Why Plumbing Inspections Matter
The plumbing system delivers clean water throughout the home and safely carries wastewater away. Even a small leak, deteriorated pipe, drainage problem, or excessive water pressure can lead to water damage and costly repairs if left unaddressed.
During a home inspection, we evaluate accessible plumbing components for visible leaks, deterioration, improper installation, drainage concerns, and other conditions that may affect the system's performance or reliability.
What We Inspect
We evaluate accessible components that bring water into the home, distribute it to fixtures, carry wastewater away, and supply gas to installed equipment.
Plumbing System
The overall visible condition and performance of accessible plumbing components throughout the home.
Main Water Supply
Accessible service piping, shutoff valves, connections, and visible conditions where water enters the home.
Interior Supply Lines
Visible water-distribution piping for leaks, corrosion, deterioration, improper support, and other concerns.
Water Pressure
Water pressure is evaluated to identify conditions that may affect plumbing fixtures, piping, and appliances.
Drain Lines
Accessible drain piping for leaks, deterioration, improper configuration, and observable drainage concerns.
Sewer Cleanout
Visible cleanout locations and accessible components used to service or inspect the home's main sewer line.
Vent Lines
Accessible plumbing vent piping for visible damage, improper connections, and other readily observable concerns.
Gas Piping
Accessible fuel-gas piping, valves, connections, supports, and readily visible installation concerns.
Common Plumbing Issues We Look For
Leaks
Dripping connections, leaking valves, water staining, or other visible evidence of plumbing leakage.
Corroded Piping
Corrosion, deterioration, mineral buildup, or aging materials that may require attention.
Pressure Concerns
Water pressure outside a desirable range can place unnecessary stress on piping, fixtures, and appliances.
Drainage Problems
Slow drainage, leaks, improper configurations, or other visible conditions affecting wastewater flow.
How Water Moves Through Your Home
Your plumbing system is really several systems working together. Pressurized supply piping brings fresh water into the home, distribution lines deliver it to fixtures, drains carry wastewater away, and vent piping helps the drainage system operate properly.
- Main water supply: Brings water from the utility or private water system into the home.
- Distribution piping: Delivers hot and cold water to fixtures and appliances.
- Fixtures and valves: Control where and when water is used.
- Drain piping: Carries wastewater away from fixtures.
- Vent piping: Helps maintain proper airflow within the drainage system.
- Sewer line: Carries wastewater from the home to the municipal sewer or private septic system.
What About the Underground Sewer Line?
A standard home inspection evaluates accessible plumbing and drainage components within the scope of the inspection, but the underground sewer lateral cannot be visually evaluated from inside the home.
A sewer scope inspection uses a specialized camera to examine the accessible interior of the main sewer line and can help identify conditions such as root intrusion, damaged piping, offsets, blockages, or standing water.
Learn More About Sewer Scope InspectionsPlumbing Maintenance Tips
Routine plumbing maintenance can help prevent water damage, reduce unnecessary stress on piping, and identify small problems before they become more expensive repairs.
- Know where your main water shutoff is located.
- Repair dripping faucets and leaking valves promptly.
- Watch beneath sinks for staining or moisture.
- Never ignore unexplained increases in water usage.
- Do not use drains to dispose of grease or inappropriate materials.
- Address recurring slow drains rather than repeatedly treating the symptom.
- Protect piping from freezing during cold weather.
- Have gas-piping repairs performed by qualified professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you inspect the sewer line?
A standard home inspection includes an evaluation of the home's accessible drain and waste piping, but it does not include the underground sewer lateral. A sewer scope inspection can be added to inspect the interior of the sewer line using a specialized camera.
Do you inspect gas piping?
Yes. We inspect accessible gas piping for visible damage, corrosion, improper installation, and other readily observable conditions. Specialized pressure testing and leak detection are outside the scope of a standard home inspection.
Can you tell if a pipe is leaking behind a wall?
No. A home inspection is a visual inspection of readily accessible components. Plumbing concealed behind finished walls, ceilings, or floors cannot be evaluated unless there are visible signs of leakage or damage.
What plumbing issues are commonly found during a home inspection?
Common findings include leaking fixtures, deteriorated supply lines, slow drainage, corroded piping, improper plumbing repairs, missing supports, and other visible conditions that may affect the plumbing system's performance.
Do you check water pressure?
Yes. When practical, we evaluate the home's water pressure and report conditions that may place unnecessary stress on supply piping, fixtures, appliances, or other plumbing components.
Do you operate plumbing fixtures?
Yes. We operate readily accessible faucets, sinks, tubs, showers, and other plumbing fixtures using normal controls and look for visible leaks, drainage concerns, and operational issues.
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