Discover What Really Happens During a Professional Plumbing Inspection and Why Your Home Needs One

A professional plumbing inspection is one of the most valuable investments you can make for your home’s long-term health and your peace of mind. Whether you’re a new homeowner, preparing to sell your property, or simply want to stay ahead of potential problems, understanding what to expect during this comprehensive evaluation can help you make informed decisions about your plumbing system.

What Is a Professional Plumbing Inspection?

A plumbing inspection is when a professional does a thorough examination of all the plumbing on your property. The purpose of a plumbing inspection is to check all of the pipes in your house to make sure they’re in good repair. That applies to both interior plumbing as well as to exterior drainage systems. During the inspection, a licensed plumber will check your toilets, sewage lines, water supply, pipe condition, water heater, and so on. They’re looking for signs of corrosion, leaks, and general poor condition that could result in problems later on.

Types of Professional Plumbing Inspections

Professional plumbers typically offer three main types of inspections, each serving different needs and budgets:

Visual Inspection

A visual inspection is the most common type of professional inspection. As the name suggests, the plumber will do a visual inspection of all water and sewer fittings to check for leaks or signs of leakage. Visual plumbing inspections cost $100 to $200 and are the most basic option available. This inspection type includes a visual review and assessment of the water lines, drains, fixtures, and water-using appliances like water heaters, washers, dishwashers, and refrigerators.

Camera Inspection

The next step up is a camera inspection. Using compact high-resolution cameras, the plumber can inspect the inside of pipes, so that issues with supply lines or your sewer line can be identified. A plumbing camera inspection costs $300 to $1,100 on average. A camera inspection is best if you suspect there are issues inside the pipes in your walls, ceiling, or under the floor. During a camera inspection, the inspector feeds a high-resolution camera in hard-to-reach areas and identifies issues or blockages.

Combination Inspection

Combination inspections cost $400 to $1,300 and include a visual and camera inspection of your plumbing system. This method is more thorough and ensures there aren’t any current problems with the plumbing.

What to Expect During Your Inspection

Professional plumbers follow a comprehensive checklist to ensure nothing is overlooked during your inspection:

Plumbing Fixtures and Appliances

A quality home plumbing inspection will include checks anywhere water runs through your house. This includes sinks, toilets, tubs, lines, and pipes. Your plumber will thoroughly inspect every plumbing fixture within your home during an inspection. This includes your showers, tubs, toilets, sinks, and much more. When they’re inspecting your fixtures, they’ll look for signs of leaks and aging, and they’ll help verify each fixture’s overall functionality.

Water Heater Examination

Toilets and water heaters get an additional inspection. Toilets will have their water levels, flappers, and filler mechanisms checked. Water heaters will receive water temperature checks and have pressure relief valves and pipes tested before being flushed.

Water Pressure Testing

Plumbing inspections of your residential property will also entail a water pressure test. Your plumber will need to test your water pressure for various reasons, and they’ll be able to let you know when your home is experiencing low water pressure.

Exterior and Underground Components

Underneath and outside of your house, our plumbers will check both pipes and hydrants for leaks, as well as check for proper support to ensure anti-freeze protection. A crucial aspect of plumbing inspections is assessing the functionality of drainage systems. Inspectors inspect drains, traps, and sewer lines to ensure they are free from blockages, clogs, or buildup that could cause backups or slow drainage.

How Much Does a Professional Plumbing Inspection Cost?

A plumbing inspection can cost anywhere from $100 to $500 depending on your location, the type of inspection, and the size of your home. A plumbing inspection takes 1 to 3 hours, depending on the size of your home and whether the plumber notices any issues along the way. Camera and combination inspections typically take longer than basic visual inspections.

When Should You Schedule a Professional Plumbing Inspection?

Most professionals recommend plumbing inspections every 1 to 2 years or before buying or selling a home. Most pros suggest that you have a plumbing inspection of your home every two years. If you have an older home, you should have it inspected more often. Many professionals suggest annual checkups for homes that are more than 40 years old.

You should also consider scheduling an inspection if you notice ongoing water temperature fluctuations, strange sounds coming from your pipes, or odors in drains.

Why Professional Inspections Matter

Either way, a plumbing inspection is a low-cost way to put your mind at ease—or at least spot a problem that needs dealing with before it becomes bigger and more expensive down the road. Regular plumbing inspections can prevent small problems from becoming large ones. When you consider everything, this is probably the best reason of all for having your plumbing systems inspected. The damage that even a small leak or clogged drain can cause may be extensive, hard to trace, and difficult to repair. More costly than a plumbing inspection, too, most likely!

While you can do your own visual checks and minor repairs, a professional plumber has the knowledge, skills, and equipment to thoroughly inspect your entire plumbing system. They can detect potential problems that may not be visible to the untrained eye, such as leaks, corrosion, and clogs.

Preparing for Your Inspection

Before your plumber arrives, there are several steps you can take to ensure a smooth and thorough inspection:

First, make sure that all areas where plumbing is present are accessible. Clear out clutter and move any furniture or items that may block access to pipes or fixtures. Next, gather all necessary documents such as previous plumbing reports and invoices. This will give the plumber a better understanding of your plumbing system’s history and any previous repairs or upgrades.

Choosing the Right Professional

When searching for a qualified plumbing company near me, it’s essential to select professionals with the right credentials and experience. Look for licensed, insured plumbers who specialize in comprehensive inspections and have positive customer reviews.

Companies like Murray Plumbing, serving the El Dorado Hills, Placerville, and surrounding California areas, exemplify the qualities you should seek in a plumbing service provider. With over 24 years of residential and commercial experience, they offer free estimates and maintain a 5-star reputation while putting quality first in every aspect of their work.

The Bottom Line

A professional plumbing inspection is an investment in your home’s future and your family’s comfort. A plumbing inspection is a comprehensive assessment of your home’s plumbing system, aimed at identifying potential issues, checking for proper functionality, and promoting safety and efficiency. By conducting regular plumbing inspections, homeowners can detect problems early, prevent costly repairs, and maintain the integrity of their plumbing system for years to come.

Don’t wait for a plumbing emergency to discover problems with your system. Schedule a professional inspection today and gain the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home’s plumbing is in excellent condition. Remember, this can help you catch issues before they escalate and prevent more costly repairs.