10 Signs You Need a Plumbing Inspection Now

Plumbing checks prevent safety issues in the home. Heavy weather conditions and the age of plumbing units cause leaks, pipe corrosion, and dripping fittings. You can fix them early to avoid expensive repair work. It ensures that the plumbing units are in their best condition. 

A slight adjustment to the plumbing system can keep the building efficient. Henceforth, investing in periodic checks and inspections is certainly a wise and preventive measure to save one's home and savings from ruin. You can focus on the 10 signs to confirm if you need a plumbing inspection now.

Common Plumbing Issues Found During Inspection

• Leaky Pipes or Faucets: Water leaks of any kind cause water wastage, increase water bills and could even cause structural damage.

• Hidden Water Damage or Mould: Mould formation might be occurring inside the wall or under the floor when leaks go undetected, posing a threat to human health.

• Corroded or Outdated Pipes: Outmoded homes often have withering pipes, which may lead to bursting and therefore contaminate.

• Sewer Line Blockages: Tree roots or debris may block sewer lines, causing a backup and dastardly odour.

• Low Water Pressure: Buildup, leakages, or misalignment of valves interfere, reducing the ability of appliances to work with their efficiency on a day-to-day basis.

10 Signs You Need A Plumbing Inspection Now 

Carrying out a proactive inspection saves you a lot of money from serious damage and renders your home safe and efficient. Here are 10 signs that surely need a plumbing inspection, preferably now:

1. Low Water Pressure

Intermittent low pressure can be an inconvenience, which is a symptom of plumbing trouble. Possible causes include:

• Obstruction in the pipes caused by mineral buildup or debris.


• Leak somewhere in the plumbing, causing water loss before getting to the outlet.


• Corrosion of pipes, especially in older homes, reduces the internal diameter.

Due to water quality issues and freezing temperatures, corrosion or scaling may occur faster in Canadian homes. Whenever your shower or faucet pressure slowly begins to give way, it is time to have it inspected by a pro to fix that problem for good.

2. Slow Drains or Frequent Clogging 

Does it include:

• Draining slowly in sinks, tubs, and toilets?


• Partial blockage in a drainage?


• Fats, grease, hair, or foreign material clog the pipes.

More seriously, septic issues could mean anything from tree root infiltrations to pipe collapses. Frequent clogs, especially after the use of a plunger or drain cleaner, are a red flag. In freezing Canadian climates, freezing of drain lines can slow down draining. A plumbing inspection, along with a drain camera, can help find the actual problem and suggest a good remedy.

3. Weird Noises in Pipes

If you hear pipes banging, gurgling, whistling, or knocking whenever your plumbing is in use, do not ignore them.

• Banging or hammering is a condition known as water hammer, in which severe pressure may be applied or loose pipes may face the jarring action.


• Gurgling can be associated with venting problems or partial blockages.


• Whistling or squealing can mean worn-out valves or restrictions to flow.

Apart from pressure problems, these noises could be an early warning of structural pipe problems. In particular, during the winter months, expanding and contracting pipes in Canadian homes can worsen these sounds. An inspection will assure the system is secure and functioning properly.

4. Discoloured or Smelly Water

Water should be clear and odourless. If brown, yellow, or reddish water is being observed, it could very well mean that rust is inside the pipes or inside the water heater tanks.

• A strong rotten egg odour stands for the existence of bacteria or sulphur in the system.


• Metallic tastes or odours may indicate contamination.

Water in Canadian municipalities is generally safe for use; any discoloration or odour when inside the house points towards a problem inside the plumbing. An inspection will bring forth corrosion, stagnant water, or any other water safety threats peculiar to the domestic system.

5. Increase in the Water Bill

If the water bill shoots up with no increase in usage, it could mean there is a leak somewhere. The leak could be:

• Behind a wall


• Under the floor


• In the basement or crawl spaces


• Within toilets or appliances

Even a tiny leak can waste hundreds of litres of water undetected and push up your utility bills strewn over months. Seasonal water rates or restrictions on water drawn from Municipalities (common in parts of Canada) would make this really costly, really fast. A professional plumber will be able to find and repair hidden leaks using modern technology, including infrared imaging or pressure testing, without breaking your walls.

6. Visible Water Damage or Mould

Such signs are as follows:

• Water stains on ceilings or walls.


• Peeling paint or wallpaper.


• Mildew or mould in the corners or along the baseboards. 

These point to ongoing moisture intrusion, perhaps because of leaking pipes. Nature-wise, mould likes dark and damp places environment commonly found behind walls. If there is a plumbing leak, alongside harming the structure of your home, mould can cause respiratory problems. A plumbing inspector may find out what causes leaks so that subsequent damage can be kept at bay.

7. Running or Leaking Toilet

It might not seem all that urgent, but a toilet that is constantly running can waste thousands of litres of water in the course of an entire year. Common culprits include:

• Flappers or flush valves are worn out.


• Fill defective valves.


• Cracks in the tank or bowl.

