Last Updated on August 29, 2024 by Surender Kumar
As a homeowner, keeping a close eye on your plumbing system to ensure everything is functioning correctly is essential. Conducting routine inspections, allows you to detect potential issues early on, preventing them from escalating into larger and more expensive problems that may require extensive repairs. During a drain inspection, trained professionals use specialised equipment to thoroughly assess the condition of your drainage system. They can identify issues such as leaks, blockages, or signs of deterioration in pipes and connections. This approach help you catch small leak before it causes water damage throughout your home, or identifying a clog before it leads to a complete backup of your plumbing system.
However, conducting a plumbing inspection can be daunting, especially if you don’t know what to look for. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of dos and don’ts to help you conduct a thorough household plumbing inspection.
This article covers everything from checking your pipes for leaks to inspecting your water heater. Our tips can keep your plumbing system in shape and avoid expensive repairs. So, if you’re ready to learn how to conduct a plumbing inspection like a pro, read on.
The Dos
Below is what you must do during the inspections:
Table of Contents
Know When To Call A Professional
With the rise in people taking up projects as DIY (Do It Yourself), there’s a high probability you’ll adopt this for your plumbing inspection.
DIYing your plumbing inspection is commendable as long as you have the skills to do it. Various tutorials can guide you through the process.
Even as you adopt DIY, know when to call a professional plumber like Fergusons Plumbing.
Some plumbing inspection procedures can be challenging to execute. If you encounter such a situation, please call the professionals. They’re better skilled and have enough experience handling such inspections.
Use The Right Tools
When performing a plumbing inspection, using the right tools is essential. There is no one-size-fits-all tool that can inspect all your plumbing systems. That’s why using the appropriate inspection tool for each system is crucial. It ensures a thorough inspection and helps identify any potential issues.
You may need cameras, lowering ropes, and robotic crawlers. Each tool serves a specific purpose and works best in different circumstances. For example, robotic crawlers are ideal for inspecting elongated pipes that are too thin for a human to enter.
Before starting your inspection, take the time to research the tools you’ll need based on the plumbing systems in your home. If you’re unsure which tools to use, consider seeking guidance from the vendor you’ll be sourcing the tools from. They can provide expert advice and help ensure you have the right tools for the job. Using the right tools, you can thoroughly inspect and catch any potential plumbing issues before they become major problems.
Be Thorough
The plumbing system is broad; some include but aren’t limited to water heaters, water pipes, toilets, sinks, and drainage. One mistake you can make during the plumbing inspection is not inspecting everything, no matter how small.
Failing to inspect your drainage might cause you to miss out on clogging that causes blockages a week after the inspection. It takes you back to square one. Therefore, be thorough with your household plumbing inspection.
It’d help to create a checklist for all your home plumbing inspections. Some of the content of this list could include inspecting all exposed pipes (outdoors or in the basement), drains, and shower heads. Also, consider detailing the aspects to look out for, like leaks and corrosion.
The Don’ts
Here’s what not to do regarding your household plumbing inspection:
Do Not Fail To Address Any Issues You Identify
One reason for conducting plumbing inspections is to identify any issues with your plumbing. If you identify any, addressing them with the help of qualified Bedfordshire plumbers (or those closer to you) should become part of your to-do list.
Some homeowners make the mistake of postponing repairs to the issues they identify. Please don’t do this. The longer you wait, the more the issue develops, making it complex and expensive.
Remember, it’d help to have a professional plumber on your emergency contact list as they can help you sort out the problems in the event that you are unable to fix them yourself. Don’t have one already? Also, does this question, “who do I contact for a reliable plumber, cross your mind frequently? If yes, then know that you can find seasoned experts on the Web with ease.
Suppose the cost of repairs is what’s making you postpone the repairs. Consider seeking affordability with the repairs. You’ll address the issues on a budget.
Do Not Fail To Adhere To Plumbing Codes
A plumbing system will only run well if you’ve properly installed it, factoring in dimensions and other calculations. Professional plumbing bodies have established standards and codes that guide the correct installation. Some of the codes are on the specifications of plumbing fittings and the right pipe material and sizing for each plumbing system.
All plumbers adhere to these codes during installation. However, a mistake that occurs is failing to adhere to these codes when rectifying issues identified during plumbing inspections.
Don’t fail to adhere to and maintain the initial standards of your plumbing systems. Failing to do this might put you on the wrong side of the law or lead to an inefficient plumbing system.
Do Not Fail To Know Your Plumbing System
Knowing the ins and outs of your plumbing system is crucial as a homeowner. It’ll guide you during the home inspection, ensuring you don’t miss out on checking any parts. Knowing your system will also ensure you take the necessary safety measures for a smooth inspection.
Some of the parts you should know about are the water shut-off and gate valves. You should also know if your pipes are straight or have corners. If cornered, get to know these points.
Ask your plumber to guide you through your entire plumbing system.
Conclusion
A household plumbing inspection is crucial for any household. You heavily rely on your plumbing to meet your water needs, hence the need for a thorough inspection. The discussion above details the dos and don’ts of the process. Implementing the insight in your plumbing inspection is in your best interest.
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