Plumbing & Water System Inspections in Southwest Florida: Trust Us in Naples, Fort Myers & More

How Often Should I Schedule a Plumbing Inspection? Should I Schedule One Per Year?

Plumbing systems are easy to forget about. Most people take it for granted that, when they turn on their faucet, shower, dishwasher, or washing machine, water will be at the ready. It’s usually not until something goes wrong that a homeowner will even think to call a plumbing company. 

Unfortunately, by the time a leak, clog, or water pressure issue becomes obvious, it may already be causing costly damage behind the scenes. That’s why regular plumbing inspections should be a key part of your preventive home maintenance routine.

So how often should you schedule a plumbing inspection?For most homeowners, once every 1 to 2 years is a good rule of thumb. That said, take your specific needs and setup into mind. This schedule can vary based on your home’s age, your plumbing materials, any previous issues you’ve had, and more.

For instance, for older homes with older plumbing systems, yearly inspections may be more ideal. Annual inspections are also a smart move for homes in areas with hard water or shifting soil, both of which can stress pipes and cause leaks over time.

Not sure where you stand? You should consider annual inspections if:

• Your home is 30+ years old.
• You’ve had recurring leaks or clogs.
• You live in an area prone to extreme weather or flooding.
• Your plumbing is made of aging materials (e.g., galvanized steel, cast iron).
• You own a rental property or vacation home with intermittent usage.

If your home is newer or your plumbing system was recently upgraded, and you haven’t had any problems, a plumbing inspection every two years should be fine. Just stay alert to potential warning signs between inspections, like water pressure changes, slow draining, or anything else out of the norm. It’s also a good idea to schedule a plumbing inspection after a major storm or construction/renovation project.

What Does a Plumbing Inspection Include?

Whether you schedule inspections annually or one every few years, a professional plumbing inspection typically includes:

• Checking for visible leaks and corrosion
• Testing water pressure and flow
• Examining sinks, tubs, and faucets for proper drainage
• Inspecting the water heater for signs of rust, leaks, or inefficiency
• Assessing pipe condition and materials (where visible)
• Reviewing toilet function and checking for running or leaking units
• Looking at shutoff valves, hose bibs, and outdoor plumbing
• Performing a sewer camera inspection to check underground lines (recommended every 3–5 years)

Remember that preventive care is always cheaper than emergency repair. If you’re unsure when your last inspection was (or if you’ve never had one) it’s worth getting on a regular schedule. A small check-up now can save you thousands down the road.

Do I Need a Plumbing Inspection Before Selling or Buying a Home?

If you’re involved in a property sale (whether on the buying end, the selling end, or both), then you know a home inspection is a must. But do you need more specialized overviews, like a professional plumbing inspection, a certified chimney inspection, and more?

Easy answer – yes. Whether you’re buying or selling, a professional plumbing inspection is a smart investment that can protect your investment and prevent unwanted surprises during the transaction.

While home inspections are necessary and important, they’re really just basic overviews – and home inspectors don’t have the expertise to dive deep into every one of your home’s systems. A dedicated plumbing inspection can give you a clearer picture of what’s going on behind the walls and under the ground, as well as detect things like:

• Hidden leaks in walls, under sinks, or beneath the foundation
• Low water pressure or outdated piping materials
• Signs of corrosion or deterioration
• Clogs or root intrusion in the sewer line
• Water heater age, performance, and safety concerns

Armed with this information, you’ll be able to negotiate repairs or credits before closing, as well as avoid expensive post-purchase plumbing emergencies.

On the flip side, if you’re selling a home, a plumbing inspection can help you proactively resolve issues that might otherwise stall or reduce the value of a sale. Ultimately, plumbing inspections give both buyers and sellers peace of mind and can make the entire real estate process smoother and more transparent.

Do Plumbing Inspections Help Avoid Damage & High Repair Costs?

Definitely. Regular plumbing inspections are one of the most effective ways to prevent water damage and reduce long-term repair costs. By catching problems early, you can avoid the kind of damage that leads to major expenses, structural issues, and even mold growth. For example…

• Small pipe leaks can turn into major water damage, including ruined drywall, warped flooring, home foundation issues, or mold infestations behind walls.
• Worn or loose pipe connections can turn into burst pipes, especially during periods of high water pressure, leading to flooding or slab leaks.
• Sediment buildup in your water heater can turn into reduced heating efficiency, tank corrosion, or complete failure, forcing you to replace the entire unit earlier than expected.
• Water pressure irregularities can turn into leaky faucets, damaged appliances, and failed pipe seals, putting strain on everything from dishwashers to washing machines.
• Early signs of sewer line blockages can turn into backups in toilets, sinks, or tubs, or worse, sewage seeping into your yard or basement.

Routine inspections don’t just help prevent disasters, though…they also improve efficiency. For instance, identifying a running toilet or leaky faucet can save hundreds of gallons of water each month, as well as prolong the life of plumbing fixtures and appliances.

We understand the time and money investment involved with booking regular plumbing inspections. That said, preventive maintenance almost always costs less than major emergency repairs. In other words, a quick and affordable inspection now could save you thousands in future water damage restoration…or help you avoid a full system replacement. 

For peace of mind and long-term savings, regular plumbing inspections are a smart investment. Book yours with Aqua Care today.