It’s Important To Know Which Your Home Needs – Chen Plumbing Can Help!
When purchasing a new home or maintaining your current residence in Norcross, understanding the difference between a general home inspection and a specialized plumbing inspection can save you from unexpected expenses and headaches down the road. At Chen Plumbing, we believe knowledge is power when it comes to protecting your home investment.
Do you need a thorough plumbing inspection at your home? Send us a message online or call 678-621-6363 today!
What Is A Home Inspection?
A standard home inspection provides a broad overview of your property’s condition. The inspector examines visible and accessible components of the house, including the foundation, roof, electrical systems, HVAC, and yes—some basic plumbing elements. During this process, the inspector typically checks for obvious plumbing issues like visible leaks, running toilets, and proper drainage in sinks.
However, a home inspector is a generalist. While they have knowledge across many home systems, they don’t possess the specialized expertise or equipment to thoroughly examine your plumbing infrastructure. They’ll identify obvious problems but may miss underlying issues that only reveal themselves to trained plumbing professionals.
What Is A Plumbing Inspection?
A plumbing inspection, on the other hand, is a comprehensive evaluation conducted by licensed plumbing professionals like our team at Chen Plumbing. We dive deeper into your home’s water supply and drainage systems using specialized tools and techniques. Our plumbing inspections include thorough examinations of water heaters, pipes, drains, toilets, faucets, and sewer lines.
We assess water pressure, check for hidden leaks, evaluate pipe conditions, and inspect sewer lines using camera technology. This specialized approach allows us to identify potential problems before they escalate into costly emergencies. We can spot early signs of tree root intrusion, pipe corrosion, or improper installations that might go unnoticed during a standard home inspection.
Key Differences Between The Two Inspections
The primary difference lies in the depth and specificity of the examination. While home inspectors note visible plumbing issues, they typically don’t:
- Examine sewer lines with camera technology
- Pressure test pipes to detect small leaks behind walls
- Evaluate water quality and pressure throughout the home
- Thoroughly inspect water heater components and settings
- Check for code violations in your plumbing system
Additionally, home inspectors usually don’t remove access panels or use specialized equipment to examine areas that aren’t readily visible. Our plumbing professionals have the tools and expertise to examine these hidden components, which often reveal the most significant issues.
Why A Separate Plumbing Inspection Matters
In Norcross, where many neighborhoods feature homes of varying ages and construction styles, plumbing systems face different challenges. Older homes may have outdated galvanized pipes prone to corrosion, while newer constructions might have installation issues that haven’t yet manifested as noticeable problems.
A dedicated plumbing inspection helps you:
- Identify potential problems before they cause water damage or mold growth
- Plan for necessary upgrades or replacements in your budgeting
- Negotiate home purchase prices more effectively with detailed knowledge of the plumbing system’s condition
- Prevent emergency situations that typically occur at the most inconvenient times
- Ensure water efficiency and lower utility bills by addressing minor issues early
When to Schedule a Plumbing Inspection
We recommend scheduling a comprehensive plumbing inspection:
- Before purchasing a home, especially if it’s older than 15 years
- Every 2 years for preventative maintenance
- When experiencing recurring minor plumbing issues
- Before starting major renovations
- After purchasing a home that sat vacant for an extended period
- If you notice changes in water pressure or quality
What To Expect During Our Plumbing Inspection
When you schedule a plumbing inspection with Chen Plumbing, our Norcross technicians will arrive with the necessary tools to thoroughly evaluate your system. We’ll check every faucet, inspect accessible pipes for signs of corrosion or leaks, evaluate your water heater’s performance, and use camera technology to examine sewer lines.
After completing the inspection, we provide a detailed report outlining our findings, including any issues that need immediate attention and recommendations for future maintenance. This information empowers you to make informed decisions about your home’s plumbing system.
Invest In Peace Of Mind
While a standard home inspection gives you a general overview of your property’s condition, a specialized plumbing inspection provides detailed insights into one of your home’s most critical systems. At Chen Plumbing, we believe this additional step is essential for Norcross homeowners who want to protect their investment and avoid unexpected plumbing emergencies.
Contact us at 678-621-6363 today to schedule your comprehensive plumbing inspection and gain peace of mind knowing your home’s plumbing system has been thoroughly examined by licensed professionals who understand the unique challenges facing Norcross homes.