Plumbing Inspection FAQs
Plumbing Inspection Questions
Here's what people are asking about plumbing inspections.
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- What is a plumbing inspection?
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An examination of the plumbing infrastructure and appliances in a home conducted by a licensed professional. An inspection typically covers fixtures, pipes, waterlines, indoor and outdoor drainage, and waste and vent systems.
Inspections and regular checkups will keep systems running smoothly and help you avoid costly emergencies that could arise without proper and periodic inspections by a professional plumbing contractor.
- When do I need a plumbing inspection?
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It is recommended that you have your plumbing inspected and receive preventive maintenance once every 3-4 years or as soon as you purchase a home. Septic systems should be inspected and pumped at least once every 3-4 years.
- What is involved in a plumbing inspection?
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The plumber you select will perform a complete evaluation of the plumbing infrastructure in the home to make sure all systems are running properly. This includes checking pipes, waterlines, heater, indoor and outdoor drainage and all plumbing fixtures and appliances. The licensed professional will look for leaks or potential leaks, examine toilets, sprinkler valves, and also check the water meter to make sure it is operating properly.
- How do I choose a plumbing inspector?
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Shop around. Ask for recommendations from friends, family, your lender or real estate agent. Building contractors also have plumbers and electricians they routinely work with. Always ask any provider for recent references, particularly for the type of service that you need.
Any plumbing contractor hired should have an active license in your state. Ask for the license number and check with the agency in your county or state that maintains these licenses to ensure that it is current and in good order. You may also want to look up the name of the plumber with organizations like the Better Business Bureau to see if any pending complaints have been filed.
Consider the plumber's service warranty before hiring him. If he can't guarantee the work for an acceptable period, consider looking for other contractors. Unless you have very old pipes and fixtures and your home needs extensive plumbing work, a good plumber will return to fix a leak or a problem that was his error.
- I'm buying a new home. Do I need an inspection?
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It's always a good idea to have an initial checkup and then a full inspection after the first year or two to look for wear and tear. Problems discovered early will most likely save you money.
- How much does a plumbing inspection cost?
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Some inspectors will do a visual inspection for $50. Others may offer to do the inspection free and charge a minimum of $50 for a written report. Depending on the location of the property and the hours spent on the inspection can anywhere from $50-$150.
- Who pays for the plumbing inspection?
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The buyer usually pays for the inspection.
