Get a plumbing inspection before buying or expanding a home!
Why? Because not only is the plumbing system the most costly system in your home to repair, but if problems arise they can cause the most costly damage. And it isn’t as obvious as a bad roof.
Marin Plumbing offers plumbing inspection for anyone considering buying or expanding a home in Marin. A plumbing inspection is similar to plumbing maintenance, which I also offer. Although the same systems are checked, the difference is that a plumbing inspection does NOT include performing the maintenance work. It can include estimates for any repairs and deferred maintenance needed.
Plumbing Inspection in Marin County
In Marin County, because of our hills, foliage and proximity to the San Andreas fault, residential plumbing systems are stressed to the breaking point (quite literally).
In fact, several municipalities including Mill, Valley, Belvedere, Sausalito, Corte Madera, and Ross have enacted lateral sewer ordinances. These REQUIRE a plumber camera inspection of a home’s lateral sewer line (the sewer connecting the home to the main sewer line) whenever improvements are made or a home is sold.
For many years, the county has been considering a recommendation that all cities in Marin county adopt such ordinances. The purpose is to keep rainwater from getting into the sewage system and overwhelming the treatment plants and protecting the environment from raw sewage. But the COST of repair and cleanup is on the homeowner.
So even if an inspection is not required by your city, it is in your best interest to know the condition of your sewer before you purchase a home or add additional plumbing fixtures. And while I’m out there with my plumber camera, it’s a good idea to have me check out the rest of the plumbing systems in the home you are about to invest in. It is just good due diligence. I can walk you (or your agent) through my findings and prepare an estimate if you need one.
Doesn’t My Home Inspector Check This Stuff?
A normal home inspection, will look for only visible damage. They will not get inside the pipes, or check pressures and other systems. Most importantly, with over 30 years of experience as a plumber, I have much more plumbing knowledge than your average home inspector. I know what to look for. The telltale signs that show up before defects are visibly obvious.
Also, even if a home inspector finds defects, they can’t tell you how much it will cost to fix the problem. Only a plumber can give you an accurate estimate.
About My Plumbing Camera Inspection
As with any piece of technology these days, there is a wide range of quality in the equipment available. And in the skill of the operator. My VuTek Camera system is top-of-the-line.
What that means for you is that the color camera is self-leveling (so it’s easy to look at), I can record narration as I inspect the sewer so you understand what we are seeing.
Most importantly, if there is an issue, the camera has a sond that transmits a locating signal so I can go out on the property with my hand-held receiver and mark the spot directly above where the problem lies. This allows pinpoint precision and lowers repair costs.
I have been performing camera inspections and sewer line repairs longer than anyone in the county. So you can rely on the accuracy of my findings.
Plumbing Inspection Checklist
Here are the items I normally check as part of a full plumbing inspection:
- Inspect Sewer Line with state-of-the-art VuTek camera
- Inspect Hot water Heater connections and proper operation
- Check Water Pressure
- Check gas lines
- Check drains for clogs and obstructions
- Check Irrigation system for proper operation & leaks
- Check for toilet leaks and proper operation
- Check faucets & fixtures for drips and corrosion
- Inspect washing machine hoses, valves, and drain
- check Sump Pump operation
- Inspect dishwasher and garbage disposal for proper operation
Call me for a Home Plumbing Inspection
Protect yourself with a plumbing inspection, call me 415-883-1243 and let me make it easy and worry-free.