Advantages of pre-purchase plumbing inspections ‐ Seven Hills Plumbing Services

The benefits of regular plumbing inspections

Preemptive plumbing inspections offer numerous benefits for potential buyers, property managers, and homeowners, which include:

Early detection of issues - Inspections can uncover issues such as leaks, blockages, and corrosion before they escalate into emergencies. Catching issues early saves money on repairs.
Proactive inspections mitigate extensive sewer and stormwater repairs.
Ensure safety - Faulty plumbing can create health hazards from mould, gas leaks, contaminated water, etc. Inspections ensure all elements, including gutters downpipes, operate safely.
Peace of mind - Knowing your plumbing system is in good working order provides peace of mind and assurance for every property owner.

Routine plumbing inspections are crucial, as most homes harbour plumbing defects; they are akin to pest inspections in their ability to detect issues for prompt resolution. They provide an invaluable preventative measure for maintaining safe, fully operational plumbing systems through a prepurchase plumbing inspection.

What do plumbing inspections entail?

A professional plumbing inspection comprehensively evaluates a property’s water supply and drainage systems. A skilled plumber can conduct visual assessments and may use specialised tools to find out more about the state of:

Water lines - Inspecting pipes, joints, valves, taps, water heaters etc. for leaks, corrosion, flow issues or code violations
Drains and waste pipes - Employing cctv drain technology to check for cracks, blockages, root intrusion or improper fall and also conducting leak detection
Fixtures and appliances - Assessing toilets, sinks, showers, laundries, dishwashers etc. for faults, leaks or water efficiency
Gas lines - Testing pipes, fittings and appliances for leaks using advanced gas detection devices

The plumber provides A comprehensive report that summarizes identified issues, suggested remedies, and cost estimates. They check areas often missed on standard inspections, assessing compliance, safety, functionality and longevity of plumbing systems.

Types of plumbing inspections

There are several common types of plumbing inspections to thoroughly evaluate different systems:

Drain camera inspections: Camera inspections involve maneuvering a probe through drainage pipes to visually locate issues including cracks, blockages, and root intrusion. This identifies drainage problems not visible by other methods.
Water pipe leak detection: Advanced tools like thermal imaging cameras and electronic listening devices pinpoint leaks in water supply systems. Even minor leaks become major problems if left unaddressed.
Hot water system checks: Storage tanks, pipes, valves and heating elements are examined for corrosion, capacity, safety and efficiency. This guarantees the hot water system works efficiently, crucial for its performance and durability.
Backflow testing: Specialist equipment determines if protective backflow valves are working properly to prevent cross-contamination of drinking water.

Gas line pressure tests, evaluations of stormwater systems, various leak diagnostics including smoke, dye and pressure testing, and infrared thermal scans to detect moisture are other prevalent inspection methods. Each inspection targets particular areas with the aim of identifying problems before they result in water damage, health risks, or total system breakdowns.

Cost of plumbing inspections

The cost of a professional plumbing inspection varies based on property size, age, and plumbing system complexity, with prices typically ranging from:

Basic inspection - $150 - $350
Camera drain inspection - $200 - $600
Water leak detection - $250 - $750

While inspections incur costs, they are significantly less than the potential expenses of emergency repairs. Investing in thorough inspections protects against drastic problems like burst pipes and flooding, securing your real estate investment. This practice not only preserves the property’s value but also ensures confidence in the plumbing infrastructure.

We encourage readers to contact us for an accurate quote tailored to their individual property’s needs. Our fully licensed professionals specialise in both electrical and plumbing inspections, delivering detailed reports that guide owners towards timely, informed maintenance decisions.

Finding a reputable plumbing inspection company

With regular plumbing inspections being so important, it’s vital to secure a reputable company to conduct comprehensive assessments. When you’re thinking of selecting an inspector, key factors to consider include:

Industry experience - An established, family-owned and operated business with extensive years serving the Seven Hills area instils confidence in their plumbing expertise.
Licencing and qualifications - Ensure technicians are fully certified and trained in using drain cameras and leak detection.
Local knowledge - Knowledge of local residential and commercial plumbing systems is crucial.
Equipment and technology - Quality tools like pipe cameras, thermal imagers and gas detectors ensure precise inspections.
Reviews and testimonials - Positive feedback reflects the inspector’s dependability and the quality of their reports.

