Plumbing Inspection Checklist for Homeowners

Hiring routine plumbing inspections is one of the best ways to keep your piping system optimal and pristine. However, many Euclid residents don’t know what tasks a professional plumbing inspection includes, making it difficult to ensure an efficient process. That’s why Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co. put together a brief plumbing inspection checklist so you can ensure you receive top-notch inspections every time a plumber visits your home.

Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co. is Euclid’s professional plumber. If you need professional plumbing services in Euclid, OH, or the surrounding areas, contact the experts at Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co.

What Are Plumbing Inspections?

Professional plumbing inspections come in two primary forms:

• Visual inspections
• Camera inspections

Visual inspections require plumbers to assess all your plumbing fixtures and appliances for leaks, faulty or loose parts, and other defects that hinder your system. Camera inspections are a bit more detailed and use high-resolution portable cameras to assess your piping system’s structure to catch potential issues before they spiral out of control.

Both plumbing inspections provide several benefits to homeowners and ensure everything remains in working order while preventing future issues from arising. It’s best to hire plumbing inspections at least every two years to maintain your plumbing system’s performance, integrity, lifespan, and more. 

Your Plumbing Inspection Checklist

Plumbing inspections consist of several tasks that ensure your home’s piping system and fixtures function optimally. Plumbers evaluate everything from your bathroom’s faucet to the sewer main and conduct several tests to keep everything in excellent condition. Use the plumbing inspection checklist below to ensure you receive a quality inspection that preserves your home’s plumbing system.

Bathrooms

Keeping your bathrooms’ faucets, drains, and toilets in tip-top shape is crucial to prevent issues that adversely affect your plumbing system. Always ensure your plumber completes the following during your plumbing inspection.

• Assess and check the shower, tub, and sink faucets to ensure optimal water pressure and flow
• Clean the aerators to remove calcium buildup
• Clean shower and faucet drains to prevent clogs
• Evaluate the toilet’s base for wax ring issues and leaks
• Test and checks the toilet’s cycle to prevent water waste and ensure excellent operation
• Look for signs of water damage
• Assess the shower and/or bathtub caulk seals

Kitchen

Like bathrooms, kitchens have several plumbing fixtures that can lose efficiency or break down over time. Hiring a professional to inspect these fixtures regularly will keep them in tip-top shape while preserving your plumbing system’s performance. If your plumber completes the following, you can prevent plumbing issues that adversely affect your kitchen.

• Check the P-trap and tighten its fittings
• Assess the strainer basket for leaks or corrosion and replaces it if necessary
• Dismantle branch drain fittings and the P-trap to clean them 
• Check the sink’s draining speed for signs of clogs
• Clean the sink drain
• Examine the faucet for leaks
• Secure drain connections linking the garbage disposal and dishwasher discharge
• Check the connections between the sink drain and disposal discharge
• Assess gaskets for leaks and replaces them if necessary
• Wash the garbage disposal
• Examine the shutoff valves to ensure they are closed
• Replace the shutoff valves if they leak
• Replace the refrigerator’s water dispenser and ice maker filter
• Check the water supply hose for damage and replace it if needed
• Inspect the dishwasher’s shutoff valve and water supply hose

Sewer System

Having a fully-functional sewer system is crucial to prevent flooding and vexing pipe blockages. Septic and sewer problems are very unsanitary and can pose a serious health threat in certain situations. A professional plumber will perform the following to keep your sewer system operating optimally:

• Service and inspect the drain field (if your system has one)
• Empty the septic tank (if you have a tank system)
• Inspect the sewer lines for blockages and unclog them if necessary
• Assess vent pipes 
• Remove debris from the vent pipes 

Additional Fixtures and Appliances

Plumbing inspections don’t stop at your bathroom, kitchen, and sewer system. Plumbers also inspect several other appliances and fixtures to catch potential issues before they take hold. Below are some additional tasks plumbers complete during their plumbing inspection.

• Check the water pressure with a pressure gauge
• Examine the washing machine’s hoses for damage and wear
• Ensure the hoses stop the water supply during a wash cycle and replace them if needed
• Evaluate and test water valves connected to the washing machine
• Assess the water heater’s hot water exit pipe and cold water inlet pipe for leaks and damage
• Evaluate the water heater’s pressure relief and temperature valves
• Check the water heater’s base for leaks
• Check the drain valve
• Flush the water heater to eliminate sediment buildup
• Clean the water heater
• Clean and inspect the burner unit (if you have a gas-powered water heater)
• Examine and test the sump pump and pit
• See if the branch shutoff valve works correctly or needs replacing
• Assess the outdoor spigots for leaks or structural damage like cracks and fissures and replace them if necessary
• Check and test the irrigation system to ensure optimal functionality

Benefits of Professional Plumbing Inspections

Hiring routine professional plumbing inspections is a fantastic way to catch leaks and other problems that can increase your water bill. Plumbers will fix any leaky pipes or faucets and catch other issues before they worsen, helping reduce your monthly water payments. 

Plumbing inspections can also prevent plumbing emergencies that are often very expensive to fix. This will also stop water damage that can lead to unhealthy mold and mildew growth, keeping your family safe from hazardous bacteria.

Contact Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co. for Exceptional Plumbing Services in Euclid, OH

If you need professional plumbing services in Euclid, OH, that will have your fixtures, pipes, and more functioning better than ever, contact Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co. We utilize a thorough plumbing inspection checklist that provides unmatched results every time we visit your home. Whether you need a plumbing inspection or want to learn some additional plumbing protection tips, Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co. is here to help.

Give Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co. a call at (440) 557-4743 and schedule your appointment today!