As we welcome a brand new year, it is a great opportunity to create a fresh start – not only for our individual goals, but also for our homes. While many of us concentrate on creating resolutions and upgrading, it seems that plumbing is easily ignored until disaster strikes. By scheduling a New Year’s plumbing inspection, you can assure yourself that your home’s plumbing system is safe, efficient and prepared for the remainder of the year.
Small, usually unnoticeable issues such as leaks, pressure issues, or old water heaters can quietly inflate your water bill and ultimately result in damage that could have been prevented. Therefore, by choosing to work with a local plumber at the beginning of the year, you will be taking a proactive step in preventing costly surprises in the future. Rather than searching for “plumbing services near me” when a plumbing emergency occurs, an inspection provides you with the assurance that you are ahead of the curve.
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Why a New Year Plumbing Inspection Is Important
Most plumbing systems function continuously – often without any indication of impending trouble – until a failure occurs. Over time pipes corrode, seals degrade and appliances lose their performance. An annual inspection by a licensed plumber allows the plumber to identify minor problems before they become significant repairs.
Advantages of an inspection include:
Decreased chance of unexpected failures
Increased water efficiency
Increase the life expectancy of your plumbing fixtures and appliances
Better budget planning for upcoming maintenance
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that household leaks can potentially waste approximately 10,000 gallons of water annually if the leaks go unnoticed (outbound link suggestion: EPA WaterSense). The potential loss of water – and money – is certainly a concern for most homeowners.
Leak Detection: Find Problems Before They Escalate
Leak detection is among the key elements of a New Year plumbing inspection. Leaks can be very difficult to locate; many occur in areas that are difficult to access such as behind walls, beneath floors, or underground.
Some of the symptoms of hidden leaks might be:
Sudden increases in your water bills
Dampness or stains on walls or ceilings
Musty odors
Decreased water pressure
A licensed plumber uses specialized equipment to locate leaks without having to cause additional damage. Identifying leaks early on eliminates the possibility of mold developing, structural damage and expensive repairs. In and of itself, an inspection is well worth the cost.
Water Heater Evaluation: Comfort & Efficiency
Your water heater is probably the hardest working appliance in your house. Regardless whether it is a tank-type or tankless type, it requires regular evaluations to operate both safely and efficiently.
In evaluating your water heater, a plumber will check for:
Leaks or corrosion
Operation of temperature and pressure relief valves
Removal of sediment buildup if required
Safe and efficient operation
Older water heaters that require little to no maintenance can fail unexpectedly and in the process, create water damage. Many homeowners typically look for “plumbing services near me” when they lose hot water – however, an inspection prior to the failure can prevent this inconvenience.
Drain & Pressure Test: Protect Your Pipes
Clogged drains and water pressure issues typically develop over time, which is why many people tend to overlook these issues. Clogged drains can be indicative of larger plumbing problems including tree roots growing in sewer lines or slow draining that may eventually result in back-ups.
Pressure tests verify that your plumbing system is operating at safe levels. High pressure can damage fixtures and appliances while low pressure can be indicative of leaks or obstructions.
A licensed plumber can provide you with accurate pressure readings and recommend possible solutions such as adjusting a pressure regulator or performing a drain cleaning before problems escalate.
Clean, Professional Workmanship You Can Rely On
Workmanship is just as important as the inspection itself. You want to know that the plumbing company you hire will treat your home with respect, communicate clearly and honestly, and complete repairs to code and industry standards.
Clean, professional workmanship includes:
Treat your home and its property with respect
Communicate clearly and honestly
Repair according to industry standards and codes
Long lasting repair solutions – not temporary fixes
Selecting an experienced plumbing company will allow you to feel confident that your inspection will be thorough and reliable, providing you with peace of mind as you move through the rest of the year.
Special Offer: Start the Year Off Right
Many homeowners choose to take advantage of seasonal promotions such as:
Save $50 off any water heater service
Mention this flyer
Promotions such as this make preventative maintenance more affordable and provide the assurance that your plumbing system is being serviced by a professional.
When to Schedule Your Inspection
The best time to schedule a New Year plumbing inspection is before you experience problems. Early in the year is the best time because:
Licensed plumbers have more availability than during emergencies
Minor issues can be resolved before the increased usage of the summer season
You can plan for repairs based upon your own schedule and budget
If your home is older, has previously had plumbing issues or you’re uncertain as to how long it has been since your last inspection, now is the perfect time to contact a local plumber.
Conclusion
Having confidence as you begin the year, means knowing that your home is secure – inside and out. A New Year plumbing inspection provides assurance that your plumbing system is safe, efficient and prepared for everything that the year will bring. Leak detection, water heater evaluation, drain testing and water pressure testing are all part of a comprehensive inspection that will save you money, reduce your stress and extend the life of your plumbing.
Rather than waiting until a crisis develops and you’re forced to seek out “plumbing services near me”, work with a reputable local plumber and schedule your inspection early. When plumbing problems inevitably arise, you’ll appreciate that you had the foresight to prepare in advance.