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Supply and drain pipes under a sink during a plumbing inspection

Inspections & remodels

Whole-home plumbing inspection

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A plumbing inspection is a licensed plumber's check of the supply piping, drains, water heater, shutoffs and fixtures, with a written report. It goes deeper on plumbing than a general home inspection, and can add a sewer camera inspection.

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At a glance

  • Common sign

    Buying a home built before about 1995

  • First step

    Walk-through

Photo: 247homerescue, CC0

General home inspectors cover a lot of ground, so plumbing gets a quick look. A plumber's inspection identifies pipe materials (including polybutylene and galvanized), tests shutoffs and pressure, checks the water heater install against current code, and looks for active leaks.

It's most useful before buying an older home, before a renovation, or when you've just moved in and want to know what you've got.

Whole-Home Plumbing Inspection at a glance

What it is
A plumbing inspection is a licensed plumber's check of the supply piping, drains, water heater, shutoffs and fixtures, with a written report.
Service category
Inspections & remodels

Signs you need plumbing inspection help

  • Buying a home built before about 1995
  • Planning a kitchen or bath remodel
  • Just moved in
  • Recurring small plumbing problems

The visit

What a whole-home plumbing inspection visit involves

  1. 1

    Walk-through

    Supply and drain materials, visible piping, crawl space or basement.

  2. 2

    Tests

    Static water pressure, shutoff operation, fixture drainage, leak check at the meter.

  3. 3

    Water heater

    Age, venting, relief valve and installation details.

  4. 4

    Written report

    Photos, priorities and what can wait. Sewer camera add-on available.

What affects the cost of whole-home plumbing inspection

  • Home size and number of fixtures
  • Crawl space or attic access
  • Sewer camera add-on
  • Report detail needed for a transaction

Check whole-home plumbing inspection coverage near you

Use your location or ZIP code to see whether whole-home plumbing inspection is covered where you are, and the nearest service area.

Location is only used to find the service area nearest you. It stays on your device and isn't stored.

Water actively leaking, overflowing or backing up? That's a job for 24-hour emergency service, not a scheduled visit.

Whole-Home Plumbing Inspection: common questions

Is a plumbing inspection different from a home inspection?

Yes. A home inspector covers the whole house at a general level. A plumber tests and identifies plumbing components in more depth and can camera the sewer line.

What does a plumbing inspection include?

Identifying supply and drain pipe materials, checking for active leaks, testing water pressure and shutoff valves, checking fixture drainage, and evaluating the water heater's age and installation, with a written report. A sewer camera inspection can be added.

How long does a plumbing inspection take?

Typically one to two hours for a single-family home, longer with a sewer camera inspection or difficult crawl-space access.

What does a plumbing inspection cover?

Supply pipe material and pressure, shutoff valves, the water heater, drains and traps, fixtures and supply lines, and often a sewer camera inspection of the lateral.

Is a sewer camera inspection worth it before buying?

For homes built before about 1980, usually yes. Clay, cast iron and Orangeburg laterals are common and invisible during a normal home inspection.

Sources: PHCP Pros: Orangeburg pipe. Prices are national estimates, not quotes.

Service area

Whole-Home Plumbing Inspection across the Charlotte metro

Related

Services often paired with whole-home plumbing inspection

Parallel runs of copper and insulated pipe along a wall

Sewer Camera Inspection

A sewer camera inspection sends a waterproof camera through your drain line to show roots, cracks, sags and blockages, and a locator marks where and how deep the problem is.

Learn more
Plumber fitting a supply pipe beneath insulated flooring

Pipe Repair & Repiping

A single leak in otherwise sound pipe gets a spot repair.

Learn more
Tank water heater and utility piping in an unfinished basement

Water Heater Installation & Replacement

Replacing a water heater means sizing a new unit to your household, installing it to current code (expansion tank, relief valve drain, venting, drain pan where required), pulling the permit, and hauling away the old one..

Learn more

Guides

Reading on plumbing inspection

Get help with a plumbing inspection

Common sign: buying a home built before about 1995.

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