Here’s What’s Included in a Plumbing Inspection Checklist: Know What to Expect

Can you be too cautious when buying a house? With a large amount of money on the line, many homebuyers think not. That’s why they invest in a plumbing inspection—to ensure hidden problems are exposed, especially for older homes with potentially worn parts and plumbing that’s no longer up to code.  

No house is the same, so it's hard to know what to expect from a plumbing inspection. Since you’re not a plumbing expert, it's a good idea to have a checklist to look over before the inspection. Keep reading to learn about the most common points on a plumbing inspection checklist.

Your Home Plumbing Inspection Checklist

As you prepare to purchase a new home, a thorough home plumbing inspection is crucial to avoid costly repairs down the road. This checklist will guide you through the essential plumbing components a qualified inspection professional or licensed plumber should inspect.

Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home and contains many crucial plumbing components. Inspect each thoroughly to avoid future complications that could impact your daily life.

• Sink faucet: The kitchen sink is the most frequently used water fixture. Due to its high use, it is more likely to require repairs. Check for leaks, loose connections, or low water pressure. If you have no water coming out of faucets, make sure the shut-off valves are off. If the shut-off valve isn’t the problem, you could have a leak, aerator issue, or clog preventing water from coming out.

• Sink drain: Check the kitchen drain for any leaks. If the water in the sink drains too slowly, a clog may be to blame. The inability to clear the clog could mean a more significant issue like a P-trap or strainer area blockage.

• Water valves: Locate the hot and cold water supply valves to the faucet. Make sure they can be easily opened and closed, and there are no visible leaks.

• Garbage disposal: Test the garbage disposal. It should turn on and off smoothly without any unusual noises.

• Dishwasher connections: Inspect the dishwasher water supply line and drain line. Both should be in good working order without any leaks or damage.

• Refrigerator connections: Some refrigerators have a water connection for ice and water dispensing. If that is the case, check that the connection is correctly set up and there are no leaks.

Bathroom

Moving on to the bathroom, this area is also filled with vital plumbing fixtures. A thorough check here can prevent issues from becoming a major inconvenience.

• Sink faucets: Check sink faucets for leaks or loose connections. If the water stream from the faucet is irregular or lacks water pressure, the aerator may need to be cleaned or replaced.

• Sink drains: Inspect sink drains and P-traps for leaks or clogs. Water should drain freely without any delay. For clogs, knowing how to use a plumbing snake can help clear up hair and other stubborn debris blocking your sink from flowing correctly. Even after you move in, it is important to continue inspecting sink drains as part of regular plumbing maintenance.

• Water valves: Locate the water supply valves at each faucet and toilet. Make sure they can be easily opened and closed and that there are no leaks. If closing the valve does not stop the water flow, the valve must be replaced. 

• Toilet plumbing: Remove the tank lid and ensure the water drains and refills upon flushing. If the toilet wobbles or has any moisture around the base, you must replace the wax ring.

Septic and Sewer 

Septic and sewer systems are “out of sight, out of mind,” but they are crucial parts of a home's plumbing. The exact items to inspect vary depending on whether the home is connected to a public sewer system or private septic.

• Sewer main line: If the house is connected to the public sewer, have the sewer main line inspected by a professional company. They will inspect the line to ensure it is in good shape and not damaged or clogged, which could quickly become a plumbing emergency if not taken care of.

• Septic tank and leach field: If the house is connected to a private septic tank and leach field, having a professional septic company inspect the system is also a good idea. They will check for leaks in the tank or leach field and determine if a septic pump is necessary. A thorough inspection is well worth the plumbing cost, as septic tanks have a high replacement price.

• Sewer pipes and vents: Inspect any visible sewer pipes throughout the home, likely in the basement or crawl space. Also, ensure there is a sewer vent pipe that releases sewer gases. Without a proper venting system or if the vent pipe is damaged, these gases could be released into your home. Bring any concerns back to the seller for repairs to avoid the cost to repipe a house. 

Other Major Home Plumbing Components

Don’t forget the other major plumbing components scattered around the house. Each plays a significant role in the overall plumbing system and must be inspected accordingly.

