For a homeowner who wants to keep their home in good condition, a smart plumber is one of their best friends. Calling a plumber isn’t only something you do when there’s a leak, clogged drain or burst pipe. A proactive attitude toward your home’s plumbing system can both prevent damage and save you thousands of dollars. Building a good relationship with a local plumber who knows your home is an excellent investment in your home’s future.
At Rocketman Plumbing, we’re happy to offer comprehensive plumbing inspections. Of course, we always start with finding out any concerns you have or irregularities in your plumbing. Then we take our equipment and knowledge and give your system a thorough going over.
So you understand how valuable this kind of inspection is, here’s a rundown on the parts of your plumbing system we inspect.
- Hidden Leaks: We make a thorough check for water leakage, both visible and hidden. A dripping faucet might be obvious, but slow leaks under sinks, behind walls, or beneath the foundation can go unnoticed for months. The damage from leaks includes rot, mold, and structural damage. We’re going to look for water stains, warped flooring and any signs of mildew or mold. We also use moisture meters to check those areas that are not as accessible.
- Corrosion: Galvanized steel and cast iron pipes are especially vulnerable to corrosion. Any blue-green or white discoloration, flaking, or rusting indicates that a pipe is weakening and may fail soon. An inspection that finds corrosion gives homeowners time to plan repairs before the damage worsens or the corrosion creates holes in the pipe.
- Water Pressure Problems: The water that comes into your house has too much pressure for your fixtures and appliances. For that reason, a pressure-reducing valve adjusts the pressure to the right level for your home. On the other hand, low water pressure is another hassle. During inspections, we find out if it’s high, low or just right and inform the homeowner of any corrections needed. Unstable or fluctuating pressure may point to clogged pipes, buildup in aerators, or deeper issues within the municipal supply line or your own main line.
- Pipe Condition and Materials: Not all homes have been updated with modern plumbing materials. In older homes, we often find outdated or hazardous piping like polybutylene or lead. These materials can be the cause of leaks, water quality concerns, or even health risks. Cast iron drain lines, for example, can experience recurring clogs or backups due to a narrowing of the pipe from years of internal buildup. We’ll let you know what problems might be ahead and what the solutions are.
- Drainage and Venting Systems: Proper drainage relies on a number of factors being just right—the right slope, proper connections, and venting in good condition. If your drains gurgle, smell, or empty slowly, you might have venting issues that prevent air from moving freely through the system. These issues can cause poor drainage and even allow stinky sewer gases to enter the home. We also inspect cleanouts and access points, ensuring they’re not hidden or damaged. A home with accessible cleanouts is much easier (and cheaper) to maintain and service when problems arise.
- Water Heater Condition: Water heaters often get neglected until there is a problem. Annual inspections and maintenance are the best ways to keep that hot water flowing. We’re going to look at the age, make, and condition of your water heater and any signs of sediment buildup, corrosion, or leaks. For your safety, we also ensure that the temperature and pressure relief valves are functioning properly. For tankless water heaters, we check whether the intake filter needs cleaning and whether the unit has built up mineral deposits that require descaling. We’ll also check venting, gas lines, and electrical connections to ensure that the heater is fully code-compliant and safe.
- Fixtures, Valves, and Shutoffs: Every fixture—sinks, tubs, toilets, showers, outdoor spigots—needs to be checked for leaks, water flow issues, and overall condition. We test shutoff valves under sinks and behind toilets to ensure they’re working well. We also locate and test the main water shutoff and make sure the homeowner knows where it is.
Trust Us to Keep Your Plumbing System in Good Order
At Rocketman Plumbing in Albuquerque, we believe a plumbing inspection is one of the smartest investments a homeowner can make. Whether your home is new or decades old, this inspection gives you peace of mind, protects your property and helps you plan for the future. We’re happy to provide you with an annual inspection done by one of our skilled technicians. Just call us to schedule a visit.
