Your home is the single largest investment you are ever likely to make and plumbing is a significant part of that investment. Anyone considering a home purchase – 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 a issue that must be addressed before a minor repair becomes a major headache.
The certified master plumbers at Practical Plumbing 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.
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
- in-depth investigation of all above ground, exposed plumbing, including shut-off valves and traps under kitchen, bathroom and laundry room sinks;
- inspection of the hot water tank;
- shut-off valve inspection;
- inspection of bathroom, kitchen and laundry room renovations to ensure draining and venting
- basement floor drain system inspection;
- Sump pump and discharge inspection, to determine if there is any obstruction and that type of pump and horsepower output is sufficient and suitable to prevent basement flooding; and
- plumbing video camera inspection of underground sanitary drains and sewer pipes, which reveals cracks and misalignments that can lead to drain blockage or collapse.
Whether you are purchasing a new or resale home or have never had the plumbing checked in your current house, a plumbing home inspection is a critical educational and preventative maintenance tool. A small investment of several hundred dollars can potentially save you tens of thousands.
Remember, plumbing failures often happen suddenly, without any warning. Plumbing home inspections offer peace of mind and future security. When it comes to the protection of your biggest investment – your home – it is much better to be safe than sorry.
“People are simply unaware of how much drain repairs can cost. We are talking about thousands of dollars in plumbing repairs just to restore essential services. Homeowners who don’t have a plumbing inspection are running the risk of severe financial expenditure just to make things livable.”