The frequency of pipe inspections and cleanings depends on several factors, including the age of your plumbing system, the type of pipes you have, and your usage patterns. Generally, it’s a good idea to have your pipes inspected and cleaned every 1 to 2 years.

However, if you experience frequent clogs, slow drainage, or other plumbing issues, more frequent inspections may be necessary. For commercial properties and apartment complexes, regular maintenance is crucial to prevent major problems and ensure smooth operations. Consulting with a professional plumber can help determine the optimal schedule for your specific needs.

The time required to inspect and clean your pipes can vary based on several factors, such as the size of your plumbing system, the extent of any blockages, and the technology used. Typically, a standard pipe inspection and cleaning can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours.

A detailed inspection with high-definition cameras might take around 30 minutes to an hour, while the actual cleaning process, such as hydro jetting, usually takes an additional 1 to 2 hours. For larger or more complex systems, the process might take longer. Your plumber can provide a more accurate estimate based on the specifics of your situation.

A
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
 A rigid black plastic pipe commonly used for drain, waste, and vent lines due to its durability and resistance to impact.

Access Panel
 An opening in a wall or ceiling that provides access to plumbing or electrical systems for maintenance and repairs.

Angle Stop
 A shutoff valve located between a water supply pipe and the fixture, allowing for easy water shutoff during repairs.

Anode Rod
 A rod inside a water heater that protects the tank from corrosion, typically made of magnesium or aluminum, affecting the longevity of the heater.

B
Backwater Valve
 A valve installed in the sewer line to prevent sewage from flowing back into the home, protecting against sewer backups.

Ball Check Valve
 A backflow preventer that uses a ball to seal against a seat, allowing water to flow in one direction only.

Ballcock
 The fill valve in gravity-operated toilets that controls water flow into the tank, activated by a floating mechanism.

Branch
Any part of a drainage system apart from the main line, including lateral lines that connect fixtures to the system.

Branch Vent
 A vent that connects one or more individual vents to a vent stack, facilitating proper air flow and drainage.

BTU (British Thermal Unit)
 A unit of heat energy required to raise the temperature of 1 pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit.

C
Check Valve
 A backflow preventer that allows water to flow in one direction, preventing reverse flow in plumbing systems.

City Sewer
 A sewage disposal system managed by municipal authorities, handling waste from residential and commercial properties.

Cleanout Plug
 A removable plug in a drain pipe that provides access for clearing obstructions in the drainage system.

Closet
 A term for a toilet, also referred to as a water closet, emphasizing its function in plumbing.

Closet Auger
 A flexible tool used to clear clogs in a toilet’s built-in trap, designed to navigate bends in the plumbing.

Closet Bend
A curved fitting that connects the closet flange to the toilet drain, facilitating proper waste flow.

Closet Flange
 An anchoring ring that secures the toilet to the floor and connects it to the drain line.

D
Diaphragm
 A flexible membrane in a valve that regulates water flow from supply lines and reduces buildup within the valve.

Dip Tube
A tube in a water heater that directs cold water to the bottom of the tank for efficient heating.

Drip Leg
 A stub pipe at the low point of a gas line that collects condensation and debris, also known as a sediment trap.

E
Electrical Snaking
A device used to dislodge clogs in curved pipes, also called a plumber’s snake or auger.

Escutcheon
 A decorative flange that covers the hole in a wall or fixture where a faucet stem is installed.

Expansion Tank
 A device that absorbs excess pressure due to thermal expansion in a closed plumbing system.

F
Fall
 The slope or pitch of a pipe that ensures adequate drainage by directing water flow.

Fixture
 Devices that provide water supply and disposal, including sinks, tubs, and toilets.

Flapper Valve
 The valve at the bottom of a toilet tank that opens to allow water to flow into the bowl during a flush.

Float Ball
 A floating mechanism inside the tank that rises and falls with the water level, controlling the ballcock.

Floor Flange
 A fitting that connects a toilet to the sewer line, also known as a closet flange.

Flushometer
 A valve used in commercial toilets that automatically shuts off after metering a specific amount of water flow.

G
Gas Cock
 A valve on a gas line that allows for shutoff when necessary, ensuring safety during maintenance.

Gas Control
 A device that regulates gas pressure in a water heater for safe and efficient operation.

