Owning a home is a big responsibility. You have to keep up with your roof, siding, yard, basement, and more, but what about your plumbing?

Here at JW Plumbing, Heating and Air, we’ve met many homeowners who could have saved themselves a pound or two of time, trouble, and cash if they’d only invested an ounce into regular plumbing inspections and checkups of AC and heating systems, too.

Regular plumbing inspections keep your pipes flowing and your unexpected expenses down. Here’s more on why you should start scheduling them regularly.

Why Plumbing Inspections Are Important

If you’re like most Americans, you probably have your vehicle inspected regularly to make sure it’s in good working condition, right? That’s because you don’t want any unexpected breakdowns at home or traveling.

The same goes for your home’s plumbing. Unexpected plumbing problems compete with vehicular breakdowns for what can ruin a day.
Regular plumbing inspections help you:

Avoid the Cost & Disruption of Unexpected Repairs.

If you’ve ever had a water leak, an overflowing toilet, water pressure that’s suddenly inadequate, or a burst pipe, you know how disruptive it can be. You may have to move your belongings to a storage space to avoid damage or repair flooring or drywall.

Then you have to set aside time for a professional to provide their expertise, re-organizing your day to address the issue as soon as possible. All that assumes, of course, that you’re working with reliable and trustworthy professionals.

And, of course, you then have to deal with all of the costs associated with the repair. If your plumbing emergency occurs outside normal business hours or over a holiday weekend, additional fees could be incurred.

Now imagine that instead of that whole scenario, a plumbing pro comes to your home when everything appears to be working fine, takes an expert look around during a plumbing inspection, and advises you that a minor repair will help you avoid a disaster later. This scenario is far more desirable.

All the above is even more important when you’re buying a new home. When you don’t yet know the condition of the house, what shape the plumbing is in, and where there might have been leaks in the past. This is always a good time to get a professional plumbing inspection. Your wallet will thank you later.

Identify Hidden Problems.

Plumbing inspections done by a pro often find leaks that are not visible. Even one leak that drips 5 drops every second can waste as much as 1,000 gallons of water in a month. That not only runs up your water bill, but it also can cause a tremendous amount of damage to drywall, insulation, flooring, cabinetry, or your ceiling, depending on where it’s located.

It’s far better to find out as soon as possible about a leak or conditions that could lead to a leak, such as corroded, rusted, or damaged pipes.
Get the Best Price & Schedule for Repairs.

A scheduled repair is a whole different story than an emergency repair. When you know you’ve got something that needs the attention of a professional plumber, but it’s not yet causing damage and isn’t yet an emergency, you can plan around it and shop around to get it done at the best price and quality. A scheduled visit from a reliable plumber beats a frantic call on a holiday weekend when something’s gone wrong with your plumbing.

What’s Involved in a Plumbing Inspection?

Your plumbing inspection will include:

A Thorough Inspection of Your Fixtures and Fittings

One of the most important aspects of your plumbing inspection is a check of all of your fixtures, including your tubs, sinks, faucets, showers, toilets, and supply lines. Your plumber will search for leaks, cracks, poor fittings, or misaligned pipes that can lead to drip leaks and water damage.

A Check of Outdoor Lines

If you have outdoor plumbing like hoses, a pool, or a fire hydrant, the plumbing inspection will include a check of all these components. The plumber is not only looking for issues with the fittings themselves but also possible issues with frost.

An Inspection of Your Water Heater

Your water heater has many components that can become damaged or fail. Your inspection will include your water heater’s components and fittings to make sure everything is in working order. Otherwise, you could end up with an expensive or inconvenient breakdown, or worse, a dangerous situation with an exploding water heater.

An Inspection of Your Sewer Line

Your inspection will also include a check of your main sewer line, which can be susceptible to a collapse or breakdown that’s pricey. Plumbers typically use a camera to check the sewer line and make sure the pipes are in good condition and installed properly.

Happy homeowners take old Ben Franklin’s advice and invest an ounce of preventative plumbing inspections to avoid “pounds worth” of repairs. Call the pros at JW Plumbing, Heating and Air today to schedule your regular maintenance.

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