Plumbing Guide: How Often Should Plumbing Be Inspected?

As crucial as it is, plumbing tends to be neglected until something goes wrong and requires fixing. Plumbing does a lot, from ensuring our clean water supply to disposing of our wastewater. As with any complex system, regular residential plumbing inspection is critical to ensure integrity.

But how often should plumbing be inspected? All of that depends on the age of the plumbing, the materials involved, and local conditions. Regularly inspecting can catch issues early and avoid costly repairs and possible property damage. Plumbing systems are used daily; over time, they wear out, so addressing minor problems before they become major ones can save you time, money, and stress. In this blog, we will show you some factors that determine the need for plumbing inspections and signs that you need to call a professional. By the end, you’ll understand when it’s the right time to book plumbing inspection services and how these inspections can save you from future headaches.

Factors That Determine How Often Plumbing Should Be Inspected

Plumbing System Age

The age of your plumbing system determines how often you should schedule an inspection of your plumbing system.  The plumbing systems which are constructed thirty years ago and even earlier are more prone to physical deterioration. After some time, pipes may develop a hole due to corrosion, while joints may wear out. It is also essential to get the inspections every 1-2 years, especially if you reside in an older house. First, many homes were constructed using pipes that may have been of substandard material by today’s standards, such as galvanized steel pipes notorious for rust and blockage. How long does a plumbing inspection take? In most cases 2 to 3 hours, but it depends on several factors such as size and the conditions of the plumbing system.

Type of Plumbing

The material your pipes are made of would be a big factor in determining the frequency of plumbing checks. For instance:

• Copper Pipes: Copper pipes are extremely solid and can work with hardly any maintenance and endure a lifetime, but the maximum can last for around 70 -80 years or so. These may, however, tend to get leaks due to corrosion or pressure problems. Over time, it is relevant to conduct periodic checks every 2 to 3 years.
• PVC Pipes: These are pretty much resistant to corrosion and generally low maintenance. Still, they may be at risk due to temperature fluctuations caused by cracking. Ideal reviews take place every 3-5 years. The plumbing camera inspection is often the best way to examine these pipes when one suspects an issue.
• Galvanized Steel Pipes: These are the pipes installed in most houses built during the middle of the 20th century. The material is subject to rust and corrosion, which significantly reduces its working life. If your plumbing system consists of galvanized steel pipes, you should schedule a plumbing inspection every 1-2 years to avoid major disasters, such as water contamination or leaks. These pipes are relatively vulnerable; therefore, their replacement is due sooner or later, so regular inspections become vital.

History of Plumbing Issues

If you’ve had problems with your plumbing system in the past, including clogging, leaking, or slow drainage, then you will need to have the system checked more often. Leaking pipes are known to be associated with other problems that may be hiding from plain sight. Plumbing camera inspections allow plumbers to identify problems inside the pipes without tearing up floors or walls, saving you time and money. Past experiences show recurrent difficulties like tree root encroachment, which may cause corrosion, or pipe misalignments that can worsen with time.

Local Environmental Factors

Your plumbing system is influenced by local conditions such as water quality, the composition of the soil around your compound, and even the weather. For instance, regions with hard water form minerals inside the pipes, forming a barrier that results in reduced water flow and congestion. In the same way, regions with unfavourable climate conditions may be characterized by low temperatures that result in pipe bursts. Such conditions are adverse for plumbing systems and usually need more frequent monitoring.

Other environmental factors, such as tree roots, may find their way into plumbing systems if you have aging pipes. If you live in an area where such conditions usually compromise plumbing systems, it is advisable to check the systems often. For instance, if one’s home is always freezing, one must schedule an inspection raid before the onset of winter. Taking such measures prevents damage to pipes, which can be costly in the future. How much does a plumbing inspection cost? it depends on several factors, contact us today to get your free quote.

Signs You Need to Book a Plumbing Inspection

Although people must set up regular appointments for inspections to prevent any complications, there are occasions when a residential plumbing inspection is dire. Here are some common signs that suggest it’s time to book a plumbing inspection:

Visible Leaks or Water Damage

Any initial signs of dampness rising from your walls, ceilings, or floor indicate that you might have a plumbing issue. Increased humidity from water damage can cause mould to grow, physical damage or scale-down, and additional costs if not prevented. Plumbing camera inspections can quickly pinpoint the source of leaks, whether it’s a minor crack in a pipe or a more significant issue that requires a major repair.

