Imagine owning your dream home, only to discover a month later that the basement is slowly flooding due to a leaky pipe you didn’t know of. Unfortunately, this scenario plays out more often than you might think, and ignoring a thorough plumbing inspection is behind it.

It is important to understand plumbing inspection and how it can save you money, stress, and even your home’s structure. In this blog, we’ll walk you through what a plumbing inspection includes and what you can expect from a comprehensive plumbing inspection checklist.

Why Plumbing Inspections Matter

We learn about the plumbing system when it stops working. Leaks, clogs, or something as minuscule as corrosion can cause significant problems. The Insurance Information Institute reported that freezing and water damage account for one of the most significant percentages of homeowners’ insurance claims, reaching almost 27.2% in 2022.

What’s more concerning is that many of these issues can be avoided and prevented with regular plumbing inspections.

What Is Included in a Plumbing Inspection

A plumbing inspection entails thoroughly reviewing your home’s plumbing system, inside and out. Here is a summary of the most frequent items included in it:

Physical Inspection of Pipes and Fixtures

The visible pipelines should be leaky, properly installed, and corrosion-free. This includes:

  • Exposed supply lines.
  • Drainage pipes.
  • Showers, taps, and sinks.

They also ensure local codes are followed. 

Checking the Water Heater

The water heater is examined for:

  • Its condition and age.
  • Sediment buildup.
  • Function of the pressure relief valve.
  • Proper ventilation (in the case of gas heaters).

According to experts, the average life of a traditional water heater is 8-12 years. It is better to have an examination confirming whether it is nearing the end of its life.

Toilet and Drain Check

Toilets are checked for drips around the base, slow fill-ups, or continuous running, which indicate inefficiency or wear. Drains are checked to determine whether the water flow is smooth, without gurgling or backup.

Slow drainage could also be a sign of clogs or, worst still, mainline blockage.

Water Pressure Test

The low or uneven water pressure is a red flag. The inspectors gauge the pressure at different fixtures to see that it falls within the normal range between 40 and 60 psi.

High pressure may cause wear on appliances. If it is too low, you may have concealed leaks or work.

Main Water Line & Sewer Line Inspection

Advanced plumbing inspection can include video camera inspection of the sewer lines to detect:

  • Root intrusions.
  • Pipe collapse.
  • Build up or blockage.

This inspection is particularly necessary in cases of old houses or recurring plumbing problems.

Cross-Connections

Potable and non-potable water may be cross-connected and get contaminated. Such hazards can be avoided through proper plumbing inspection that detects such risks to health.

The Story of the Hidden Leak

In May 2024, a Reddit user from Tennessee posted a story of buying a home only to discover terrible plumbing issues soon after moving in:

“Within the first week, the bathroom downstairs flooded when the upstairs toilet was flushed… entire plumbing system underneath house in crawlspace needed to be replaced… 12k for that.”

The post recalls that the crawlspace was flooded with sewage due to prolonged leaks, and mold had begun to take root. Eventually, it resulted in a whopping $12,000 repair bill for plumbing, sump pumps, drainage, and mold remediation. 

The Plumbing Inspection Checklist: What You Can Expect

Here’s a look at what a thorough plumbing inspection checklist includes:

  • Inspecting visible pipes for cracks or damage.
  • Inspect every faucet, toilet, and shower head for proper functionality and leakage. 
  • A water heater inspection should be done to assess its condition, safety, and efficiency.
  • Check the water pressure all around the house.
  • Inspect drains to ensure they are clear and do not drain slowly.
  • Inspect sewer and main water lines (cameras can be used, if required)
  • Check the proper installation of shut-off valves.
  • Inspect the sump pump, if available.
  • Ensure appropriate backflow prevention.

When hiring a plumber or inspection company, it is necessary to inquire whether their services cover all these areas. The inspections are not equal.

When Should You Schedule a Plumbing Inspection

  • Before purchasing the house, a plumbing inspection is typically conducted as part of the house inspection.
  • Before selling a house, a plumbing inspection serves as a bill of health that can help achieve a higher selling price.
  • A plumbing inspection makes sense following extensive renovations, especially when plumbing work was involved. 
  • Once a year, to ensure peace of mind and detect minor problems before they become major ones.

Final Thoughts

A plumbing inspection may not sound exciting, but it’s one of the most important things you can do to protect your home. It should be considered an annual medical check-up. You may be okay, but you won’t know if something dangerous is developing beneath the surface unless you are examined.

Clogging is a nightmare that can easily become costly to repair. But with the right inspection and a reliable plumbing inspection checklist, you can stay one step ahead.

At Elite Inspections, we treat your house as our own. We don’t just look at pipes; we investigate, analyze, and ensure they meet the best quality and safety standards. 

Schedule your plumbing inspection with Elite Inspections now, and enjoy your peace of mind, one pipe at a time.