Did you know that nearly 3,500 litres of water can be wasted in a single day by a pinhole leak as small as 1.5 millimetres? As you know, what begins as a dime-sized, undetectable patch of corrosion for many Toronto households eventually develops into a midnight emergency of flooded basements and damaged foundations.
A plumbing inspection is much like a physical test for your home. Particularly, it is a detailed examination of your property’s plumbing system to discover possible concerns before they become expensive repairs. For Toronto residents, where the climate swings from humid summers to bone-chilling winters, this vital maintenance service keeps your water lines, drains, and fixtures in top shape.
In this blog, we will tackle important topics about plumbing inspection, such as what happens during a comprehensive plumbing inspection, the specific components a plumber will check, and why regular inspections are the best way to ensure peace of mind and protect your home from unexpected water damage.
Contact us today through our form or call +1 (416) 252-5557 for expert plumbing, drain, and related services in Toronto, Etobicoke, Mississauga, and across the GTA.
Why Every Toronto Home Needs a Professional Plumbing Inspection
The Greater Toronto Area is home to a mix of beautiful historic houses and modern builds. Regardless of the age of your property, the plumbing in your home is under constant stress. From the mineral content in our water to the “freeze-thaw” cycles that can crack a sewer line, your pipes take a beating. A thorough plumbing inspection acts as an early warning system.
By hiring licensed Toronto plumbers, you aren’t just paying for someone to look at your pipes, you are also investing in preventative maintenance. Up to 60% of plumbing problems remain undiagnosed until they cause major damage. A thorough inspection helps you identify these “silent killers”, like slow leaks behind walls or a failing sump pump, long before they result in a flooded basement or a sky-high water bill.
Checking the Water Supply and Main Water Lines
The first part of a thorough plumbing inspection focuses on how water enters your home. An inspector will evaluate the water lines for any signs of corrosion, moisture, or age-related wear.
- Pipe Condition: We check for “sweating” pipes or visible rust, especially in older Toronto homes that may still have galvanized steel or copper pipes reaching the end of their lifespan.
- Water Pressure: High water pressure feels great in the shower, but it’s a leading cause of plumbing issues like blown seals and fixture failure. We use a pressure gauge to ensure your system is within a safe range.
- Main Shut-off Valve: In an emergency, you need to know your main valve works. Our plumbing service ensures this valve isn’t seized up, so you can stop water flow instantly if a pipe bursts.
Comprehensive Drain and Sewer Line Assessment
Drainage issues are often the most destructive and expensive problems a homeowner can face. During a plumbing inspection in Toronto, we pay special attention to how waste leaves your home.
Camera Inspections for Drains
A complete plumbing inspection usually includes camera inspections. We thread a high-definition waterproof camera into your drain and sewer line to see exactly what’s happening underground. This technology allows us to find tree root intrusions, cracks, or bellies in the pipe that a standard visual check would miss.
Clog Prevention
We search for warning signs of sluggish drainage that might point to a grease or debris accumulation. Catching these early through drain cleaning is much cheaper than an emergency plumbing repair on a Saturday night. We also check the venting system to ensure your drains don’t “gurgle,” which is a sign of improper airflow in the plumbing system.
Evaluating the Hot Water Heater and Fixtures
Your water heater is one of the hardest-working plumbing components in your house. During a comprehensive plumbing inspection, we examine the hot water heater for safety and efficiency.
- Anode Rod & Sediment: In order to prevent the tank from overheating and failing, we look for sediment accumulation.
- Leaks & Corrosion: Even a small amount of rust near the base can indicate that a tank is about to fail.
- Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve: This is a critical safety feature. If this valve is faulty, the tank could theoretically become a safety hazard.
Beyond the tank, the plumber will inspect every fixture in the house. We check faucets, toilets, and showerheads for small leaks. Maybe you may think that a dripping faucet might seem a little plumbing issue, but it can waste thousands of litres of water, which we both know can affect your wallet and the environment.
Contact us today through our form or call +1 (416) 252-5557 for expert plumbing, drain, and related services in Toronto, Etobicoke, Mississauga, and across the GTA.
Flood Protection: Sump Pumps and Backwater Valves
For those living in the Greater Toronto Area, flood protection is a top priority. A plumbing inspection in Toronto isn’t complete without checking your home’s plumbing defences against heavy rain and sewer backups. These systems are your last line of defence when the city sewers reach capacity, and their failure can lead to catastrophic water damage.
