Do I Need a Plumbing Inspection?

Gurgle, gurgle. Hiss.

If you immediately recognize these sounds from any plumbing in your Missouri home, it could indicate you need a home plumbing inspection.

The whole idea of a plumbing inspection is to head off any potential plumbing issues in your University City, home, averting a disaster or costly repair. So why do so many people not have one then? They probably do not realize it should be part of their regular home maintenance plan!

Tony LaMartina Plumbing is here to set the record straight—an annual plumbing inspection is a necessary aspect of your home’s preventative care.

What Exactly Is a Plumbing Inspection?

A home plumbing inspection is a whole-house examination by a licensed plumber, like ours at Tony LaMartina Plumbing. It is best to be proactive and schedule an inspection before anything goes wrong with your plumbing.

It will certainly be less costly to know about a potential issue before it becomes a full-fledged, expensive problem. But if you suspect something amiss, like strange gurgling sounds in your pipes or toilets, call to schedule an inspection.

Of course, if you already have a toilet overflow or a pipe leak, you need a plumbing repair in St. Louis County, not an inspection. So do not wait to call us! Plumbing problems rarely, if ever, resolve themselves–unfortunately, they tend to get bigger and more expensive.

Any type of leak can quickly evolve into a major expense. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states the average household’s leaks can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year. This is something a plumbing inspection can detect and address, helping you save money in the long run.

When our professional plumber inspects your University City, home, we primarily examine the plumbing system, including where it enters, where it is installed, and where it goes back out through the drain lines.

Our plumber will ensure everything is up to code with both installation and materials used. The inspection will also include a complete check of your water heater.

What Is on the Plumbing Inspection Checklist?

Here are some things we typically include as part of your plumbing inspection:

• Interior faucets checked
• Water pressure checked
• Sinks inspected
• Under-counter pipes inspected
• Garbage disposal inspected
• Toilets inspected
• Exposed waste stacks checked
• Sump pump checked
• Sump pump discharge line checked
• Backup sump pump inspected
• Shutoff valves inspected and labeled
• Water softener checked
• Well tank or city water supply/meter inspected
• Outside spigots checked
• Sewer ejector pump and vents checked
• Septic tank maintenance tips offered
• Water heater temperature and pressure safety relief valve checked
• Water heater main burner and pilot checked
• Condition of wiring on electric water heaters inspected

How Often Do I Need an Inspection?

Simply put, you should have a plumbing inspection by one of our licensed plumbers every year––or sooner if you suspect you have a plumbing issue. If you live in an older St. Louis County home or have mature trees with complex root systems, you may need to consider scheduling an inspection every season (or quarterly) rather than annually.

For an annual inspection, many people like to schedule theirs when the weather changes, particularly in the spring after winter’s effects on any pipes. But any time of the year is fine.

DIY Plumbing Tips

There are definitely things you can keep your eye on or perform yourself to help maintain the health of your plumbing system between your professional plumbing inspections.

You could check all the hot and cold faucets in your University City, home—including shower heads, tub faucets, and outdoor spigots—for low water pressure, water discoloration, and strange noises every week. You could also check all the drains for bad odors and slow drainage.

You should check your water heater for corrosion and leaks, your emergency shutoff valves for efficacy and leaks, and your exposed pipes for corrosion and leaks every month or so.

If you notice any abnormalities, give one of our Tony LaMartina Plumbing plumbers a call.

Tony LaMartina Plumbing Is St. Louis County’s Plumbing Experts

A plumbing inspection of your University City, home’s entire system is more than a proactive maintenance appointment. It is an investment in your home. Call one of our licensed Tony LaMartina Plumbing plumbers at 314-639-9443 or request service online to schedule your plumbing inspection.