A plumbing inspection is a visual assessment of the entire plumbing system of a property. From the network of pipes hidden behind your walls to the visible fixtures in your kitchen and bathrooms, a comprehensive plumbing survey offers a detailed evaluation of the entire system. Understanding the state of your plumbing system can help you avoid surprise costs, prevent significant property damage, and ensure a safe, comfortable living environment.

So, whether it’s part of regular home maintenance or a pre-purchase plumbing inspection, a detailed assessment of your property’s pipes, drains, fixtures, and appliances will give you peace of mind and potential cost savings.

Catching problems early with home plumbing inspections can often prevent more extensive and costly damage later on. A throughout survey should be considered in the following circumstances:

1. Home Purchase or Sale: If you are buying a home, a pre-purchase plumbing survey can identify any hidden issues and provide a clear understanding of the property’s plumbing system.

2. Regular Maintenance: Just like regular health check-ups, a plumbing inspection should be done periodically to ensure your system is working correctly and catch any potential issues early. A general recommendation is to have a plumbing inspection every two years, although older homes or homes with known plumbing issues may benefit from annual inspections.

3. Home Renovation: If you are planning a major home renovation, especially one that involves the bathroom or kitchen, it might make financial sense to have a plumbing inspection done before you start to avoid unforeseen complications.

4. Persistent Issues: If you are experiencing ongoing plumbing issues such as low water pressure, slow drains, unpleasant odour from sewer lines, or unexplained increases in your water bill, it may be a good idea to schedule a plumbing inspection.

5. Aging Plumbing System: If your home is over 20 years old and has never had a plumbing inspection, it’s likely time to have one. Ageing systems can have deteriorating pipes, outdated materials, and other issues that may lead to significant problems if not addressed.

6. Water Quality Issues: If you notice changes in your water’s taste, smell, or colour, it could indicate a problem with your plumbing system that needs to be inspected.

Plumbing problems can be expensive and disruptive. A thorough plumbing inspection can help identify these potential issues, saving you the trouble and cost of extensive repairs down the line.

A home plumbing inspection is important for a number of reasons:

• Early Identification of Potential Issues: During a plumbing inspection, a licensed plumber can identify any potential problems with the plumbing system. This can include small leaks, cracks, or signs of corrosion that could become bigger (and costlier) problems if left untreated.
• Cost Savings: Identifying and fixing minor issues before they become major problems can avoid costly repairs and save homeowners a significant amount of money in the long run. It’s generally less expensive to repair small leaks or replace worn-out parts than it is to repair water damage or replace an entire plumbing system.
• Safety: Leaks can lead to water damage, mould growth, and even structural damage to your home, all of which can pose serious health and safety risks. A thorough plumbing inspection can identify these issues before they pose a danger to your home or health.
• Prevent Surprises in the Future: For prospective home buyers, a plumbing inspection can provide peace of mind. It ensures there are no hidden surprises down the line and can help in the negotiation process. Knowing the state of the property’s plumbing system allows buyers to make an informed decision and potentially negotiate the repair costs into the price of the home.
• Increase Home Value: A well-maintained plumbing system can increase the value of your home. If you are planning to sell, a recent plumbing inspection can assure potential buyers that the system is in good condition, thereby making your home more appealing.
• Legal Compliance: In some locations, a plumbing inspection may be legally required before a home can be sold. Even when not required, an inspection can show prospective buyers that the house has been well maintained.

When conducting a visual inspection and camera inspection, trained professionals look for a wide range of issues, such as leaks, corrosion, inadequate water pressure, and other potential problems that could affect the efficiency and durability of your plumbing system.

A plumbing inspection typically involves the following steps:

1. The inspector will review the property’s plumbing plans.
2. The inspector will visually inspect the pipes, drains, fixtures, and appliances.
3. The inspector will look for any signs of leaks, cracks, corrosion, clogged drain or other damage.
4. The inspector will check the water pressure and the efficiency of the system.
5. The inspector may use a camera to inspect the pipes, including sewer pipes.
6. The inspector will write a report of their findings.

At Mayfair Plumbers, we offer a comprehensive inspection service from regular plumbing inspections to pre-purchase plumbing surveys to ensure your property’s plumbing system is in the best possible condition. Our experienced team of certified plumbers uses an extensive checklist to get your plumbing inspected and to cover all internal and external parts of your system.

Here’s what our home plumbing inspection checklist generally includes:

1. Interior Water Supply System:

• Checking all faucets and showers for proper water flow, supply lines and pressure.
• Inspecting the pipes for material type, condition, leaks, and corrosion.
• Assessing hot water systems including water heaters and boilers for proper operation and safety controls.
• Inspecting toilets for leaks and proper flush mechanism operation.

2. Drainage Systems, Waste, and Vent Systems:

• Examining all drains for speed of drainage and signs of blockage.
• Checking for signs of leaks or damage in waste and vent pipes.
• Evaluating sewage lines and septic tank (if applicable), including checking for signs of overflow or backup.

3. Plumbing Fixtures and Components:

• Inspecting sinks, bathtubs, showers, toilets, and other fixtures for proper operation.
• Checking for leaks or damage to faucets, showerheads, and other fixtures.
• Examining the waste disposal and other appliances connected to the water supply, such as dishwashers and washing machines.

4. Water Heating Equipment:

• Assessing the water heater for the proper installation, including venting and temperature/pressure relief valves.
• Checking the water heater for signs of leaks or corrosion.
• Verifying the age and capacity of the unit to determine if a replacement may be needed soon.

5. Exterior Plumbing System:

• Inspecting outside hoses and faucets for proper operation and leaks.
• Checking the condition of visible piping, looking for signs of leaks or damage.
• Evaluating the sprinkler system (if applicable) for proper operation and coverage.

6. Specialty Inspections:

• Using camera technology to inspect the internal condition of the pipes.
• Testing water quality, particularly if the home uses well water.
• Checking for the presence of lead pipes or fittings.