Gate Valve
A valve that controls liquid flow in a pipe by lifting or lowering a gate.

Gravity Operated Toilet
 A toilet that relies on the natural downward pressure of water to flush, the most common type in residential settings.

Gray Water
Definition: Wastewater from sinks, showers, and bathtubs that can be reused for irrigation and non-potable applications.

H
Horizontal Branch
 Lateral drain pipes running from fixtures to the waste stack in a building.

Horizontal Run
 The horizontal distance between fluid entry and exit points in a pipe.

Hose Bib
 An outdoor faucet used for watering gardens and washing vehicles.

Hydro Jetting
 A high-pressure cleaning method for removing clogs and buildup in sewer lines, restoring flow efficiency.

I
Instantaneous Water Heater
 A water heater that heats water on demand, also known as a tankless or on-demand water heater.

M
Main Line
The primary pipe that supplies water from the municipal source to a home, branching off to other supply lines.

N
Nipple
 A short length of pipe used to connect two fittings or pipes.

No-Hub Connector
 A rubber sleeve with stainless steel bands used to connect different types of piping, often in older homes.

P
Pitch
 The downward slope of a drain pipe, essential for proper drainage and flow.

Polybutylene
 A type of plastic pipe used from the 1970s to 1990s, known for deterioration over time and potential leaks.

Power Flush System
 A toilet flushing system that uses pressurized water for a more efficient flush compared to traditional gravity systems.

PRV (Pressure Reducing Valve)
 A valve that reduces high municipal water pressure to a safe level for home use, protecting plumbing fixtures.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
 A rigid white plastic pipe used in non-pressurized systems like drainage, waste, and vent applications.

R
Rated Storage Volume
The amount of water that a storage tank can hold, affecting performance and efficiency.

Rim Holes
Small holes in the underside of a toilet rim that allow water to flow into the bowl during flushing.

Riser
 A vertical pipe that connects a fixture to the water supply, typically made of copper or plastic.

S
Saddle Valve
 A valve that clamps onto a pipe to create a quick connection for low-demand water devices.

Septic Tank
 A holding tank for sewage treatment in homes not connected to municipal sewer systems, utilizing anaerobic bacteria.

Sewage Ejector Pump
 A pump used to lift wastewater from lower fixtures to the main sewer line when gravity flow is not possible.

Sewer Epoxy Lining
 A repair method for damaged sewer pipelines that involves inserting a resin-coated liner to restore integrity.

Shroud
 A color-matched cover for the drain outlet of a wall-mounted lavatory, enhancing aesthetics.

Straight Stop Valve
 A shutoff valve similar to an angle stop but without the 90-degree turn, used for direct connections.

Sump Pump
 A pump installed in a pit in basements to remove accumulated water and prevent flooding.

Supply Line
 A pipe that carries water from the main line to individual fixtures, ensuring a reliable water supply.

T
T&P Valve (Temperature and Pressure Valve)
 A safety valve that releases excess pressure and heat from a water heater tank, preventing potential hazards.

Tailpiece
 The pipe section that connects a fixture outlet to the trap, facilitating wastewater flow.

Thermocouple
A device that generates voltage based on temperature differences, commonly used in gas appliances.

Thermostatic Valve
 A valve that maintains a constant temperature in shower mixing valves by adjusting the hot and cold water ratio.

Trap
 A curved section of pipe that prevents sewer gases from escaping into the home, essential for all drain systems.

Trap Seal
 The height of water in a trap that prevents sewer gases from entering a building.

Trapway
 The channel within a toilet that connects the bowl to the waste outlet, facilitating waste removal.

Trip Lever
 The flush handle on a toilet tank that actuates the flapper valve to initiate a flush.

U
Union
Definition: A three-piece fitting that joins two pipe sections and allows disconnection without cutting, primarily used in steel pipe systems.

V
Vent
 A pipe that allows air into a drainage system to balance pressure and prevent trap siphoning.

Vent Stack
The upper section of a vent line that allows gases and odors to escape above the highest fixture.

W
Washing Machine Box
A fixture in laundry areas that houses the hot and cold supply lines and the drain line for washing machines.

Water Hammer
 A loud noise or vibration in pipes caused by sudden changes in water flow, potentially leading to plumbing damage.

Winterization
 The process of preparing a home’s plumbing for winter by draining pipes and applying antifreeze to prevent freezing.