Plumbing System Inspection- Home Inspection Checklist

Are you worried about plumbing system issues in your new home?

A home inspector will take a general look at your plumbing systems during their inspection but what they are inspecting is different from an inspection you would receive from a certified plumber.  Both types of inspections have the same objective; to identify potential problems, issues and defects.

But what exactly is your home inspector looking for when it comes to your plumbing system? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the specific components and potential problem areas in your plumbing that a home inspector checks during your home inspection.

Visual examination of the exposed portions of:

• Domestic water supply
• Drain waste, vent, gas lines
• Faucets, fixtures, valves, drains, traps, exposed pipes, and fittings

Examination for:

• Proper function
• Excessive or unusual wear
• Leakage
• General state of repair

Exclusions in Plumbing System Inspection:

• Landscape irrigation systems
• Water wells
• On-site and/or private water supply systems
• Off-site community water supply systems
• Private (septic) waste disposal systems, unless specifically noted

Water heater inspection includes:

Visual examination of accessible portions of:

• Tank
• Gas, electrical, and/or water connections
• Venting and safety valves
  
  Examination for:
• Proper function
• Excessive or unusual wear
• Leakage
• General state of repair

Note: The hidden nature of piping prevents inspection of every pipe and joint connection, especially in walls, floors, and ceiling voids. A sewer lateral test is necessary to determine the condition of the underground sewer lines, which is beyond the scope of this inspection. A qualified specialist should be consulted prior to the closing of escrow to review any excluded systems mentioned above.

Home Inspection Checklist: Kitchen

During your residential home inspection of the kitchen there are also specific items that can be found in a standard home inspection checklist. Our next in depth look will what your inspector is looking at in your future kitchen!

Coming April!