Most plumbing problems do not announce themselves. They start small and stay hidden behind walls, under cabinets, or underground - quietly growing until the day they become a very expensive emergency. That is exactly what a whole-home plumbing inspection is designed to prevent.
Whether you are buying a home, just moved in, or have been living in the same house for years, here is what we look at during a Hive 5 inspection - and what we find when we get there.
By a Licensed Master Plumber | Hive 5 Plumbing & Drains | Serving Vaughan, Woodbridge & the York Region •
A plumbing inspection is a thorough, top-to-bottom review of your home's entire plumbing system, performed by a licensed plumber. It goes far beyond what a general home inspector checks. Where a home inspector is a generalist covering dozens of systems in a few hours, a licensed plumber is a specialist who knows exactly where problems hide and how serious they are.
A full inspection covers three main areas: your supply side (water coming in), your drain and waste and vent side (water going out), and a visual check of the spaces around your plumbing for signs of hidden damage.
Service Starting From
Whole Home Plumbing Inspection $249
Whole Home Plumbing + Sewer Camera Inspection $449
A plumbing inspection is a small investment that can identify problems early and prevent expensive repairs in the future.
Call or text (647) 535-5560 to book your inspection. Same-day service available across Vaughan and Woodbridge.
Book Online | Call or Text (647) 535-5560
Many homes are actually in great condition. A proper inspection often gives homeowners peace of mind knowing their plumbing system is operating safely and efficiently.
During a Hive 5 Whole Home Plumbing Inspection, we carefully inspect plumbing components throughout the entire home.
All bathroom fixtures are inspected to ensure they operate properly. We check that:
Each toilet is dye tested to ensure the flapper seals properly and that the tank is not slowly leaking water into the bowl.
All accessible shut-off valves are inspected and tested to ensure they operate normally. These valves are critical during emergencies. If a valve appears seized, unstable, or unsafe to operate, it will be noted and recommendations will be provided.
The kitchen receives heavy daily use, so special attention is given to:
We also inspect for visible drain leaks or slow drips that can cause hidden cabinet damage over time.
Laundry areas are another common source of hidden leaks. We inspect:
Old washing machine hoses are one of the most common causes of sudden household water damage in Vaughan and Woodbridge homes.
In the basement we inspect the water heater and report:
Knowing the age and condition of your water heater helps prevent unexpected failures. Many Maple and North York homeowners are surprised to learn their unit is well past its recommended lifespan.
Water pressure in the home will be tested. Pressure that is too high can shorten the lifespan of fixtures, supply lines, appliances, and water heaters. If pressure is outside the recommended range, this will be noted. High water pressure is one of the most commonly overlooked causes of premature plumbing failure.
We identify and report the type of water and drain piping used throughout the home, such as:
This helps homeowners understand the plumbing system and plan future maintenance or upgrades. Older homes in Kleinburg, Woodbridge, and Vaughan sometimes have materials that are at or past the end of their lifespan.
We locate and inspect the main water shut-off valve and water meter. Every homeowner should know where their main shut-off valve is located in case of an emergency.
Exterior hose connections are inspected for:
We also check that interior shut-off valves for exterior hose bibs are present and accessible where applicable.
If the home has a sump pump, we inspect its condition and verify that it operates normally. A working sump pump is essential for protecting basements from groundwater flooding across York Region.
Some homes, particularly those with basement bathrooms, use sewage ejector pumps. These systems are inspected and noted if present.
If a water softener or treatment system is installed, it will be inspected and its condition noted.
An experienced plumber can often identify signs of previous plumbing issues. During the inspection we look for:
These clues often reveal leaks that may have occurred previously or are still developing.
Found something you want looked at right away? Call or text (647) 535-5560. Our licensed plumbers serve Vaughan, Woodbridge, Markham, and surrounding areas.
During many inspections we find issues that are not emergencies yet but should be addressed before they turn into serious problems.
Common findings include:
These issues may appear small, but over time they can cause water damage, higher water bills, and unexpected plumbing failures. If you have noticed a recent spike in your water bill, a hidden leak could be the cause. Catching these problems early allows homeowners to plan repairs before they become urgent.
Sometimes inspections uncover problems that could cause significant damage if left undiscovered. These are the issues homeowners rarely see until it is too late.
One of the most important checks we perform is inspecting the underground sewer line leaving the home. We have seen homeowners in the Vaughan and Woodbridge area purchase homes only to discover shortly after moving in that the sewer line was in poor condition and causing repeated blockages.
Possible issues include:
A sewer camera inspection can identify these hidden problems early - before they become a $10,000 or more emergency.
Kitchen drains often receive the heaviest use in the home. Over time grease, food particles, and soap buildup can accumulate in the pipe and eventually cause blockages. Our drain cleaning service can clear these lines before a backup happens. Knowing the condition of this drain line ahead of time can prevent inconvenient and messy backups.
Concerned about your sewer line or drains? Call or text (647) 535-5560 for a same-day camera inspection in Vaughan, Woodbridge, and surrounding areas.
Book Online | Call or Text (647) 535-5560
Plumbing issues rarely appear overnight. Most develop slowly and quietly until they become expensive emergencies. Most plumbing emergencies we respond to could have been prevented with a proper inspection.
A professional inspection helps homeowners:
Most importantly, it provides peace of mind.
A plumbing inspection can help uncover hidden issues before they become expensive repairs. It is recommended when buying a home, after moving into a property, for homes that are 10 years old or older, before major renovations, and as part of preventative maintenance to reduce the risk of plumbing emergencies.
Most inspections take between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on the size of the home and the number of fixtures. If a sewer camera inspection is also performed, the inspection may take 90 to 120 minutes.
A professional plumbing inspection can reveal many hidden issues that may otherwise go unnoticed, including slow leaks under sinks, aging supply lines that may be at risk of failure, improper DIY plumbing repairs, excessive water pressure that can damage fixtures, underground sewer line problems, drain buildup that could lead to future clogs, failing shut-off valves, and signs of previous water damage.
A sewer camera inspection is highly recommended, especially for older homes or homes with large trees on the property. It allows us to inspect the underground drain line leaving the home and identify issues such as tree roots, pipe deterioration, partial pipe collapse, and grease or debris buildup. These problems are impossible to see without a camera inspection.
In most cases, no preparation is required. However, it helps if areas around sinks, water heaters, and plumbing fixtures are accessible so they can be inspected properly.
Yes. After the inspection we provide homeowners with a summary of our findings, including any issues discovered and recommended maintenance or improvements. This helps homeowners understand the condition of their plumbing system and plan future repairs if needed.
No. A whole home plumbing inspection is a non-invasive inspection. We inspect visible plumbing components and test fixtures, valves, and systems without opening walls or causing damage.
In most cases, no preparation is required. However, it helps if areas around sinks, water heaters, and plumbing fixtures are accessible so they can be inspected properly.
No. The inspection is completely independent. However, if repairs or improvements are recommended, our team can provide professional solutions and expert workmanship.
At Hive 5 Plumbing & Drains, every inspection is performed by a Licensed Master Plumber with extensive experience working in homes throughout Vaughan, York Region, and surrounding areas.
We believe homeowners deserve honest information, expert workmanship, and true 5-Star Service.
If you want to understand the condition of your home's plumbing system, a Hive 5 Whole Home Plumbing Inspection is the best place to start.
Whole Home Plumbing Inspection - starting from $249
Whole Home Plumbing + Sewer Camera Inspection - starting from $449
