PLUMBING INSPECTIONS

Most pros suggest that you have a plumbing inspection of your home every two years. If you have an older home, you should have it inspected more often. Many professionals suggest annual checkups for homes that are more than 40 years old.

Plumbing professionals will charge different amounts based on the work that’s included in your plumbing inspection. Let’s examine some typical costs.

Typical plumbing inspection costs

Nationwide, the average cost for a plumbing inspection is about $200.

• A visual inspection, discussed above, will be on the lower end of the range.
• Inspections that require cameras, will be more expensive. In some cases as much as $500.

Typical plumbing repair costs

If you find out that you require plumbing repairs, here are some typical costs. Remember, even an expensive repair will probably result in less expense later on. Prices can vary, depending on the difficulty of the work being completed.

• Unclogging drains – $175
• Removing objects from drain lines – $100-$300
• Clearing sewer lines – $75-$200
• Sewer line repair $750-$2000
• Sewer line replacement – $7000+

A visual inspection is the most common type of professional inspection. As the name suggests, the plumber will do a visual inspection of all water and sewer fittings to check for leaks or signs of leakage. In addition, they’ll check that all your drains and drainage systems are working and that appliances, like your water heater, are properly connected.

The next step up is a camera inspection. Using compact high-resolution cameras, the plumber can inspect the inside of pipes, so that issues with supply lines or your sewer line can be identified. A camera inspection can often detect future drain blockage. It’s a comprehensive way to inspect your plumbing system.

You’re buying a home

As we just discussed, a regular home inspection can’t compare to a thorough professional plumbing inspection. When you’re making a big investment, particularly in an older home, it pays to catch potential problems before you sign on the dotted line.

You’re selling your home

Plumbing inspections can be a useful selling point for prospective buyers. You’ll be able to prove beyond a doubt that your plumbing systems, sewer lines, and all other aspects of your home’s plumbing are in tip-top shape.

You want to avoid costly plumbing emergencies

The careful homeowner doesn’t wait for systems to fail. Regular plumbing inspections can prevent small problems from becoming large ones.

You want to protect your home

When you consider everything, this is probably the best reason of all for having your plumbing systems inspected. The damage that even a small leak or clogged drain can cause may be extensive, hard to trace, and difficult to repair. More costly than a plumbing inspection, too, most likely!

A plumbing inspection is a comprehensive look at your plumbing system. In a professional plumbing inspection, the inspector will examine these items and systems:

• Indoor and outdoor plumbing pipes, including supply lines and sewage lines.
• Hose bibs, both outdoors and in the laundry room
• Sinks and bathtubs
• Faucets and showers
• Toilets
• Water heaters