Sump Pump Testing and Maintenance
We test your sump to ensure the pump activates correctly and the discharge line is clear. If your sump pump fails during a spring thaw or a sudden downpour, your basement will pay the price. During our inspection services, we also check for a battery backup system. This is crucial because heavy storms often come with power outages; without a backup, a standard pump is useless. Our expert and professional plumbing services ensure the float switch isn’t stuck and the basin is free of debris that could clog the intake.
Backwater Valve Inspection
A backwater valve is a device that prevents city sewage from flowing backward into your home during a heavy rainstorm. These require regular inspections because debris, hair, or even small pebbles can sometimes get caught in the flap, preventing it from sealing properly.
As certified plumbers, we make sure the valve is free-moving and clean. To do this examination, the access pit is opened, the internal flapper is removed, and any grease or sediment is scrubbed away. This level of full-service care is why inspections matter; a valve that is only 90% sealed is still going to allow sewage into your home.
Why Specialist Inspection Services in Toronto Are Essential
Plumbing inspection services in Toronto must account for our unique infrastructure. Many older neighbourhoods still rely on combined sewer systems, making plumbing inspections for homeowners in these areas even more critical. Depending on the scope of your property, an inspection may also include checking the window wells and grading to ensure water is being directed away from your foundation.
Our Toronto plumbing inspection team looks for the signs you need an upgrade, such as a pump that runs constantly or a valve that shows signs of “scumming” on the wrong side of the flap. By addressing these problems that could affect your home’s safety now, you avoid the heartbreak of a flooded basement later. Whether you have residential plumbing needs or a larger commercial space, our comprehensive plumbing approach covers all your plumbing and drain requirements.
We even offer a free plumbing consultation to help you understand which flood prevention devices are right for your specific plumbing needs.
When is a Plumbing Inspection Most Necessary?
While preventative maintenance is always a good idea, there are specific times when you absolutely need a plumbing inspection.
- Before You Buy a New Home: Never rely solely on a full home inspection. General home inspectors often lack the specialized tools, like drain cameras, to see the entire plumbing system. A comprehensive plumbing inspection can save you from buying a house with $10,000 worth of hidden sewer issues.
- Before a Major Renovation: If you are planning a kitchen or bathroom renovation, you need to know if your existing house plumbing can handle the new layout.
- After Harsh Weather: Following a particularly brutal Toronto winter, an inspection of the plumbing can catch pipes that may have partially frozen and weakened, preventing a “ticking time bomb” situation in the spring.
The Value of a Professional Report
A reputable plumbing company like Absolute Draining & Plumbing will produce a written report detailing everything discovered at the conclusion of the inspection procedure. The report should include:
- A summary of the entire plumbing system’s current condition.
- Any immediate plumbing repair needs.
- Suggestions for preventative upgrades (like leak detection sensors).
- Proof that the Ontario building code is being followed.
Having this documentation is incredibly helpful if you ever decide to sell your home, as it proves to buyers that the property’s plumbing system has been professionally maintained.
What Makes Absolute Draining & Plumbing the Best Option for Your Toronto House?
Choosing the appropriate and right plumbing service company is crucial. Absolute Draining & Plumbing has been providing services to the GTA for more than 20 years, so they are familiar with the particular difficulties associated with residential and commercial plumbing in our area.
We don’t just “look around.” We perform a thorough inspection using the latest camera inspections and leak detection technology. Our certified and insured plumbers can assist you with low water pressure, a puzzling leak, or simply the comfort of knowing your house is secure.
We have a lowest price promise and flat-rate pricing; if you have a written estimate from another certified plumber, we’ll beat it by ten percent. We also help with some paperwork regarding plumbing rebates for services like backwater valve installations to help you save money as well.
Don’t Wait for a Leak! Schedule Your Inspection Today
One of the best investments a homeowner can make is a plumbing inspection. It turns your plumbing into a controlled, dependable system rather than a mystery concealed behind your walls. Don’t wait until you see water damage or experience a sewer backup to call a plumber.
Protect your home and avoid costly repairs by being proactive. Whether you are a long-time Toronto resident or looking to buy a new home, a complete plumbing inspection is your best defence against the unexpected.
Are you ready to ensure your home is leak-free and flood-proof? Contact Absolute Draining & Plumbing today for a free consultation and a thorough plumbing inspection. Our expert team is ready to provide the great service you deserve!
Contact us today through our form or call +1 (416) 252-5557 for expert plumbing, drain, and related services in Toronto, Etobicoke, Mississauga, and across the GTA.