Leaks around the toilet base might indicate that the seal is failing or that the floor is damaged. Such water wastage also causes rot to finish off the floor. In parts of Canada where freezing episodes are quite common, it can cause complete damage if there are leaks unnoticed. An inspection ensures that your toilet is working at peak performance with no leaks.

8. Old or Outdated Plumbing System

If your home is more than 20–30 years old, the plumbing may be installed with:

• Galvanized steel or lead pipes that corrode and are unsafe for the water supply.


• Polybutylene pipes, which were installed in the '80s and '90s and are known to pressure-fail.


• Fixtures and seals are deteriorating with age.

Homes older than 30 years in Canada, particularly homes constructed before the '90s, shall not conform to the present plumbing codes. Wanting to protect your home and health, one should opt for a full plumbing inspection on materials, their condition, their operability, and their safety, with recommendations given for upgrade and repair wherever necessary.

9. Pipes Frozen or Burst (Usually in Winter)

The Canadian winters are characterized by freezing temperatures that: 

• Make water inside pipes freeze and expand.


• Crack uninsulated pipes or pipes facing outward with the force of bursts.


• Lead to water damage because of thawed leaks going unnoticed.

If you have had frozen pipes before or you think that, somehow, you have vulnerable areas (basement or crawlspace), have them inspected before the winter season. A pipe inspector can advise on insulation, rerouting, or some other preventative procedures that will save you from heavy repairs and water damage.

10. Sewer Odours Indoors

If tears of sewer or musty smells greet one from drains, toilets, or basements, these may indicate:

• A broken sewer line.


• Cracked or disconnected vent pipes.


• Drying out of P-traps or backup problems.

Sewer gases like methane are flammable and toxic in large concentrations and tend to cause a lot of discomfort to the extent of being unsanitary. It is not a DIY job; a licensed plumber is necessary to inspect and locate the problem and make sure proper venting and drainage are done, especially in older, very wooded Canadian neighbourhoods where tree roots may get into sewer lines.

Plumbing Inspection Checklist

• Inspection of pipes and fixtures: Perform a complete visual inspection on accessible supply and waste pipes, fittings, valves, and fixtures, observing for any possible corrosion, leaking, loose connections, or damage.

• Checking water heater and sump pump: For water heater and sump pump, temperature, and pressure relief valves should be checked; tanks examined for rust or sediment buildup; and pump activation tested.

• Drain and sewer line inspection: Drainage and sewer lines are to be inspected for possible blockages, slow drainage, smells, root intrusion, and/or structural defects. Camera or probe equipment is to be used as necessary. 

• Pressure and flow testing: Water pressure and flow rate should be tested at a number of fixtures, using a gauge and timing with a bucket, recording pressure applied in PSI, and recording flow amount.

Cost Of Plumbing Inspections In Canada

In Canada, the average plumbing inspection charge falls within the range of $150 to $500. In Ontario and British Columbia, it usually wavers between $200 and $400, whereas for provinces such as Alberta or Quebec, the price may be a little less. 

The cost affecting factors are property size, age of plumbing, depth of inspection(visual inspection or camera inspection), and location(urban or rural). Additional services, such as water pressure testing or drain camera inspections, can raise the price. 

Licensed plumbers usually promise great work, and possibly bad work that results in expensive repairs might get cleared; thus, a worthy investment for home maintenance is having inspections done.

Choosing A Licensed Inspection Plumber In Canada

• Valid License: Make sure that the plumber possesses the proper provincial or territorial license to honestly carry out inspections.

• Red Seal Certification: The Red Seal should be sought after on the credentials. This indicates the tradesman holds nationally recognized skills and training.

• Apprenticeship & Training: Check that the plumber has finished a registered apprenticeship or a trade school program.

• Insurance Coverage: Check that the plumber will have liability insurance to cover any incidental damages caused to your property.

• Warranty Offered: When hiring a plumber, it is always good to have a plumber who guarantees labour and materials for your added peace of mind.

• Good Reviews & References: Check reviews or ask for references to affirm reliability and quality of service.

What To Expect During A Professional Plumbing Inspection?

Initial Consultation: 

Main concerns are discussed, and basic information is gathered.

Visual Inspection: 

Pipes, fixtures, and appliances are checked for visible damage or leaks.

Water Pressure Testing: 

Measurements are made of the rates of flow and pressure levels throughout the home.

Drain and Sewer Evaluation: 

Advanced cameras examine the condition inside pipes and the type of obstruction.

Leak Detection Tools: 

Equipment emitting sound waves or infrared rays detects hidden leaks or moisture.

Report and Recommendations: 

Findings are communicated along with suggestions for repairs or upgrades.

Cost Estimate: 

An estimate is given if there are repairs to be done.

Final Words

In order to ensure the safety and efficiency of taps, water motors, heaters, water pipes and other plumbing devices, a regular plumbing inspection should occur very often. Any apparent leak in one place, low pressure in the water system, or unusual noises could cause heavy repairs and lead to water damage if taken for granted. If you have noticed anything discussed earlier, it would be best to hire a licensed plumber. Immediate inspection will prevent minor problems from developing into major ones and will allow your plumbing system to function normally, for the good of both your home and your peace of mind.