A plumbing inspection is a common service that contractors offer. But, for the average homeowner it can be difficult to know what you are supposed to look for when hiring someone to do an inspection of your plumbing system.

If this sounds like you, then take a look at these 7 steps on how to do a plumbing inspections before scheduling your next appointment with a contractor.

How To Do A Plumbing Inspections

Step 1: Shut Off The Water

Before starting any plumbing inspection, the first thing you need to do is to shut off the water. This will ensure that you don’t accidentally cause a flood while you’re inspecting the pipes.

Step 2: Check For Leaks

Once you’ve turned off the water, check for any leaks. You can do this by looking for any wet spots on the ground or water stains. You can also check for leaks by placing some food coloring in the drainage system and waiting a few minutes to see if there are any color changes.

Step 3: Look For Corrosion

Look for corrosion, which commonly appears as flaking metal pipes that have a greenish-blue hue. When you’re inspecting your water lines, try turning off your faucet so that it’s not spraying everywhere while you look at them from different angles.

If they’re corroded, then be sure to report this to whoever will do the repairs because it could be dangerous to have corroded piping under pressure behind walls where people cannot see it. This tip applies only if you live in an area with hard water because the minerals in the water can corrode metal over time.

Step 4: Check For Clogs

One of the most common problems that plumbers have to deal with is clogged drains, so it’s a good idea to check your drainage system for any clogs while you’re doing your inspection. You can do this by using a plunger or a plumbing snake.

If you find any clogs, be sure to clear them before continuing with your inspection.

Step 5: Examine The Faucet

The faucet is another part of the plumbing system that you should inspect while you’re doing your inspection. Look for any drips and leaks and make sure that the handle moves freely and that there are no obstructions.

Step 6: Check The Water Heater

The water heater is another important part of the plumbing system, and it’s something that you should inspect every year. Look for any leaks, rust, or corrosion, and make sure that the temperature setting is correct.

Step 7: Flush The Toilet

Last but not least, flush the toilet to make sure that it’s working properly. If there are any problems with the flushing mechanism, then this is something that you’ll want to report to your landlord or repair person.

So those are seven steps that you should know before doing a plumbing inspection. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your plumbing system is in good condition and avoid any potential problems down the road.

Common Problems That You May Encounter During Plumbing Inspection

1. There is no water coming out of taps

The most common problem that homeowners encounter during plumbing inspections is the lack of water coming out of taps. While this may seem like a very simple issue, it can have more complicated causes that professionals need to investigate to determine whether the entire pipe system needs replacement.

2. The sink fills up with water even when no one uses them

If you notice that your sinks are filling up with water every time you turn off the faucet, this means there is an air blockage within the pipes which prevents any pressure from escaping once turned on again.

A plumber will be able to fix this problem by installing small holes along each pipe where they meet at corners and junctions, allowing for better drainage flow while still maintaining optimal pressure throughout all points in the system.

3. The water pressure is low

If you notice that the water from your taps feels very weak, this means that there are less than 20 pounds of pressure coming out of them at any given time.

This may be a result of several problems within the pipes, including blockages, corrosion, or even leaks along with valves and joints, causing seepage leading to reduced flow rates over time.

A plumber will have to assess each situation individually to determine how best to resolve these issues for optimal results going forward and prevent further damage from occurring down the line.

4. There are visible signs of leakage around faucets or other fixtures throughout bathrooms or kitchens

While it can be tempting to ignore a leak as long as it remains relatively small, this can lead to a very costly situation in the long term by wasting both water and energy.

If notice that there is evidence of leakage around any type of fixture or other appliance connected to your plumbing system, for example, try closing off its access valve before calling a plumber who will be able to better determine whether the entire pipe needs replacement or if simply one component within them should be replaced instead.

5. There are visible signs of rust along fixtures particularly alongside pipes

While most people think that rusted pipes signal an immediate need for total replacement due to advanced damage caused over time leading to corrosion throughout their exterior surface area, which may cause leaks, this isn’t always true depending on the severity of rust and corrosion.

A plumber may be able to cut away any rusted areas or replace particular parts along parts of a pipe to prevent further leaks while still maintaining optimal usage over time, which helps save money and resources overall.

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