How Often Should Plumbing be Inspected – Home Inspections

Many rarely think about their plumbing system unless there’s a plumbing emergency or something isn’t working right. However, it’s important to have your plumbing system checked regularly to ensure things are working properly and identify any potential problems. As is the case with most home repairs, taking a proactive rather than a reactive approach can help to identify potential problems before they arise. So how often should plumbing be inspected?

How Often Should Plumbing be Inspected 

In this post, we’ll highlight how often you need to have your plumbing inspected. We’ll also point out some of the specific times you need to schedule for a plumbing inspection.

Professional Plumbing Inspections

Without a professional plumbing inspection, minor plumbing issues can get worse and when left unchecked, can lead to expensive repairs and major disasters. According to most professionals in the plumbing industry, you should schedule an inspection of your home’s plumbing systems at least once every 2 years. There are also several scenarios where an inspection should happen more frequently. Here are some examples:

Moving into a New Home: 

If you just recently bought a house or moved to new premises, it’s probably wise to have your plumbing thoroughly inspected by someone other than a home inspector. When it comes to a kitchen and bathroom remodel, you’ll want to ensure it’s done properly and no leaks are present. You don’t want to miss anything as even the smallest plumbing issues can cause major problems down the road.

When Living in an Older Home: 

If you have an older home that was built before the 1960s, chances are the plumbing system includes steel pipes. As such, you need to have your plumbing system checked. Steel was commonly used for plumbing back then because of its strength. However, builders didn’t realize that these pipes in older plumbing systems could actually deteriorate over time, leading to leaks and bursts.

Properties with Mature Trees: 

Large trees that have been growing for years will have extensive root systems underground that are not always easy to see or track. Growing roots can get in your sewer lines, as they can be quite powerful, even pushing right through underground plumbing pipes. If a root causes a small leak in your underground pipes, for example, it would take you years to notice but a trained plumber will know what to check during an inspection of your system.

Choosing The Right Plumber

Once you’ve decided to have your plumbing inspected, choose a reputable plumber you can count on to do the job right. You’ll want to work with a competent plumbing contractor who is familiar with the techniques and tools necessary to provide a thorough, high-quality inspection. In addition to identifying potential problems in your plumbing system, an experienced plumber will also check that your plumbing is up to code and using quality parts.

Bottom Line

The tips mentioned above give a clear answer to the question, how often should plumbing be inspected? With that knowledge, you can start searching for a reliable plumber who will inspect your plumbing as often as necessary and ensure everything is working as it should. As you remodel your home, these inspections can prevent unexpected costs later on. Timely inspections may cost some money but they save you loads of cash in the long run.