Why You Should Never Skip Plumbing Inspections
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    Plumbing Inspector June 12, 2025

    A professional plumbing inspection can be one of the best investments during home purchases, remodeling, or resolving ongoing plumbing issues. It is because such inspections save a lot of your money in repairs, code violations, and expensive fix-its down the road. From hazard assessments to compliance with building codes, a qualified plumbing inspector addresses various issues that provide great value to any homeowner.

    With inspections come further questions like, “How often should a plumbing inspector step in to review the plumbing systems?” This, along with understanding the right time to hire a licensed plumber, will be discussed below.

    Plumbing Inspections

    What Is a Plumbing Inspection?

    A plumbing inspection entails a lot more than just checking if plumbing systems in the property are working. A trained plumbing inspector will check the water supply, drainage, pipes, joints, and everything meticulously to confirm that local building codes are being followed.

    Regular plumbing inspections revolve around checking the following:

    • Water supply and drainage systems
    • Pipes, joints, and fittings
    • Water heaters
    • Faucets, sinks, tubs, and toilets
    • Hose bibs and backflow prevention
    • Shut-off valves and pressure levels

    The primary goal behind these checks is to ensure that your plumbing is safe, functional, and compliant with building codes.

    Plumbing contractors

    Who Is a Plumbing Inspector?

    A plumbing inspector is an individual whose occupation is to examine all types of plumbing work. It includes both new plumbing installations and repairs. They are often employed by municipalities or hired independently. They know the local building codes, are familiar with various plumbing systems, and use specialized tools that help them detect hidden and visible faults within structures.

    Plumbing contractors work to ensure that plumbing companies and homeowners do not breach legal requirements and are installing durable systems. They don’t just identify existing faults but check whether plumbing systems function optimally throughout their lifespan.

    When Do You Need a Plumbing Inspection?

    Many people wait for their plumbing systems to fail before thinking about a plumbing inspection. Yes, underlying issues often go unnoticed until they escalate into catastrophic failure. Here are some scenarios when a professional plumbing inspection becomes critical:

    1. Buying or Selling a Home

    In the course of a real estate transaction, a comprehensive plumbing inspection can uncover issues such as internal slow leaks, corroded pipes, or even illegal modifications. The beneficial aspect of this is that it allows the buyers to make informed decisions and helps sellers make their properties more reasonable before sale.

    2. Renovations and Remodels

    During renovation projects such as upgrading bathrooms, kitchens, or new appliance installations, an inspection is often required. It ensures that new plumbing systems meet local authority requirements and align with building codes.

    3. Recurring Plumbing Issues

    If your premise is suffering from constant low water pressure, clogging, or discolored water, a thorough examination from a licensed plumber or plumbing inspector is needed to pinpoint the plumbing problem.

    4. Aging Pipes

    Older homes suffer the most because of worn-out pipes and out-of-date configurations. A plumbing inspection will bring out the problems in a home’s plumbing infrastructure and suggest any necessary changes or improvements.

    Professional Plumbing Inspection

    What Happens During a Professional Plumbing Inspection?

    A reliable plumbing company, such as Magnificent Plumbing, guarantees a systematic and transparent plumbing inspection. You can expect the following during the process:

    1. Visual Inspection

    During visual inspection, the plumbing inspector focuses on visible components like pipes, valves, and fixtures. The inspector looks for visible faults such as leak paths, corrosion, code violations, and improper and substandard materials.

    2. Water Pressure and Flow Rate Testing

    One of the major steps is checking the water pressure and flow rate to find if there are any blockages or narrowings in the system.

    3. Camera Inspection of Drain Lines

    Advanced and more comprehensive inspections usually include the use of video cameras. They help in reviewing hidden parts of the system, particularly drain lines and sewer pipes.

    4. Water Heater Examination

    A detailed examination of the water heater is another step in the inspection process. It includes verifying the temperature settings, checking the pressure relief valves, and examining for sediment buildup or rust.

    5. Look Out for Cross-Connections

    The inspector is also responsible for ensuring that there is no cross-contamination between the potable water system and the waste systems, which is very important for safety.

    Issues During Plumbing Inspections

    Common Issues Uncovered During Plumbing Inspections

    A professional plumbing inspection by an experienced and skilled plumber uncovers issues that a typical homeowner is unlikely to discover. These include:

    • Calcium carbonate buildup in pipes causing low water flow
    • Improper slope in drainage pipes leading to slow draining
    • Hidden water leaks behind walls
    • Old or non-compliant piping materials, such as galvanized steel
    • Inadequate or entirely missing shut-off valves
    • Faulty or incorrectly installed water heaters

    Proactively identifying and addressing these issues can prevent costly emergency repairs.

    Plumbing Companies vs. Plumbing Inspectors: What’s the Difference?

    While the two often work in coordination, their work functions differ. Plumbing companies perform the installations as well as maintenance and repairs. A plumbing inspector, in contrast, ensures that the work has been performed according to the local building codes and carries out important safety assessments.
    For example, if someone is building an addition or replacing old piping, they will hire a plumbing company to execute the work and a plumbing inspector to certify compliance.

    How Often Should You Schedule Plumbing Inspections?

    In an ideal situation, a professional plumbing inspection should be done at least once every two years, especially if your home is more than 20 years old. For commercial properties or rental units, it is best to go for annual inspections. If the area is prone to ground shifting or heavy rains, proactive inspection of plumbing systems can alleviate unexpected stress.

    What to Look for in a Plumbing Inspector?

    Not all inspectors hold the same eye for detail and experience. While hiring a plumbing inspector, it is best to check on the following:

    • Valid certification or licensing
    • Positive reviews or referrals
    • Familiarity with your local building codes
    • Experience with the specific type of plumbing in your property
    • Transparency in pricing and reporting

    Magnificent Plumbing works with trusted, certified plumbing inspectors and licensed plumbers so that you receive the best service.

    Regular Plumbing Inspections

    Protect Your Home with Regular Plumbing Inspections

    It is never a good idea to ignore your home’s plumbing issues or plumbing-related concerns. Things may seem fine at present, but the damage could be catastrophic in the future. A plumbing inspection offers safety, savings, and peace of mind. Whether you are facing challenges with your plumbing system or planning future developments/modifications, contacting a plumbing inspector is always an intelligent move.

    At Magnificent Plumbing, we offer comprehensive inspection services carried out by experienced licensed plumbers. Our team is dedicated to helping our clients maintain their plumbing systems in good condition and remain compliant with local building codes. Book your professional plumbing inspection now before a minor issue escalates into a major repair!

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