Let us put a scenario before you.

You bought a house, but one of the bathrooms isn’t working fine. Let’s say that the sink started to act up. You call a plumber and they snaked it and pulled up a small piece of rusted metal. It started to work fine. Again, some days later, now the toilet isn’t flushing right. Once again you call the plumber, they snaked the toilet and everything’s good. But is it?

A few weeks later, the issue starts off again and now the plumber comes with a camera. They find out a rusty metal snake in your sewage line! You try calling the home warranty, but they deny the claim and you are left with a hundred dollars problem on your doorstep.

Now, what is the very first mistake you did? It was not scheduling the plumbing inspection before buying the house.

Remember, plumbing problems can lurk behind your walls for months and even years, only revealing themselves when it is too late. Hidden leaks, corroding pipes, and inefficient fixtures can lead to costly repairs (just like we showed above), water damage, and even mold growth if left unchecked. This isn’t a minor inconvenience.

Now, if you live in Illinois or are buying a home there, you need to know that extreme weather and aging infrastructure can put additional strain on the house. So, this is more of a reason for you to get the plumbing inspections.

In this blog, we will further look into why you need plumbing inspections for your home and what is covered in a plumbing inspection.

The Importance of Plumbing Inspections for Your Home

Plumbing inspections play a very important role for protecting your Illinois home. The reasons are several key factors specific to the state’s climate, housing infrastructure, and potential for costly damage.

Let’s have a look at the main reasons why you need these inspections for your home.

Preventing Winter Pipe Bursts

Living in Illinois, we’re sure harsh winters are not a news to you. In fact, most of the times, the temperatures also dip below freezing. This often leads to one major yet common issues – frozen pipes. The water inside these pipes can expand and cause them to burst. This can lead to costly water damage and flooding once the ice thaws.

However, if you schedule a plumbing inspection before the winter season arrives, you can surely prevent this issue and the damage it will cause. These inspections will ensure that your home’s pipes are well-insulated and in good condition. Inspectors will also identify vulnerable areas, recommend proper insulation, and suggest preventive measures. All of this will help you with fewer headaches during the winter months (and even year-round).

Identifying Hidden Leaks

You might not even know, but a leak could be hiding in your home – one that hasn’t even shown signs yet, but it could be very destructive. This is especially true for your older house with an aging plumbing system. These leaks often occur behind walls, under floors, or in crawl spaces. Difficult places to identify a leak, right? For sure. You can’t detect these without a professional inspection.

If left unchecked, even a small leak can lead to significant water damage, promote mold growth, and worst of all, weaken the structure integrity of your home. With a thorough plumbing inspection, you can identify these concealed leaks early. This will allow you to address the issue before it escalates.

Preventing Sewer Line Backups

This is another serious concern for you, especially if you live in an area prone to heavy rainfall. When excessive rainwater overwhelms, the drainage system or aging sewer lines are blocked. What happens next? Something you might have already experienced – wastewater starts backing up into the home. This leads to significant damage and health hazards.

Once you get regular plumbing inspection, you are able to prevent these issues early by identifying potential blockages or damage in the sewer lines. When inspecting, inspectors use specialized equipment like cameras to examine the condition of the pipes and ensure they’re free of debris, roots, or corrosion. This is because all of these can lead to a backup.

Now that you know the issues and what is causing those, you can address those early. This will help you to avoid costly repairs, unpleasant odors, and sanitation issues.

Tip: It will be great if you also schedule a sewer scope inspection with a plumbing inspection to get better insight into the issues.

Increasing Home Value

Regular plumbing inspections can significantly boost your home’s value. This is especially true for Illinois where selling your older home (if you own one) can be quite difficult with its aging or outdated plumbing system. But with an inspection in place and record, you don’t have to worry about it.

A well-maintained plumbing system not only ensures your home’s functionality but also makes it appealing to potential buyers. Issues like leaks, water pressure problems, or outdated fixtures can lower your home’s market value. In fact, it can also cause delays in the selling process.

By addressing all of this with regular inspections, you can present a home that is move-in ready, or at least a one that buyers won’t experience regular headaches. Additionally, showing proof of recent plumbing inspections and repairs can be a strong selling point. This way you can show you’re committed to maintaining your property, ultimately increasing its market value.

A Plumbing Inspection Checklist – What Is Covered?

During a thorough plumbing inspection, the inspector usually covers different key areas to ensure the system is in good working order. Here’s what is usually included:

Pipes and fittings are inspected for leaks, corrosion, and any visible signs of damage.
Water pressure is also checked for consistent and adequate water pressure throughout the home.
Drains and waste systems are tested for proper drainage and identify blockages or slow drains.
Water heater is examined for efficiency, signs of rust, or leaks.
Sump pumps are ensured for proper functioning.
Sewer lines are also ensured to be free of obstruction.
Fixtures and faucets of all sinks, showers, and toilets are inspected for leaks and other issues.

Conclusion

Plumbing inspections are a very important part of maintaining your home’s health and safety, especially if you are living in Illinois. The state’s harsh weather and aging infrastructure can put extra strain on plumbing systems. So, whether it is about preventing costly winter pipe bursts, identifying hidden leaks, or ensuring your sewer lines are clear, regular plumbing inspections could always be of help. Inspectors can catch issues early before minor issues escalate into major problems – something you might not be able to bear.

Besides saving you from costly troubles and expensive repairs, these inspections also increase your home’s value. Once the plumbing system is well-maintained and functional, it can attract homebuyers more often.Don’t wait for an emergency—schedule a plumbing inspection today and protect your investment for the long term. Plus, if you want to know more, you can always contact The BrickKicker for consultation. Our experts are always here to help you through the issues.

Learn the Importance of Plumbing Inspections for Your Home