What this service solves
- Pre-purchase due diligence
- Rental turnover checks
- Aging systems
- Insurance documentation
Common symptoms
- Buying an older home
- Unknown pipe materials
- No maintenance history
- Recurring small issues
Most likely causes
Unknown materials
Polybutylene, galvanized, lead service lines and Orangeburg sewer pipe often go unnoticed.
Aging equipment
Water heaters, pumps and valves have finite service lives.
Hidden slow leaks
Supply hoses, wax rings and shower pans can leak slowly for months before staining appears; an inspection catches many before damage spreads.
How the problem is diagnosed
- Visual inspection of accessible piping
- Pressure test
- Water heater evaluation
- Fixture function
- Sewer camera inspection (optional)
Repair and replacement options
| Option | Best for | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| General inspection | Overall condition | Accessible supply, drain, fixtures, heater. |
| Sewer scope | Older homes | Camera inspection of the lateral. |
| Maintenance plan | Rental and multi-unit properties | Scheduled checks and flushing. |
| Water heater and pressure check | Every inspection | Checks heater age and condition, relief valve discharge, expansion tank and static water pressure. |
What a plumber normally does
- Walk through systems
- Test function and pressure
- Document findings
- Prioritize repairs
What affects the cost
We don’t publish national price figures because real quotes vary too much by region, access and the condition of your system. These are the factors that move the price:
- Property size
- Sewer scope inclusion
- Report detail
Ask for a written quote that names the method, materials and any permit or restoration work before work begins.
DIY vs. calling a professional
Reasonable for homeowners
- Seasonal checklist
- Meter test
- Checking under sinks
Call a professional for
- Detailed inspection
- Sewer scope
- Gas and venting evaluation
Prevention and maintenance
- Check under sinks and around toilets monthly for moisture.
- Test the main shutoff once or twice a year.
- Check water pressure annually.
- Flush the water heater periodically.
- Test the sump pump before storm season.
- Disconnect hoses before freezing weather.
- Replace washer hoses every several years.
Plumbing Inspection & Maintenance: common questions
Is a plumbing inspection worth it before buying a house?
For older homes, a plumbing inspection with a sewer camera scope can reveal expensive problems standard home inspections may miss, such as a failing sewer lateral or polybutylene piping.
How often should plumbing be inspected?
Many homeowners do a simple seasonal check themselves and have a professional inspection every few years, or when buying, selling or renovating.
What does a plumbing inspection include?
Typically a check of visible supply and drain piping, fixtures, shutoff valves, water pressure, the water heater, signs of leaks, and, optionally, a sewer camera inspection.
Should landlords schedule plumbing inspections?
Many do at tenant turnover. Catching worn supply lines, slow leaks and failing water heaters between tenants prevents emergency calls later.
How long does a plumbing inspection take?
A typical single-family home inspection takes about an hour or two; adding a sewer camera inspection adds time.
