What happens during a water heater inspection?

Author: Janie Ferry DVM  |  Last update: Friday, January 30, 2026

Your local water heater repair contractor will do the following during an inspection: Perform visual inspection for leaks, damage, or corrosion. Test the pressure relief valve (TPR valve). Check for hidden leaks that are not easily visible.

How much does it cost to have someone look at a water heater?

In general, plumbers cost $45 to $200 per hour, while electricians cost $50 to $100 per hour. Expect the following average price ranges for labor alone: Replacing a tank-style water heater: $150–$450.

What does a water inspection consist of?

Water quality testing is a specialized but simple test that checks a home's water supply for contaminants and pollutants, such as chlorine, lead, and coliform bacteria. Testing can also reveal chemical imbalances of the pH, and other attributes, such as hardness.

How much does it cost to have a water heater inspected?

The cost of water heater maintenance ranges from $75 to $300+, depending on the following factors: What the plumber checks during a maintenance visit. Whether you choose a single visit or an annual maintenance plan.

Does homeowners insurance cover water heater failure?

If your water heater unexpectedly bursts or leaks, the water damage caused by the leak will usually be covered by homeowners insurance. However, repairs or replacement of the water heater itself will not be covered.

Quick Inspection Tip: Inspecting Water Heaters

What does a heating inspection consist of?

During an HVAC inspection, a trained technician will examine your entire system,including the furnace, air conditioner, ductwork, and vents. The technician will clean and test all of the components to make sure they are working properly and check for any signs of wear or damage.

How long does a water inspection take?

How long does the inspection take? A typical inspection normally takes 1 ½ to 2 hours, and we run the water for up to an hour as needed. The inspection may take longer if we have to located and excavate the septic cover or covers, and can depend on weather and snow cover.

What does a plumbing inspection involve?

The plumber will visually examine all exposed water supply lines, drain/waste lines, vent stacks, pipe fittings, valves, drains, and fixtures. They will look for leaks, corrosion, damage, improper installation, and code violations.

How do home inspectors check for water leaks?

According to Doityourself.com, the most obvious place for signs of water damage is on your walls and ceilings. If the paint is cracking or there are visible stains, the inspector will note that there has been a leak. If left unchecked, mold can grow, causing dangerous health issues.

What is the life expectancy of a water heater?

While today's water heaters are better designed than older models, they still require regular maintenance in order to prolong their lives. With regular inspection, draining, and flushing, you can expect a gas water heater to last anywhere from 8-12 years and an electric water heater to last anywhere from 10-15 years.

Who can look at my water heater?

But for the most part, you should call a licensed plumber for all hot water heater problems.

How much does it cost to have someone flush your water heater?

The national average cost to flush a water heater is $160, but prices can vary in increments based on the tank size. A 30-gallon tank will cost between $90 and $120 on average, while a 70-gallon tank could cost anywhere between $180 and $250.

How often should water heaters be inspected?

It is mandatory to keep a regular maintenance schedule.

This can possibly be every two months, once in every six year and once in every year. The first check should center around observing the plumbing joints for excessive or unusual corrosion. This check applies to only gas powered heaters.

Who do you call to inspect a water heater?

The short answer is that plumbers typically service water heaters, whether it's gas or electric. An electrician may also be able to fix an electric hot water heater, assuming the problem is electrical. Maybe you're wondering if you can DIY the solution or if you need to call a water heater pro.

Does HVAC check water heater?

It may seem the obvious call would be to a plumber, but your local HVAC service provider can also handle your water heater service issues. Many modern water heaters are hybrid units with mechanisms similar to heat pumps.

How long does a plumbing inspection take?

Most standard plumbing inspections will take around two hours to fully check all plumbing and appliances in a home. This of course depends on the size of your home, additional inspection services needed, and overall access to your plumbing.

What is included in the inspection process?

An inspection process refers to an ongoing procedure in the management of a security program that involves recognizing new risks, evaluating existing countermeasures, and ensuring compliance with protection programs through formal or informal assessments.

Do plumbers charge for inspection?

The average cost of a plumbing inspection is $100 to $200 for a basic visual inspection, $300 to $1,100 for a camera or video inspection, or $400 to $1,300 for a combination of the two. Plumbing inspections typically cover fixtures, water and sewer lines, water heaters, toilets, pumps, drains, and appliances.

How much does it cost to have a well inspected?

How Much Does a Well Inspection Cost? An average well inspection ranges from $300 to $500. This depends on the inspector's rates as well as the type of water tests they intend to conduct to check water quality.

Do home inspectors check faucets?

Plumbing – The plumbing inspection includes a check for visible leaks, functioning faucets, shower heads and toilets, and to ensure the exposed pipes are not damaged or dangerously outdated.

How often should water pipes be inspected?

Experts recommend that pipes be inspected at least once a year to ensure they are functioning optimally and to identify any issues that may be present. However, the frequency of inspections depends on various factors such as age, pipe material, and environmental factors.

How to inspect a water heater?

Bi-Monthly Water Inspection Checklist
  1. Check for scorch marks on the base of the water heater.
  2. Check for the proper ventilation of a gas water heater.
  3. Confirm the drain pan is under the water heater and empty it if necessary.
  4. Clear debris away from the water heater.
  5. Check for signs of leaks, like water on the floor.

How much does a heating inspection cost?

A full HVAC inspection costs between $150 and $500 on average. This comprehensive appointment includes a complete inspection of your heating system, cooling system, and ductwork.

What is the process of heat treatment inspection?

The Process of Heat Treating Metals
  1. Heating Stage. The metal is gradually heated to a specific temperature, resulting in uniform heating throughout the material. ...
  2. Soaking Stage. ...
  3. Cooling Stage. ...
  4. Phase Transformation. ...
  5. Grain Structure and Size. ...
  6. Diffusion and Precipitation. ...
  7. Allotropic Transformations. ...
  8. Annealing.

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