5 Signs You Need a Professional Plumbing Inspection

If you own a home or building in Arvada, you know plumbing issues rarely announce themselves politely. One day everything’s fine. The next, your water bill jumps or a bathroom starts to smell off. We put this guide together to help our neighbors in Arvada, Denver, Wheat Ridge, and Westminster spot the early warning signs. When it’s time to bring in a pro, Honest Plumbing is ready to inspect, explain what we find, and fix problems the right way.

Unexplained Water Bill Spikes Or A Constantly Running Meter

A sudden jump in your water bill usually means water is escaping somewhere it shouldn’t. If your meter is spinning when no fixtures are running, you likely have a hidden leak.

What we see around Arvada and Denver:

• Slab leaks that never reach the surface but run the meter day and night
• Toilet flappers that fail and let water trickle nonstop into the bowl
• Irrigation line leaks that only show up as soggy patches in the yard

Why this needs a professional plumbing inspection:

• Hidden leaks can undermine foundations and cause mold
• Slow seepage inside walls can ruin drywall and flooring
• You could be paying for hundreds of gallons you never used

How we help: During an inspection, we shut off fixtures, perform meter checks, and use electronic leak detection to pinpoint the source. If we confirm a leak, we handle repairs on the spot when possible, from a worn toilet part to a cracked copper line. Honest Plumbing is happy to check neighboring areas too, including Wheat Ridge and Westminster, if your bills keep creeping up with no clear reason.

Recurring Slow Drains, Gurgling Toilets, Or Sewage Odors

A single slow sink might be a local clog. Recurring slow drains throughout the property, gurgling after flushing, or that rotten-egg smell point to a bigger issue in the main line or venting system.

Common causes we find in the Front Range:

• Tree roots in older clay sewer lines, especially in Wheat Ridge bungalows
• Grease buildup and scale in kitchen lines
• Collapsed or bellied sections of sewer pipe from soil movement
• Blocked or damaged roof vents that trap sewer gases

Why call for a professional plumbing inspection:

• Gurgling is your system telling you it cannot get enough air
• Sewage odors signal a failed trap seal or vent issue
• Repeated clogs often mean the main line needs cleaning or repair, not just another bottle of drain cleaner

What we do: We run a camera through the line to see exactly what is going on. If the pipe is intact, a proper cleaning usually restores normal flow. If we find cracks, offsets, or a belly, we recommend targeted repair. In tight Arvada lots and Denver alleys, knowing the exact location saves you money by avoiding guesswork.

Persistent Low Water Pressure Across Multiple Fixtures

If one faucet is weak, it might be a clogged aerator. If showers, sinks, and outdoor spigots all struggle, something else is going on.

What could be behind low pressure in Arvada and Westminster:

• Hidden leaks reducing system pressure
• A failing pressure reducing valve on the main line
• Corroded galvanized pipes that choke flow over time
• Hard water scale in supply lines and fixtures

Why get a professional plumbing inspection:

• We measure static and working pressure to sort out whether the issue is at the street, the regulator, or inside your pipes
• Catching corroded lines early can prevent bursts during freeze-thaw cycles
• Consistent low pressure wastes time and can shorten appliance lifespan

How we fix it: We test pressure at key points, check the regulator, and inspect accessible piping. If pipes are severely corroded, we can replace bad sections or plan a full repipe with durable materials. Honest Plumbing also services commercial spaces in Denver where pressure issues can affect multiple units.

Water Stains, Damp Spots, Or Mold On Walls And Ceilings

Brown rings on the ceiling, peeling paint, or a persistent musty smell are classic red flags. Bathrooms and kitchens are usual suspects, but leaks love to travel along framing and show up far from the source.

Local factors we watch for:

• Winter freezes that split supply lines in exterior walls
• Aging caulk and failed shower pans in older Arvada homes
• Slow leaks under upstairs laundry rooms that stain first-floor ceilings

Why schedule a professional plumbing inspection:

• Moisture inside walls can trigger mold in as little as 24 to 48 hours
• A small drip today can become a ceiling collapse tomorrow
• Insurance often expects prompt action to limit damage

Our approach: We use moisture meters and thermal imaging to trace damp areas. Then we open the least invasive access point to verify the leak. From there, we repair the pipe or fixture, replace faulty valves, and recommend proper drying to prevent mold. If your kitchen remodel in Westminster revealed old water stains, a quick inspection can confirm everything is sound before you close up walls.

Banging Pipes, Rust-Colored Water, Or Aging Supply Lines

Noises and discoloration tell a story. Banging or rattling after shutting a faucet hints at water hammer. Rust-colored water usually points to corrosion in steel or iron components. And if your home still has decades-old supply lines, it is time to look closely.

