How Often Should You Have Your Plumbing Checked?
When was the last time you had your plumbing checked? If you can’t remember, you’re not alone. For many homeowners, plumbing inspections aren’t top-of-mind until something goes wrong—like a burst pipe, a clogged drain, or an unexpected leak. However, much like getting an oil change for your car or scheduling a yearly physical, regular plumbing maintenance is essential for keeping your home running smoothly and avoiding costly repairs.
So how often should you actually have your plumbing inspected? The answer depends on several factors, including the age of your home, the materials used in your plumbing system, and any past issues you’ve encountered. Let’s dive into why plumbing inspections are important, what they involve, and how often you should schedule them.
Why Plumbing Inspections Matter
Your plumbing system works hard every day, quietly delivering clean water and removing waste from your home. Over time, wear and tear, mineral build-up, tree root intrusion, and simple aging can cause components to fail. A professional plumbing inspection helps identify small problems before they escalate into major, expensive disasters.
Here are a few key benefits of regular plumbing checks:
Early detection of leaks – Even a tiny leak can waste gallons of water and cause mold or structural damage.
Improved water pressure – Issues like sediment buildup can reduce water flow, which an inspection can uncover.
Longer lifespan of appliances – Water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines last longer when supplied with clean, properly flowing water.
Peace of mind – Knowing your plumbing is in good condition reduces the likelihood of sudden emergencies.
How Often Should You Get a Plumbing Inspection?
For most homeowners, a full plumbing inspection every two years is a good rule of thumb. However, some situations call for more frequent checks:
Older Homes (50+ years): If your home has older pipes, such as galvanized steel or cast iron, you should have your plumbing inspected annually. These materials are prone to corrosion and deterioration over time.
Well Water Systems: If you rely on a private well, you’ll need to monitor both your water quality and your plumbing system more closely. An annual inspection can help ensure everything is functioning safely and efficiently.
High Tree Density Areas: Tree roots can invade underground sewer lines, leading to backups and expensive repairs. If your property has many trees, consider scheduling annual plumbing inspections.
Frequent Plumbing Issues: If you’ve had multiple leaks, clogs, or water pressure problems in the past, it’s wise to increase the frequency of your plumbing checks to once a year.
Before Buying or Selling a Home: A thorough plumbing inspection is critical during a real estate transaction. Buyers want to ensure they’re not inheriting expensive plumbing issues, and sellers can use a clean bill of health to increase buyer confidence.
What Does a Plumbing Inspection Include?
A comprehensive plumbing inspection goes beyond a quick glance under the sink. A licensed plumber will assess your entire plumbing system, including:
Pipes and fittings – Checking for corrosion, leaks, and weak points.
Water heater – Examining temperature, pressure relief valve, and sediment buildup.
Drains and toilets – Testing for blockages, slow draining, and flushing performance.
Faucets and showerheads – Looking for leaks, poor water pressure, and faulty components.
Sump pump and sewer lines – Ensuring everything is operating correctly, especially in flood-prone areas.
Some inspections may also use video camera technology to look inside pipes and detect hidden issues without digging.
Signs You Need an Immediate Plumbing Check
While regular inspections are important, certain warning signs indicate you should call a plumber right away:
Unexpected spikes in your water bill
Discolored or rusty water
Slow drains throughout the house
Persistent foul odors from drains
Gurgling sounds in pipes or toilets
Visible mold or water stains on walls and ceilings
These symptoms often signal a deeper issue that needs professional attention before it worsens.
Simple Maintenance Between Inspections
While you should leave detailed plumbing assessments to the professionals, there are simple steps you can take to keep your system in good shape between inspections:
Don’t pour grease or oil down the drain.
Use drain strainers to catch hair and debris.
Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper.
Check exposed pipes for signs of condensation or leaks.
Know where your main shut-off valve is located in case of emergencies.
By being proactive, you can reduce the strain on your plumbing and extend its lifespan.
Plumbing might be out of sight, but it shouldn’t be out of mind. Regular inspections—every two years for most homes, annually for older or problem-prone systems—can save you money, prevent water damage, and ensure everything works efficiently. Just like with any other critical system in your home, a little preventative care goes a long way.