What's Checked During a Plumbing Inspection

If you're buying or selling a home, you're probably focused on the big stuff the roof, the foundation, the electrical system. Plumbing? It's easy to overlook. But what's hidden behind your walls and under your floors can cause some of the most expensive headaches a homeowner ever faces. That's exactly why a thorough plumbing inspection is one of the most valuable steps in the home-buying process.

So what actually gets checked? Let's walk through it.

Why Plumbing Deserves a Closer Look

Water damage is one of the leading causes of costly home repairs. A slow leak behind a wall, corroded pipes, or a failing water heater can quietly cause thousands of dollars in damage before anyone notices. A professional plumbing inspection catches these issues early before they become your problem.

Whether you're a buyer trying to make an informed decision or a seller who wants to avoid surprises at closing, knowing the condition of the plumbing system gives you real leverage.

What Gets Checked During a Plumbing Inspection

Here's a breakdown of the key areas a certified inspector will examine:

1. Water Supply Lines

The inspector checks all visible supply lines, the pipes that bring fresh water into the home. They're looking for signs of corrosion, mineral buildup, improper materials (like old polybutylene or galvanized steel), and any visible leaks or moisture around connections.

2. Drain, Waste, and Vent (DWV) System

This is the network that carries wastewater out of the home. Inspectors check for slow drains, improper slope on drain lines, missing or damaged vent pipes, and signs of sewage backup. A compromised DWV system can cause serious health and structural issues.

3. Water Heater

Your water heater gets a full once-over age, condition, proper venting, pressure relief valve, sediment buildup, and whether it's the right capacity for the home. Most water heaters have a lifespan of 8–12 years, and an aging unit is a common red flag.

4. Fixtures and Faucets

Every faucet, toilet, shower, and tub gets tested. Inspectors check water pressure, look for drips or leaks, verify proper drainage, and make sure toilets flush and fill correctly. Something as simple as a running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons a month.

5. Shut-Off Valves

Main shut-off valves and individual fixture valves are checked to make sure they actually work. In a water emergency, a stuck or corroded shut-off valve is a major problem. This is a small detail that makes a big difference.

6. Visible Pipe Condition

Where pipes are accessible under sinks, in crawl spaces, in the basement, inspectors examine them for corrosion, pitting, improper repairs, and signs of past leaks. Even patched repairs can signal a recurring issue.

7. Exterior Plumbing

Outdoor spigots, irrigation connections, and any exterior drain lines are also part of the plumbing inspection. Freeze damage is a common issue in Nebraska winters, and an improperly drained hose bib can mean cracked pipes inside the wall.

Common Issues Found During a Plumbing Inspection

Not every home has major problems, but some issues come up more often than you'd expect:

• Low water pressure — could indicate pipe buildup, undersized supply lines, or a municipal supply issue

• Older pipe materials — homes built before the 1980s may have galvanized or even lead pipes still in use

• Water heater problems — improper installation, failing pressure relief valves, or units well past their service life

• Slow or blocked drains — often a sign of root intrusion, grease buildup, or a failing main line

• Signs of past DIY repairs — these can sometimes create more problems than they solve

A good inspector will not only identify these issues but also explain what they mean in plain language so you can decide what steps to take next.

Should You Get a Plumbing Inspection Even on a New Home?

Absolutely. New construction isn't automatically perfect. Installation errors, rushed timelines, and missing connections happen. A plumbing inspection on a newly built home can catch issues during the warranty period when the builder is still responsible for fixing them. That window is worth protecting.

Plumbing Inspection vs Plumbing Scope/Camera Inspection

It's worth knowing the difference. A standard plumbing inspection covers everything that's visible and accessible. A sewer scope or camera inspection goes a step further; it sends a camera through the main sewer line to check for root intrusion, pipe collapse, or blockages underground. If the home is older or has mature trees nearby, adding a sewer scope to your inspection is a smart call.

At Murray Inspection Services, we can help you determine what level of inspection makes sense for the property you're looking at.

What Happens After the Inspection?

Once the plumbing inspection is complete, you'll receive a detailed report that documents everything the inspector found, complete with photos and clear explanations. From there, you can:

• Request repairs from the seller before closing

• Negotiate a lower purchase price to cover repair costs

• Budget for upcoming maintenance if you're moving forward as-is

• Walk away from a deal that doesn't make financial sense

Knowledge is power in a real estate transaction, and an inspection report gives you exactly that.

Schedule with Murray Inspection Services

At Murray Inspection Services, we serve Lincoln, NE, and the surrounding communities with thorough, detail-oriented inspections you can actually rely on. Our certified inspectors don't rush through a checklist; we take the time to look carefully, explain clearly, and give you the information you need to move forward with confidence.

Ready to get started? Call us at (402) 802-7021 or schedule your appointment online. We're here to make sure you know exactly what you're getting into before you sign anything.