Home inspections, for many, come in one of two instances: when the home is being sold and when something goes terribly wrong. In both of these instances, the less expensive and less stressful solution would have been a plumbing inspection performed by a trained, certified, and experienced Toronto plumbing professional.
Plumbing inspections are a service provided by quality plumbers that simply ensures that your system is working properly. The inspector will go over your home with a fine-tooth comb and ensure there aren’t any problems lying in wait. Since they can spot problems before they happen, we recommend you have your home’s plumbing inspected regularly.
The answer to “How often should you have a plumbing inspection?” is simple: Every two to three years or immediately following. It depends on the year, the climate, and if you’ve noticed any problems. But here are some of the many issues a regular plumbing inspection can spot long before they damage your home.
1. Pipe Connections
The connections between pipes are often some of the more fragile parts of your plumbing system. Since they can be subject to intense levels of pressure, pipe connections can often appear to simply burst apart suddenly. But the signs have likely been there for years and a plumbing inspector knows what to look for.
2. Potential Freezing Issues
Temperature changes can cause many issues for home plumbing systems. Many pipes that freeze and burst have been subjected to rapid temperature changes. In older homes, indoor pipes can sometimes experience temperature fluctuations you may not even realize are possible since many homes have old fireplaces and other “renovation leftovers” that can create cold pockets in your home. A plumbing inspector can spot the temperature problems with specialized equipment and recommend cost-effective ways to avoid having your pipes freeze next winter. This is extra important because you do not want to have to deal with frozen pipes in the middle of a busy morning!
3. Backwater Valves
Backwater valves in Southern Ontario are often free to install for homeowners thanks to a robust rebate system. Almost every home can do with one of these devices, which stops sewage and city drain water from flowing up into your home by accident. A plumbing inspection will reveal if your backwater valve is in proper working order, or if you are in need of one.
4. Water Heater Issues
Plumbing isn’t just water, it’s gas as well. Plumbing inspectors are experts in water and gas piping, which means they are uniquely qualified to run tests to ensure your hot water heater is working properly.
How often should your home have a plumbing inspection? Well, the answer is quite simple: regularly. If you are getting a plumbing inspection every couple of years, and getting quick checks in the event of a plumbing issue or major renovation, you will be much less likely to experience plumbing emergencies. Plus, your home will have higher pressure and more hot water. Without regular inspections, however, you could end up paying thousands in damages and repairs that could have been easily spotted before they became expensive problems.
