How Long Does a Plumbing Inspection Take?

Do you need a lasting solution to your plumbing problem? Call Babe Plumbing today to book an appointment.

Few things can ruin your day like a plumbing emergency. A clogged kitchen sink or an overflowing toilet is the last thing you need after a stressful day. However, you can avoid any of that by simply scheduling periodic plumbing inspections.

How long does a plumbing inspection take, though? Will it take up too much of your time? Babe Plumbing, your trusted plumber in Chaska, MN, will discuss the details in this blog post.

The Average Length of a Plumbing Inspection

The average plumbing assessment duration for residential properties is one to two hours. For commercial properties, the duration depends on many variables. Therefore, it’s harder to arrive at an average.

Professional plumbing inspections take that much time because the plumber must meticulously evaluate your plumbing system, from the smallest faucet to the largest sewer outlet pipe.

The bulk of the inspection is visual, but the plumber may spend time using cameras and diagnostic tools to document potential problems and recommend fixes or to give your property a clean bill of health.

Factors That Influence Plumbing Inspection Duration

The length of the inspection time for plumbing systems depends on the following factors:

Property Size

Plumbing inspections in a single-home apartment will be faster than inspections on a commercial property. In the latter case, the plumber has much more ground to cover. This means more bathrooms, kitchens, and plumbing fixtures to evaluate.

Complexity of the Plumbing System

The plumbing checkup duration for properties with more intricate plumbing architecture will invariably be a lot longer compared to those with more conventional systems.

Older properties usually take more time because they feature complex piping systems made of materials that may no longer be in use today. However, some modern properties may also feature complex plumbing systems, depending on the property’s architectural layout.

The Plumbing System’s Age

Older plumbing systems generally have more wear and tear. Therefore, plumbers have to pay extra attention to differentiate between dirt and debris, for example, and corrosion.

They will also need to spend more time checking fixtures to determine what’s still good enough to use and what requires replacing.

The Number of Plumbing Fixtures

How long does a plumbing inspection take in properties with numerous fixtures? You can bet it’s longer than average. Every extra sink, toilet, or shower head is additional time spent by the plumber. Appliances like dishwashers and water heaters also add to the inspection time, as each of them will need to receive some attention.

Ease of Access

The ease of access to all the key plumbing components will significantly affect the plumbing inspection time. If the plumber needs to dig through the ground or break through a wall or concrete pavement during the inspection, the inspection time can increase significantly.

What Happens During the Plumbing Inspection?

Some of the things plumbing inspectors will do during the inspection include the following:

Checking for Adherence to Local Building Code

Your plumber will check to confirm that your plumbing system meets all city codes and ordinances. They will also confirm that you have all the necessary plans and permits.

Inspection of Outdoor or Exposed Plumbing

The inspector will check all bits of exposed plumbing around your property for misalignment, warping, cracks, and other signs of damage. They will also check for insulation against freezing.

Inspection of Plumbing Fixtures 

The plumber will check your plumbing fixtures for optimum efficiency and also confirm that you don’t have any leaks. Consistent drops of water from shower heads, outdoor taps, sink faucets, and a leaky toilet tank can cost you significant sums every year.

Water Heater and Dishwasher Inspection

The plumber will check your water heater to confirm there’s no corrosion in the tank and that all the gas or electric connections are in excellent shape. Similarly, they will check your dishwasher to verify that it has an air gap and also confirm a strong connection to your countertop.

Drains, Sewer Pipes, and Septic System Inspection

Your septic system needs as much care as other parts of your plumbing system.

During inspections, plumbers will also look inside pipes and drains for potential blockages and signs of sediment buildup. A visual inspection is rarely enough for the process. Therefore, your plumber will pass a high-definition camera through the drains and pipes for a clearer view.

The plumber will make more additions to the list depending on your plumbing system. After the inspection, you’ll get a detailed report on the state of your plumbing system.

How to Reduce the Time Needed for Plumbing Inspection

Here are a few things you can do if you want to reduce the length of time it will take to inspect your plumbing system:

• Hire a professional. An experienced plumber will navigate any plumbing system much faster than a beginner. They won’t take as much time to thoroughly evaluate your plumbing system.
• Clear access areas ahead of time. You don’t want the plumber to spend time removing obstacles to get to a plumbing system. Clear out your dishwasher, remove any luggage around the water heater, and free the area around the septic outlet to speed up the inspection process.

Top Reasons to Schedule Regular Plumbing Inspection

You need to schedule regular plumbing inspections to:

• Protect your home. A small leak can cause various structural problems like mold growth, foundation cracking, and more.
• Avoid plumbing emergencies. Regular plumbing inspections will keep small problems from morphing into larger ones.
• Boost your home’s value. A property with a healthy plumbing system is more attractive to buyers.

Choose Babe Plumbing for Your Comprehensive Plumbing Inspections

To enjoy the benefits of scheduling regular plumbing inspections, you need to work with a professional plumbing company. It’s the only you can enjoy accurate diagnosis for common plumbing problems such as mineral buildup in pipes, slab leaks, and more.

Are you ready to schedule an inspection? Do you want more information regarding “How long does a plumbing inspection take”? Call the Babe Plumbing team in Mankato, MN, today at 507-481-1094 to schedule a consultation.