Plumbing.
Plumbing issues are some of the most common — and most expensive — problems we find. Here’s what we actually look at during an inspection, what tends to go wrong, and what you can stay ahead of yourself.
What we check during an inspection
A home inspection is a visual, non-invasive review — here’s the plumbing we evaluate and report on.
✓ Supply lines & water pressure
We run fixtures to check functional flow and pressure, and note the pipe materials we can see (copper, PEX, galvanized, or a mix).
✓ Drains, waste & venting
We watch sinks, tubs, and showers drain and look for slow drainage, leaks at traps, and improper connections.
✓ Water heater
We note the unit’s age, capacity, and type, and check the temperature-pressure relief (TPR) valve and discharge line, connections, and venting.
✓ Fixtures & toilets
We operate faucets and flush toilets, looking for leaks, loose mounting, and fixtures that run or drip.
✓ Shutoffs
We locate and identify the main water shutoff and note visible fixture shutoffs so you know where they are.
✓ Signs of leaks
We look for active drips plus the evidence of past leaks — stains, corrosion, mineral buildup, and water damage under and around plumbing.
The underground sewer line isn’t visible during a standard inspection — that’s what our sewer-scope add-on is for.
Common problems we find
✓ Hidden, slow leaks
Drips under sinks or behind walls that quietly cause rot and mold long before anyone notices.
✓ Aging water heaters
Units past their ~10–12 year lifespan, or a missing/improper TPR discharge line — a real safety concern.
✓ Mixed or outdated piping
Galvanized steel that’s corroding from the inside, or patchwork repairs joining incompatible materials.
✓ Poor drainage
Slow drains, improper slope, or “S-traps” that can siphon and let sewer gas in.
✓ Freeze damage
On the Front Range, pipes in unconditioned spaces can freeze and burst — we look for past repairs and at-risk runs.
✓ Pressure problems
Water pressure that’s too high (no regulator) stresses the whole system; too low points to supply or corrosion issues.
What you can maintain yourself
✓ Know your main shutoff
Find it before you need it. In an emergency, shutting the water off fast is the difference between a mop and a remodel.
✓ Flush the water heater yearly
Draining sediment annually extends its life and efficiency. Note its age — if it’s past 10 years, start planning.
✓ Winterize before the freeze
Disconnect and drain hoses, insulate exposed pipes, and let faucets drip during deep cold snaps.
✓ Check under sinks
A quick look for moisture, swelling, or musty smell every few months catches slow leaks early.
✓ Be kind to your drains
Keep grease out, use strainers, and skip the chemical drain cleaners — they damage pipes over time.
✓ Watch the water bill
An unexplained jump is often the first sign of a hidden leak. Trust it and investigate.
This guide is for general education. It reflects what we look for during a home inspection, not a substitute for a licensed professional. If you have a specific concern, please contact a licensed plumber — and of course, we’re always happy to take a look during an inspection.
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Read →Roof & Gutters
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Read →Concerned about your plumbing?
We’ll give your home a thorough, plain-English inspection and flag anything worth a closer look.