Homeowners know that maintenance is important for almost every part of their home. One of the many systems that makes it functional is their plumbing. Of course, if it weren’t for this system in particular, we’d be stuck in the old days. This includes washing our dishes by a river or lake or going to the bathroom someplace that might feel…well uncomfortable.
Thankfully, we live in an age where modern indoor plumbing exists. But how often should plumbing inspection be done? We will dive into this guide to discuss the factors that play into this question. Let’s cut to the chase and get started.
Why is a plumbing inspection so important?
A plumbing inspection entails a complete assessment of your home’s plumbing system. Everything including your pipes, drains, fixtures, and appliances will need to be looked over. The key here is to look for any issues that may arise.
Such issues include but are not limited to leaks, clogs, or signs of damage. The sooner these issues are caught, the easier they can be repaired. It’s also important to make sure these issues don’t get ignored even if they are minor. What may be considered minor today could be a major headache days or even weeks from now.
A plumbing inspection will prevent emergencies. At the same time, it will also ensure that your plumbing system lasts a long time. Also, you get to enjoy the benefit of long-term cost savings that may have otherwise gone to repairs and replacements.
Hiring the right plumbing company that can perform these inspections will be important. Doing this can be a challenge. Thus, a licensed plumber will be able to look for any signs of damage or issues that may even appear in the most subtle way possible.
What factors play a role in the frequency of inspecting your plumbing?
There are plenty of factors that go into the frequency of plumbing inspection. So let’s take a look at what they are right now:
The age of your home
Older plumbing systems will be present in homes that are more than 50 years old. Therefore, it may be prone to issues including leaks, corrosion, or mineral buildup. Plus, it may be unclear when the previous inspection took place. If in doubt, it’s important to schedule an inspection as soon as possible.
This will confirm any possible issues that may arise. At the same time, it may determine if repairs or replacement are possible. After the initial inspection, you’ll want to schedule a regular inspection every one to two years to catch any issues early.
Type of plumbing system
The material of your pipes can play a critical role in deciding whether your plumbing system needs repairs or replacement. For example, galvanized steel pipes may indicate an out of date plumbing system. Such pipes can also be susceptible to leaks and corrosion.
Materials like PVC and copper are some of the most durable amongst the others. That’s because they require less frequent inspections. Despite this, annual or biannual inspections are still recommended to ensure no plumbing issues may exist.
The local climate
In Pennsylvania, the climate typically consists of warm summers and winters that are seasonably cold (but not too extreme). Yet, the instances of cold weather affecting pipes in the winter are still possible. If you live in extremely cold climates, you want to make sure they are winterized and well protected when the time comes.
As such, the local climate can lead to frequent inspections. Meaning they may need to be done every year regardless of the kind of material your pipes have.
What inspection schedule will best fit you?
As we’ve mentioned, you have the option to schedule plumbing inspections either annually or biannually.
However, there may be some determining factors that will lead you to make a decision as soon as possible. Let’s take a look at when either option will be best suited for you:
Annual inspection
Once a year may be the best option if you really want to catch plumbing issues early and often. However, this is the best recommended schedule for older homes. In addition, homes with a history of plumbing problems will need to be inspected using this schedule.
It may be ideal to get them inspected each year if you live in areas where the climate can play a role in creating risk factors for your pipes like extremely cold conditions.
Biannual inspection
If your plumbing system or home is newly built, you could get away with a biannual inspection from a professional plumber. It can also be a good idea to consider this schedule if your pipes are made from durable materials such as PVC or copper. The climate may not be as extreme temperature wise compared to most parts of the country – so you won’t have to worry about it playing an adverse role.
Nonetheless, choosing a schedule will still yield the same benefits. This includes a plumbing system that will be best efficient. It will also allow you the ability to catch any issues early. Finally, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’ll be ready to face any plumbing issue that can be fixed by a licensed plumber.
The more consistent you are in following a schedule, the better. Plus, your plumbing system will last a long time – even beyond the typical life expectancy.
Final Thoughts
Legendess Plumbing knows that with regular plumbing inspection, your home will have running water always. Plus, your pipes will be in good working order so water flows through without issue. Regular inspections will save you money and headaches in the future.
Oh and one more thing – try not to do things that could ruin your pipes such as disposing food particles in the sink. Remember that plumbing issues can happen between now and the next time your plumbing inspection happens. Which is why checking the pipes yourself every now and then might just be a good idea. For more information on plumbing inspections, contact us today at 484-352-2220.