A homeowner’s work is never done. With an already packed schedule, family, and work, it is easy to see why specific household maintenance projects fall by the wayside. It may not seem like it, but when you take an overview of all the working parts that allow your household to function with ease, your to-do list can fill up quickly.
Staying on top of your routine home maintenance checklist can be daunting, but there are some things you shouldn’t overlook. Plumbing is one of them. Plumbing happens to be one of the more essential systems in your home that should never be neglected. Things like clogged or slow-draining sinks may seem minor at the time, but they can snowball into much larger problems if they continue to go unattended.
“Plumbing emergencies rarely happen at a convenient time. So, if dealing with a 2 a.m. sewer backup or having a water heater fail while you’re hosting a holiday party doesn’t sound fun, having a whole house plumbing inspection is a winning strategy.” shares David Ariano, President of Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric located in Lincolnshire, Illinois.
Ariano continues, “Often the key to avoiding costly plumbing repairs is early detection. Small leaks could become floods. Standing moisture encourages mold and mildew growth. Blockages may become major clogs, causing major damage. That’s where a whole-house plumbing inspection can really pay off by detecting any issues early on.”
The Importance of Plumbing Inspections
While we all like to save a buck by doing simple home repairs ourselves, there are some benefits to having a professional plumber inspect your home, rather than attempting to check everything yourself. Professional plumbing inspectors can offer their expertise and possibly find issues that you would have never discovered if you had tried to do it on your own.
Also, let’s face it, going underneath your home and into crawl spaces isn’t exactly how you want to spend your time. Having a professional plumber on-site who’s experienced in finding minor leaks, failing pipes, backed up sewers and drains, is an invaluable asset and worth every penny.
Just like you must go to the doctor for regular checkups, or get a haircut every so often, the same goes with routine plumbing maintenance. And just like your health, if you catch problems early on, the less likely it is that you’ll have to contend with a more severe outcome.
“When it comes to plumbing, the amount of money you’ll save on potential repairs down the road significantly outweighs paying a professional to inspect your plumbing,” advises Ariano.
“One thing homeowners should remember, above all else. When it comes to plumbing, DO NOT wait until something goes wrong to have it fixed,” warns Ariano.
There are many signs to look out for when your plumbing is acting up, which include:
- The water pressure in your home is low, and you are not sure why
- Your home is getting older, and you’ve had some issues with leaking, clogging, etc.
- Slow-draining sinks, showers, or bathtubs
- Pooling water in basins
- Foul-smelling odor coming from faucets or toilets
- Loud pipes behind the walls
- And of course, when you’re buying a new home.
What to Expect During Your Home Plumbing Inspection
When it comes to your home’s plumbing system, it’s best to be proactive and get your plumbing inspected at least once a year, even if you don’t notice anything particularly wrong. A thorough home plumbing inspection conducted by your plumbing inspection specialist will look to troubleshoot your plumbing system and find out what improvements and updates need to be made, if any.
Here are ten things a whole house plumbing inspection should include:
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- Inspecting the following on the water heater:
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- Flushing
- Water pressure
- Thermal expansion
- Relief valve
- Leaks and corrosion
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- Inspecting plumbing fixtures, supply lines and drains throughout the house to ensure there are no water flow problems
- Inspecting drains to ensure there are no clogs and applying drain maintainer to all drains
- Checking toilets for leaks and ensuring they are securely fastened to the floor
- Checking washing machine hoses, valves and drains for leaks, splits, and loose connections
- Checking the piping under the bathroom, laundry room and kitchen sinks
- Inspecting all piping for leaks, proper installation, known faulty material (including lead) and other health and safety issues
- Checking sump pumps and battery back-ups
- Testing emergency shutoff valves
- Inspecting whole house water filtration systems
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Ariano concludes, “It is important to conduct routine plumbing inspections and employ preventative measures to keep your home’s plumbing system running smoothly. This plays an important role in maintaining the safety and value of your home for years to come.”
About Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric:
Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric is located in Lincolnshire, Illinois, and serves the North Shore and Northwest suburbs of the Chicagoland area. It provides services such as plumbing, heating and cooling, sewer and drain maintenance and repair, electrical work, retrofitting and remodeling, and a variety of commercial services. Ravinia Plumbing delivers a 100% money-back guarantee as well as transparent warranties on repairs and new installations. The company has been in operation and family-owned since 1928.
Location Info:
575 Bond St suite a, Lincolnshire, IL 60069
(847) 565-1374