Like most people, you probably treat your car to regular oil
changes and update your electronics when they become outdated. However, have
you ever considered giving the same amount of thought to your home's plumbing?
Annual plumbing inspections are an important part of household maintenance, and
they provide several tangible benefits for your home.
1. Avoid Expensive Repairs
The hardest problems to handle are always the ones we don't
expect. If you are keeping tabs on your plumbing system with regular
inspections, you can reduce the chances that a plumbing emergency will catch
you off-guard. The value of professional inspections is that they can catch
problems that would otherwise go unnoticed by the homeowner.
Slab leaks are an example of a plumbing problem that can get
out of hand fast. Slab leaks occur under a home's foundation and quickly
saturate the surrounding soil with water. This increases pressure on the
foundation and underground plumbing pipes and may cause other pipes to burst or
threaten the structural integrity of your home. You will save a lot of money
and time on repairs by catching problems like these before they occur.
2. Maintain Comfort and Convenience
Residential plumbing creates so many conveniences that we
take for granted every day. With annual plumbing inspections, you can ensure
that these conveniences are always available for yourself and your family.
Comfortable water pressure is one of the most important
features of an enjoyable shower. When the water pressure in your home is too
low, bathing and hand washing become much more tedious than they should be.
Similarly, you never want to stand around waiting for your
drains to empty before you can finish washing dishes or brushing your teeth.
Plumbing inspections keep everything flowing smoothly so you can avoid these
frustrations.
3. Improve Your Home's Safety
Some plumbing problems are more than an inconvenience if
they are left unaddressed. While your home's plumbing is very safe, there are
rare issues that can pose health risks if the right conditions are present.
Mold growth is the most obvious example in the realm of plumbing.
Mold colonies that get their start from leaky plumbing will release spores into
your home's air that can cause respiratory illness in high enough
concentrations.
A water heater that functions properly is paramount to
regulate your home's hot water and prevent scalding temperatures. Water heater
malfunctions like a faulty thermostat or release valve can allow the
temperature of your hot water to reach unsafe levels.
Water heaters also collect sediment over time from mineral
impurities in the water. This sediment can eventually coat the heating element
and cause your water heater to overheat.
4. Reduce Water Waste
Reducing water waste is a common interest for homeowners who
want to preserve the environment and those who want to preserve money. It's hard
to overstate the water waste that can come from an undetected leak in your
home. Burst pipes are the most extreme example, but even a single toilet that
won't stop running can waste hundreds of gallons of water per day.
If you suspect that a hidden leak in your home is wasting
water but can't locate it, you will have to look for more subtle signs. Take
note of dripping faucets in your home; several small leaks may be adding up to
cause a big problem. You should also check for high water levels in your toilet
tanks, and keep track of your bill to spot unexplained increases.
Plumbing inspections are like getting a glimpse into the
future of your plumbing so you can take action today. If you're ready to take
advantage of the benefits of a plumbing inspection, call Michigan Plumbingtoday!