Suppose you notice any water leaks in the house, running water on the floor or wall when there isn’t any usage devilry pipes, or moisture around pipes or fixtures. In that case, you must be very careful and call a professional water leak repair service. Leakage is a symptom of a root cause that can be hidden from sight, and fixing it early can prevent more serious repairs later on. Many plumbing problems don’t seem serious, but the situation will be aggravated if repairs are not done soon.

Experience Slow Drainage Or Frequent Clogs

Clogs or slow-flowing drains may not always be annoying but could indicate a serious problem. They may mean something more serious is going wrong in your plumbing system, like a clog or buildup of some sort in the pipes. Eventually, clogs can lead to water backing up, sewer line problems, flooding, or even sewage in your home.

If you notice that water drains slowly from sinks, bathtubs, or showers, or if you constantly need to use a plunger, it’s time to book a plumbing inspection. A plumbing inspection camera can be inserted into the drain lines to reveal any hidden obstructions or buildup that could cause long-term damage. Neglecting these symptoms may be dangerous in advance, and employing a specialist plumber can help you get a better idea of what’s going on.

Odors or Swelling Sounds

When you experience gurgling sounds from the drains or smell any awkward scents, the pipes may contain water with air bubbles or a clog. Such sounds are typically best attributed to screwing or choking or a variation in the barometric pressure of the plumbing system. Plumbing camera inspections can identify the location of the problem and determine if it’s something minor or more severe, such as a collapsed pipe.

Sulphur odour or smell similar to sewers can also indicate a terrible sewer line situation. Do not consider these smells normal because they may indicate a backup or leak hazardous to your system. A Camera inspection plumbing service can locate the source of the issue without the need for intrusive excavation or disruption to your property.

Low Water Pressure or Inconsistent Temperature

Sometimes, the pressure and temperature of the water supplied to the consumers are not constant, and there are alternating low pressure and fluctuating temperatures.

Changes in pressure and/or temperature in the water supply commonly indicate major problems with the plumbing system. Reduced water pressure may be attributed to blockage or cracks in the pipes, while fluctuating water temperature may imply a problem with the water heater or the pipes that feed it. Both of these issues should be solved at once before the problem causes more harm.

If you experience sudden drops in water pressure or temperature changes during normal use, it’s time to book plumbing inspection services. Generally, a plumber with camera inspection diagnoses the situation by inspecting the system and then advising the client appropriately. Problems associated with these factors could cause great discomfort and inconvenience if not addressed.

Preparing to Buy a New Home

Before purchasing a new home, it’s essential to have a home plumbing inspection checklist done. A house can seem perfect on the outside, yet there are problems with the plumbing that are out of sight, beneath the floor, or behind the walls. A professional plumbing inspection can provide added comfort by avoiding the unhappy scenario of having to pay for some plumbing work shortly after you’ve moved in. Most homeowners do not pay adequate attention to plumbing systems during inspection because they think everything is well. However, plumbing problems are not easily noticed until the system is inspected.

Whether you are buying a newly constructed home or an older property, make sure to book plumbing inspection services to evaluate the plumbing system’s condition thoroughly.

Conclusion

The plumbing system in a house should be inspected every now and then to ensure its health. Learning about the factors that determine the frequency of an inspection and the signs that one is required can help you save money that might otherwise be spent on repairs and enjoy your plumbing for a very long time. Whether you have a new or older home, scheduling routine plumbing inspection services with a reliable plumber in Richmond Hill such as ExpressRooter Plumbing can help you catch potential issues early.

How to get a plumbing inspection? If you’re unsure when to schedule your next inspection or need assistance with a plumbing camera inspection in Richmond Hill or the Greater Toronto Area, and searching for a plumbing camera inspection near me, don’t hesitate to book an inspection with ExpressRooter Plumbing.

Our experienced plumbers in Richmond Hill are equipped with the latest technology to promptly diagnose and address any plumbing issue.