What we check in Arvada and Denver homes:

• Water hammer that needs air chambers or arrestors
• Corrosion in galvanized lines that release rust into tap water
• Brittle rubber supply hoses to toilets and washers that can burst
• Old shutoff valves that seize or weep

Why a professional plumbing inspection matters here:

• Left alone, water hammer can stress joints and cause leaks
• Corroded pipes restrict flow and can fail under pressure
• Replacing old supply hoses with braided stainless lines is a quick win

How Honest Plumbing helps: We evaluate pipe condition, recommend replacements where needed, and set up protection like arrestors on problem lines. In Westminster and Wheat Ridge, we often find a mix of old and new piping. A careful inspection creates a clear plan so you update the right sections first.

What A Professional Plumbing Inspection Includes

A thorough inspection is more than a quick look under the sink. We follow a tested checklist and use the right tools so you know exactly what you are dealing with.

Advanced Diagnostic Tools And Tests

• Video camera scoping for drains and sewer lines to spot roots, breaks, or bellies
• Electronic leak detection to find hidden supply leaks without tearing open walls
• Pressure and meter tests to confirm leaks, regulator problems, or blockages
• Moisture and thermal readings to trace damp areas behind tile and drywall

Typical Areas And Components Checked

• Water meter, main shutoff, and pressure reducing valve
• Supply lines to kitchens, bathrooms, laundry, and outdoor spigots
• Fixtures and appliances, including toilets, faucets, showers, tubs, disposals, and water heaters
• Exposed drain and vent lines for leaks, corrosion, and proper slope
• Attics, crawlspaces, and basements for signs of moisture or past failures

If we find issues, we can often handle repairs right away. Our team installs and repairs pipes, replaces failing valves, fixes running toilets, clears drains, and services water heaters. Honest Plumbing can also upgrade fixtures during the same visit if you are already planning a bathroom or kitchen refresh.

Timing, Costs, And What You’ll Get In The Report

• Typical time: 1 to 3 hours depending on the size and complexity of the property
• Costs: Clear, upfront pricing for residential inspections, with a written estimate for any work you approve
• Report: A plain-English summary of findings, photos or video stills from camera work, and prioritized recommendations so you can decide what to tackle now and what can wait

For Arvada homeowners and Denver property managers, having documentation helps with budgeting and, when needed, insurance claims.

Conclusion

If you are seeing higher water bills, slow drains, weak pressure, stains on the ceiling, or noisy pipes, do not wait for a bigger mess. A professional plumbing inspection can catch small problems before they become costly repairs. We live and work near you, and we know how Arvada homes behave through freeze-thaw cycles and summer watering season.

Need help today in Arvada, Denver, Wheat Ridge, or Westminster? Call Honest Plumbing. We will show up on time, walk you through what we find, and get your system back to normal. If it leaks, clogs, or creaks, we can inspect it and fix it. Reach out to schedule your inspection, and let us take the worry off your plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top signs you need a professional plumbing inspection?

Common red flags include unexplained water bill spikes or a running meter, recurring slow drains or sewage odors, persistent low water pressure across multiple fixtures, water stains or mold on walls and ceilings, and banging pipes or rust‑colored water. In Arvada, Denver, Wheat Ridge, and Westminster, these often point to hidden leaks, vent issues, or aging lines.

What does a professional plumbing inspection include?

A professional plumbing inspection uses video camera scoping for drains and sewers, electronic leak detection, pressure and meter tests, plus moisture and thermal readings. Pros also check the main shutoff, PRV, supply lines, fixtures, water heater, and exposed drain/vent piping—even attics and crawlspaces—then provide clear findings, photos, and prioritized repair recommendations.

How long does a plumbing inspection take, and what will I receive afterward?

Most residential inspections take 1–3 hours, depending on property size and complexity. You’ll get upfront pricing for the inspection, a plain‑English report summarizing findings, photos or video stills from camera work, and prioritized recommendations—helpful for budgeting and, when needed, insurance claims for Arvada and greater Denver area properties.

Why schedule an inspection for recurring slow drains or sewage odors?

Repeated slow drains, gurgling toilets, or rotten‑egg smells suggest main line or vent problems—like tree roots, grease buildup, collapsed pipe sections, or blocked roof vents. A camera inspection identifies the exact cause. If cleaning restores flow, great; if cracks or bellies appear, targeted repairs prevent guesswork and save money on tight urban lots.

How often should homeowners get a professional plumbing inspection?

As a rule of thumb, schedule an inspection every 12–24 months for older homes or properties with large trees and clay sewer lines. Book sooner after freeze‑thaw cycles, a bathroom or kitchen remodel, persistent pressure changes, or any new stains or odors. Pre‑purchase and pre‑listing inspections are smart checkpoints, too.

Is a plumbing inspection worth it for insurance or a home sale in Arvada?

Yes. Documentation from a plumbing inspection—photos, video stills, and a prioritized report—helps justify repairs and show prompt action for potential insurance claims. For home sales, it reduces surprises, speeds negotiations, and offers buyers confidence. While not a warranty, it often prevents costly last‑minute fixes and pricing concessions.