November 04, 2016
Plumbing Home Inspection
Plumbing Home Inspection For Dallas Homeowners
Most people wouldn’t even think of buying a new house without having the plumbing inspected, even if such an inspection weren’t required. And yet many of those same people never again think about a having their plumbing inspected, at least not in that same house.
How to prepare a house for a final plumbing inspection.
Plumbing Home Inspection
Your home is the single largest investment you are ever likely to make and plumbing is a significant part of that investment. Anyone considering purchasing a home – whether the house is new or older – should arrange for a plumbing inspection before they make the decision to buy. People who already own their own home and have never had a plumbing inspection should arrange one as a diagnostic and preventative measure.
Plumbing is not cosmetic. If you have a leaking pipe or clogged drain – or the potential for a plumbing problem – it is an issue that must be addressed before a minor repair becomes a major headache. You can live with the purple flocked wallpaper in the front hall, but you can’t live with a toilet that won’t flush or basement full of sewage water.
The certified master plumbers at ExpressRooter use the most sophisticated diagnostic plumbing technology to educate homeowners about the condition of their sewer drains and pipes and to protect them from expensive future plumbing failures due to existing weaknesses, faults or flaws not revealed during a standard home inspection.
A plumbing inspection performed in your home can help determine if there are problems that need to be fixed immediately. When left ignored, things like leaks and obstacles in water flow can graduate to larger problems that require replacement of equipment, and ultimately money drained from your bank account. Taking the time to have a professional plumbing mechanic examine your pipes and fixtures is a great way to know how your home works and to be prepared in the event of emergency.
Toilets: Your plumber should check every commode in your home to see that they are in good working order. He or she will typically inspect the supply line and shut off valve, the flapper and flush valve, and the ballcock. A flush test will determine if there are leaks and if anything in the tank needs to be repaired or replaced.
Sinks: Your plumber will check the kitchen, bathroom, and garage sinks where applicable. As with the toilets, checks will be made on the supply lines and shut off valves. Also inspected are the waste lines and faucets for leaks, the drains for clogs, and any disposal mechanisms (usually in the kitchen).
Bathtub and Shower: One might not think to find as many problems here as opposed to toilets and sinks, but tubs and showers are capable of leaking as well. Your plumber will look for problems with the faucets and drains, and the showerhead.
Water Heater: This is perhaps one of the more important inspections to make, as the strength of your water heater can determine the cost of your utilities. Shut off and pressure relief valves are checked, as are the electrical and/or gas valve connections. The heater is also inspected for corrosion and temperature, tank capacity and the strength of the flue pipe and burner.
The Problem With Home Inspections
A typical building inspection does not include an in-depth plumbing investigation. Home inspectors do not open plumbing cleanouts. If water runs from the taps, drains empty and the toilets flush, the house will get a pass for plumbing in the home inspection report. Home inspectors do not have the technical knowledge to advise potential homeowners if the plumbing in the house is up to code or even if sewer gas is leaking back into the home.