumbing Inspections
Plumbing inspections are one of the most ignored home improvements.
Homeowners overlook their pipes until problems arise. By that point, the damage has already occurred. According to industry data, the US sees approximately 14,000 water damage cases a day.
On the plus side.
You can prevent being one of those daily cases if you schedule routine plumbing services. Always remember this one thing: prevention is more affordable than a cure.
In this article:
- We’ll look at the importance of plumbing inspections.
- We’ll talk about the hidden costs of not paying attention to your pipes.
- We’ll look at what happens during a plumbing inspection.
- We’ll recommend how frequently your plumbing check-ups should be.
The Importance of Plumbing Inspections
There is one thing…
Your pipes are running day and night. The water circulates through the entire plumbing system without a stop. The result is that the plumbing systems’ general state wears out.
Tiny issues gradually turn into expensive and stressful calamities. A professional plumbing inspection catches them in their earlier stages.
These routine inspections examine all the components of your water system. It includes all the supply lines, the drain pipes, and others. Nothing is left unexamined.
Why is it essential for home improvement?
It’s because water damage is one of the most prevalent and costly disasters that homeowners can experience.
Your floorings, walls, and personal properties can be ruined in a matter of minutes by a burst pipe.
Regular inspections reduce the chances of such emergencies. You are assured of your pipe system’s safety from these problems.
Partnering with reputable plumbing services is always the best decision. Integrity Plumbing & Drain is known for offering the best plumbing services in Greensboro. Their experts understand your system like the back of their hands.
Consider the following scenario:
A tiny leak under the kitchen sink looks harmless. But that same leak can weaken the kitchen cabinet, flooring, and cause molds to grow in just a few weeks.
The solution? Regular inspections detect them in their early stages.
And as we have always said:
Prevention is always better than a cure.
The Hidden Costs of Ignoring Your Pipes
Allow me to demonstrate why the inspections are costly and important…
Water damage costs an average $13,954 each. Imagine the amount of money that could be saved if such destruction could be averted.
And here’s the most shocking part: insurance will not cover the damages caused by neglected maintenance.
Research indicates that 65% of plumbing failures were because of the pipes’ deterioration or freezing. Both these problems can be discovered during the inspection.
This is what the numbers tell us:
- The average cost of repairing pipe leaks is $500-$800
- Emergency plumbing service call-out charges are 1 to 3 times more than regular services
- Water heaters have an average life expectancy of 8-12 years without maintenance.
- An undetected leak can waste thousands of gallons of water per year.
Imagine all that money flowing down the drain.
But it does not end there. Water can damage your personal property, flooring, and even the whole structural integrity of your house. None of that is a pocket-friendly fixing job.
What Happens During a Plumbing Inspection?
So, what do these plumbing inspections cover?
A licensed plumber will review the entire water system. They will leave no stone unturned when performing this routine check. Here’s what they will be looking for:
- Pipe condition assessment
- Water pressure testing
- Drain functionality
- Water heater evaluation
- Fixture inspection
Pipe condition assessment
The plumber will check all the visible pipes for corrosion, leaks, and damage. Connections are also included. But they are also on the lookout for potential problem areas.
Water pressure testing
Low water pressure is an indication of blockages or leaks that are not apparent. On the other hand, the high water pressure can be traumatizing on the pipes and fixtures. Both scenarios need to be addressed.
Drain functionality
Slow drains are early indicators of bigger challenges waiting to surface. Plumbers will also check how the water is flowing through your system. Plus, they will be looking for any potential clogs as well.
Water heater evaluation
Your water heater works hard day and night. Plumbers will check for any sediment buildups, corrosion, and appropriate functionality. Bursting of this unit will cause significant damage.
Fixture inspection
The faucets, toilets, showers, and others will all be thoroughly checked. Even the smallest drips should not be ignored. This is because they tend to pile up over time. These drips also indicate that some parts are worn out and need replacement.
Voila!
That is a complete plumbing inspection.
How Frequent Should You Schedule an Inspection?
Here’s what most homeowners are oblivious of…
Plumbing inspections should be conducted on a yearly basis. They should be part of your routine home improvement plan.
It should be no different from when you are changing your HVAC filters or having your furnace serviced.
Research data shows that 30% of homeowners have never had a plumbing maintenance service scheduled in their homes. This is approximately one-third of the entire household.
They are literally on borrowed time.
Don’t be one of them. Here’s what you should do if you belong to the following categories:
- You own an old house (older than 25 years)
- Mature trees are surrounding your sewer lines
- You have noticed that the water pressure has changed
- Your water bill has recently increased without your consent
- You are in the process of buying or selling a property
The old houses need frequent plumbing inspections. The pipes tend to wear off as time elapses. The fittings that were okay a decade ago can easily start giving problems in the present.
The Benefits of Plumbing Inspections
Saving money is pretty obvious.
But there are more benefits of plumbing inspections. These are;
Peace of mind
You don’t have to worry about coming home from work and finding your basement flooded or a burst pipe.
Extended system lifespan
Regularly maintained plumbing systems last longer. So, you don’t have to keep on thinking about when to replace all the pipes.
Improved water quality
Corroded pipes tend to pollute the quality of water in your system. Plumbing inspections ensure that the water flowing through your pipes remains clean.
Better home value
It also increases your home value. Documented maintenance history speaks volumes about the kind of care that your property has been receiving. As a result, it reduces the buyer’s anxiety and perception of having latent problems.
Taking Action
The bottom line is that routine plumbing inspections are important.
They protect your home, your money, and also your sanity. Prevention is always better (and cheaper) than a cure.
You can never start too early when it comes to saving your property from unnecessary disasters.
How do you start, you may ask?
Schedule your first plumbing inspection if it’s your first time. If it’s not, make it part of your annual home maintenance programs. You should always keep records of every inspection and recommendation given.
The pipes run tirelessly for you, day and night. All you need to do is return the favor by giving them the care that they deserve.
Conclusion
Regular plumbing inspections are one of the wisest decisions that a homeowner can make.
They are the best way of early detection of potential small problems that could later turn into full-blown disasters.
To recap:
- Schedule an inspection at least once a year.
- Don’t hesitate to take action when the plumbers give you an issue.
- Keep records for future reference.
- Hire only qualified professionals that you can trust and be comfortable with.
The data shows that water damage is both prevalent, expensive, and, more importantly, avoidable. Make proactive efforts today and never regret your decisions later.
Don’t wait to be the owner of a home with a burst pipe or flooded basement to learn the importance of maintenance. You will thank yourself in the future.