As a trusted, family-owned and operated plumbing business servicing Seven Hills for over 10 years, Seven Hills Plumbing ticks all the boxes. Our fully licenced team has an intricate understanding of local plumbing infrastructure, serving as the guardians of your dream home’s pipe network with the latest technology for accurate, comprehensive inspections.

Common plumbing issues uncovered

Hidden Leaks

Hidden leaks can cause severe water damage, induce mould growth, and deteriorate structures over time. Inspections frequently uncover leaks in areas like pipe joints, hot water units, tap fittings and shower recesses, particularly vital for those in a new home.

Pipe Corrosion

Proactive maintenance detects corroded pipes that can cause pinhole leaks and mineral-induced blockages. Galvanised iron and copper pipes have finite lifespans, meaning older homes commonly show corrosion. Even small leaks can lead to major flooding over time.

Drain Obstructions

A CCTV drain camera inspection can uncover blockages caused by foreign objects like grease, tree roots, or collapsed pipes. Partial blockages impede drainage flow, often worsening into complete clogs resulting in sewer system overflows. It’s critical to identify and clear obstructions swiftly.

Hidden leaks

Inspections often reveal leaks in drainage pipes and other spots not noticeable during typical property examinations. Thermal imaging scans, advanced listening devices and pressure testing help identify concealed water leaks including:

Piping behind walls or under floors
Joints and valves in water supply systems
Around water heaters
At tap fittings and shower recesses
In toilet cisterns

Unaddressed, hidden leaks can lead to significant water damage and mould infestation in the building’s structure. A thorough inspection by plumbing experts quickly locates hidden leaks, enabling timely repairs to prevent extensive property damage.

Pipe corrosion

Plumbing inspections commonly reveal pipe corrosion, especially in older residences. Over time, pipes made of materials like galvanised iron, copper and plastic become prone to corrosion and mineral buildup. This can lead to major problems including:

Pinhole leaks cause water damage and increased water expenses.
Flow restriction can reduce water pressure to your fixtures.
Rusty water, a sign of corrosion, can taint your drinking supply.
Blockages from mineral deposits can impede water flow.

The replacement of old, corroded pipes can be a costly affair. However, comprehensive inspections help identify corrosion early, before it leads to pipe failures, water quality issues or impediments. Owners can then implement targeted repairs or start budgeting for re-piping where needed.

Drain obstructions

Partial or complete drain blockages are among the most frequent problems detected during plumbing inspections. A camera probe down pipes frequently detects buildups of materials like grease, soap residue, tree roots and collapsed sections of pipework.

Minor blockages, if ignored, can progress to complete pipeline obstructions. Such obstructions can cause severe flooding and expensive repair necessities.

Early identification and removal of blockages through thorough drain inspections reduce the likelihood of severe drain malfunctions. Any intruding tree roots can be cut back, grease buildup cleared and pipe collapses or fractures addressed promptly before problems escalate.

Drain camera inspections, priced around $250 to $600, provide essential diagnostic information. They facilitate targeted clearing of obstructions, avoiding expensive emergency blockage and sewer overflow repairs down the track.

News & Information

How to Prevent Household Blocked Drains

Blocked drains can be prevented by using drain strainers, avoiding pouring oils down drains, clearing hair from drains, and more tips from Seven Hills Plumbing.

When Should I Call A Plumber For A Blocked Drain?

Noticing signs of a household blocked drain like slow drainage, gurgling sounds, foul odours or overflowing water indicates you need an emergency plumber. Call Seven Hills Plumbing to dispatch a plumber to clear your blocked pipes before further damage.

Blocked Drain Solutions for Restaurants

Restaurants and cafes frequently deal with blocked kitchen drains due to grease, fat and food buildup. Prevent clogged pipes through scraping plates, using drain strainers and avoiding pouring fats/oils down sinks. Or call a professional plumber to hydro jet pipes and permanently clear blockages.