• Water heater: Inspect the water heater for leaks, especially noting pooling water or water stains near the base. Any indication of leaking water could indicate aged parts that require replacement.

• House water main: Locate where the main water line enters the home. Inspect the valve and pressure gauge. Open and close the valve to ensure proper operation. Make sure the water pressure is not too high.

• Hose spigots: Locate any outdoor hose spigots. In cold climates, it is not uncommon for hose spigot assemblies to freeze and crack over the winter. Open up any valve connected to the hose spigot and ensure proper operation.

• Sprinkler system: If the house has a sprinkler system, inspect each sprinkler head for any damage along with the other system parts, including the controller, valves, and backflow preventer.

• Sump pump: If the basement or crawl space has a sump pump, check that it turns on and off. Place some water in the sump pit and ensure the pump can pump it out.

• Washing machine connections: Like other water connections in the house, check that the hot and cold water connections to the washing machine are in good condition and not leaking. Also, ensure the water hoses do not show too much wear.

• House water damage: While inspecting all the plumbing elements throughout the house, look for any water damage. Look for stains, mildew, or mold on ceilings, walls, or floors that could indicate a hidden water leak. If there is water damage, expect to pay anywhere between $1,350 and $6,200 in water damage restoration costs to have it repaired.

Benefits of a Home Plumbing Inspection

Plumbing issues are more challenging to spot than cosmetic problems in a home. It takes a trained plumber near you to check that the pipes and valves operate as they should. Completing a thorough plumbing inspection before buying a home has a few worthwhile benefits, including:

• Avoiding repair costs: By locating any plumbing problems before the home is officially yours, you can often request the home's seller to fix the issue or pay you for the repairs.

• Lowering the chance of emergency repairs: A completed inspection will give you a list of all the home plumbing problems to address. By fixing these issues, there is a much lower likelihood of dealing with an emergency plumbing problem in the future.

• Improving safety: Plumbing problems, such as drain backups and pipe leaks, pose a health hazard if not immediately caught and fixed. Getting these issues resolved during the inspection process reduces any health risks.

• Reducing energy bills: Fixing leaks ensures water is not wasted in your new home and contributes to a lower monthly water bill.

When Should Plumbing Be Inspected?

In addition to regularly inspecting plumbing as part of routine maintenance, household plumbing should also be inspected during these scenarios:

• Buying a new home

• Selling your current home

• Completing a remodel or upgrade

• Higher-than-average water bills

• Temperatures dropped below freezing for prolonged periods of time

Additionally, if you've experienced recurring issues such as frequent clogs or leaks, an inspection can help identify the root cause and prevent more significant damage.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Your plumbing system covers your entire house—spanning your kitchen, bathrooms, basement, and the walls in between. While little experience is needed to check small components and fixtures like your sink faucets, water valves, and appliance connections, you should get a professional plumber out to your house to do a comprehensive check of your plumbing. 

It can be easy to spot wear and tear and other cosmetic issues, but deeper issues are harder to see. With a licensed plumber’s know-how, experience, and equipment, you can save a great deal on bills and avoid spending thousands for emergency repairs like burst pipes and main water line fixes. The cost of a plumbing inspection, which includes both a visual and camera inspection, ranges between $350 to $1,375. When compared to plumbing repair costs—that can average $1,000 to $4,000 for burst pipes and $600 to $4,500 for mainline water leaks—hiring a professional plumber for your inspection is definitely worth the investment and worth considering.

Questions to Ask a Plumber

Once you’ve decided to go with a plumber, you’ll want to spend some time making sure you hire the right one. Try contacting multiple professionals to find the best balance of affordability, knowledge, and experience. To do that, you’ll need to come ready with a few questions that’ll help you weigh their pros and cons. During your conversation, consider asking:

• Are you licensed and insured?

• How many years of experience do you have?

• Can you provide references?

• Do you offer visual and camera inspections?

• What is the cost of this job? Is it a flat-rate fee?

• Do you use subcontractors?

• Will you conduct the inspection yourself?

• How long do inspections typically take?