A plumbing system can last decades when homeowners take care of it, but maintaining a well-functioning system requires more than occasional repairs. It’s also about scheduling plumbing inspections at the right time. Plumbing checkups can prevent costly damage and keep your home running efficiently. They’re also beneficial for avoiding unfortunate plumbing mishaps, such as sewage backing up into your home. There are several times when it’s particularly advantageous to schedule a plumbing inspection at your California residence.
Before Buying a Home
You never want to buy a home in California without first evaluating its condition. It’s important to ensure your hard-earned money doesn’t go to waste.
A plumbing inspection before buying a home is crucial because it helps identify potential issues that could lead to expensive repairs in the future. This is particularly important if the current homeowners haven’t had their own inspection done in a while. There could be hidden leaks and other potential issues that no one is aware of, even during a standard home inspection.
Even if the current homeowners have told you that they had a recent plumbing inspection done, make sure you get it in writing. You may still want to do one on your own just so you know for your own sake what the current state of the plumbing system is according to a reliable and professional plumber you trust.
The longer these issues go on, the worse they’ll get. You don’t want to sign on the dotted line only to get an unpleasant shock when plumbing problems come to light a short time later after you have already spent your money. Consider it a proactive measure to ensure you’re fully aware of the state of the plumbing system so you can make an informed decision before purchasing the home.
Before Selling a Home
It’s also important to schedule a plumbing inspection before selling your home so there are no last-minute surprises during the negotiation process. You may want to do this before even putting your home on the market. If the issues are discovered during a home inspection, it could delay the sale or even cause the buyers to choose another property. Getting ahead of these potential plumbing issues allows you to deal with them beforehand so they don’t become a problem later on.
Taking care of plumbing issues before you list your home can also make the property attractive to potential buyers who desire a well-maintained plumbing system. It’s one less thing they’ll have to worry about after they buy your house. It also shows that you’re a responsible homeowner who takes care of the property.
Right Before the Holidays
Many homeowners are so worried about getting all the presents they need for people on their list, cooking in preparation for the holidays, and decorating that they forget about what may be happening behind the scenes at their homes. Scheduling a plumbing inspection right before the holidays can be beneficial whether you’re staying at home, taking a vacation, or visiting loved ones. The last thing you want to deal with during the holidays is a plumbing issue such as an overflowing toilet, a leak underneath the sink, or the water pressure going so low you can barely use it.
When you schedule a plumbing appointment before the holidays, you can have peace of mind that your plumbing system will work as expected. This is particularly important if you’re having guests stay at your home. You won’t have to worry about putting your holidays on hold to deal with any issues. Schedule the plumbing inspection far enough in advance that if you need repairs, you can get them done before the festivities begin.
Once Per Year
It’s ideal to have a plumbing inspection once a year to evaluate your system’s condition. If many people live in the home and use the sinks, toilets, and showers on a daily basis, you should schedule the inspection twice per year. This will help you have confidence that everything is working as expected.
One of the best times to do this is before you know your schedule is going to get incredibly busy. For instance, if you have kids who go to school, you know how hectic the beginning of the school year and the months to follow can be. Booking an appointment during the summer may be the best time for you and your schedule so you can get everything done before your calendar gets even more jam-packed.
Before an Extended Vacation
When people prepare for an extended vacation, they often focus on ensuring their pets staying at home are well cared for, shopping so they pick up all the necessities and vacation goodies, and arranging for someone to stop in and check on the property. However, booking a plumbing inspection in advance is something many people neglect before going away on vacation.
You don’t want to suddenly get a call from the house sitter or spot on your security system that there’s a severe plumbing issue. This is particularly important if you’ll be traveling internationally since it would be even more challenging to return home in the event of an emergency. Scheduling your plumbing inspection can allow you to travel with peace of mind that everything will be okay with your plumbing system at home, and you won’t have to return to any sewage backup, leaks, or flooding.
When You Notice Potential Plumbing Issues
Many homeowners can easily identify if there’s an emergency plumbing situation, such as sewage backing up into one or more rooms of their home. However, noticing seemingly minor plumbing issues may not seem like cause for alarm. Unfortunately, it can often be challenging to differentiate between what seems like a minor plumbing problem and what’s actually serious but happening below the surface within the pipes. A professional plumber is needed to determine the difference.
Some homeowners wait to schedule a plumbing inspection appointment even if they know some issues need addressing. For example, some people may see a minor leak under their sink and think it’s not a big deal, but it can become one as the problem worsens. Plumbing issues don’t get any better until they’re properly diagnosed and repaired.
It’s important to schedule a plumbing inspection as soon as you notice that something is wrong. Perhaps the water pressure is inexplicably low, there’s a leak, your toilets don’t seem to be flushing right, or you’re smelling something odd coming from the plumbing pipes. One of our expert plumbers can come in and evaluate the situation, diagnose the issue, and recommend a treatment plan that can effectively return your plumbing system back to normal.
Schedule an inspection today so you have a better understanding of the current state of your plumbing system. A complete range of HVAC and electrical services are also available to ensure all your systems all stay in top shape. Call Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric in Monterey Park, CA to arrange a time, or you can book your appointment through our website.