How Do Home Inspectors Check Plumbing? What They Miss

Home inspectors play a crucial role in the real estate process, but their plumbing evaluation has significant limitations. Understanding what home inspectors check—and more importantly, what they don't check—helps Northern New Jersey home buyers make informed decisions about additional specialized inspections.

As a family-owned sewer inspection company serving Northern New Jersey since 1992, we often work alongside home inspectors to provide comprehensive property evaluation. This guide explains the scope and limitations of standard home inspection plumbing checks.

Standard Home Inspector Plumbing Process

Visual Inspection

Home inspectors perform visual examination of accessible plumbing:

• Fixture operation: Test faucets, toilets, and visible plumbing
• Water pressure: Check pressure at multiple fixtures
• Visible leaks: Look for obvious leaks or water damage
• Pipe condition: Examine exposed pipes for corrosion or damage

Functional Testing

Basic functionality tests include:

• Water flow: Run water at fixtures to check flow rates
• Drainage: Observe drainage at sinks and tubs
• Toilet function: Test flushing and check for movement
• Water heater: Check operation and safety features

What Home Inspectors Cannot Check

Underground Systems

• Main sewer line: Cannot inspect buried pipes from house to street
• Underground leaks: Hidden leaks that cause foundation damage
• Root intrusion: Tree roots growing inside sewer pipes
• Pipe deterioration: Internal corrosion or structural damage

Hidden Problems

• Pipes in walls: Cannot see inside walls without damage
• Under-slab issues: Problems beneath concrete slabs
• Intermittent problems: Issues that don't occur during brief inspection
• Capacity issues: System ability to handle full usage loads

Specialized Equipment Needs

• Sewer cameras: Professional video inspection equipment
• Locating devices: Equipment to pinpoint problem locations
• Pressure testing: Specialized tools for system pressure testing
• Flow analysis: Equipment to measure drainage capacity

Why Specialized Sewer Inspection is Essential

Comprehensive Coverage

Professional sewer inspection provides complete system evaluation:

• Entire system: From house connection to street tie-in
• All pipe materials: Clay, cast iron, PVC, and mixed systems
• Every joint: Connection points where problems often occur
• Complete documentation: Video evidence and detailed reports

Problem Prevention

Early detection prevents costly emergencies:

• Root intrusion: Identify before complete blockage occurs
• Pipe deterioration: Plan repairs before catastrophic failure
• Capacity issues: Address problems before they affect daily life
• Structural problems: Fix issues before they cause property damage

Coordinating Both Inspections

Timing Considerations

• Schedule together: Coordinate both inspections during contingency period
• Share findings: Provide sewer inspection results to home inspector
• Comprehensive evaluation: Combine findings for complete property assessment
• Negotiation power: Use both reports for purchase negotiations

Cost-Benefit Analysis

• Combined cost: Both inspections typically cost less than $1,000
• Potential savings: Can identify $10,000+ in hidden problems
• Negotiating leverage: Professional documentation supports negotiations
• Peace of mind: Complete confidence in property condition

Conclusion

Home inspectors provide valuable general property evaluation, but their plumbing assessment has significant limitations. Specialized sewer inspection fills critical gaps, providing comprehensive evaluation of your property's most expensive hidden infrastructure.

Don't let underground problems surprise you after closing. Combine standard home inspection with professional sewer inspection for complete property evaluation and peace of mind.