Plumbing Inspection Checklist: What to Document (and the Exact Wording That Saves Callbacks)
Plumbing is where “minor” issues become major quickly.
A slow drip under a sink can become cabinet rot. A missing TPR discharge can become a safety event. A corroded shutoff can become a flood when someone tries to turn it.
The goal of a plumbing inspection checklist isn’t to sound like a plumber — it’s to document what you observed, what function you tested, and what you recommend next.
Important
Follow your SOP. Many inspections are visual + basic functional testing only. Don’t dismantle traps or operate valves that look likely to fail.
Record the Plumbing Basics (Always)
- Water supply material (if visible): copper/PEX/CPVC/galvanized/etc.
- Drain/waste/vent materials (if visible)
- Water pressure reading (if you measure)
- Water heater type and data (tank/tankless; fuel; age; capacity)
- Any shutoff locations identified (main, water heater)
Whole-House Plumbing Walk Flow
- Main supply/shutoff → 2) Water heater → 3) Under-sink plumbing (kitchen/baths) → 4) Fixtures function (run/stop) → 5) Toilets → 6) Exterior hose bibs → 7) Visible drains/crawlspace plumbing (if present)
Supply System Checklist
- Evidence of leaks at joints/fittings
- Corrosion on copper/galvanized connections
- Unsupported runs / sagging PEX
- Improper mixing of materials without dielectric connection (as applicable)
- Main shutoff present and accessible (visual)
Photo set:
- Main shutoff location/context
- Any corrosion/leak at fittings
Drain, Waste & Vent (DWV) Checklist
Under sinks:
- Active leakage at traps/tailpieces
- Improper trap configuration (S-trap, missing trap arm where visible)
- Flexible accordion drains (commonly flagged)
- Loose or missing slip-joint nuts
Other:
- Slow drains noted during testing
- Evidence of past leakage (staining, swollen cabinet base)
Photo set:
- Wide under-sink shot (kitchen)
- Wide under-sink shot (one bathroom)
- Close-up of any leak/defect
Fixtures & Functional Testing Checklist
Run hot/cold at representative fixtures:
- Adequate flow
- Proper hot/cold orientation
- Leaks at faucets/supply stops
Showers/tubs:
- Diverter works
- Shower head leakage
- Caulk/grout deficiencies (water management)
Toilets:
- Secure mounting (no rocking)
- Proper flushing
- Continuous running
Exterior hose bibs:
- Leaks at packing nut
- Anti-siphon device present where required
Key Takeaway
When you describe “functional,” say what you did: “Operated at time of inspection.” It’s small language that prevents big arguments.
Water Heater Checklist (High-Value Section)
Photograph:
- Full unit
- Data plate
- TPR valve and discharge routing
- Venting/draft hood (if gas)
Check:
- Age (manufacture date)
- Location (garage/attic/closet)
- Seismic strapping where common/required
- TPR discharge present, proper termination (not capped)
- Signs of leakage/rust at base
- Combustion air/clearances (visual)
Common Plumbing Defects Worth Calling Out
- Active leaks (repair)
- Evidence of past leaks (monitor/evaluate)
- Corroded shutoffs (risk)
- Missing/incorrect TPR discharge (safety)
- Improper drains under sinks (function/maintenance)
- Water heater near end of life (budgeting)
The “One Photo Per Recommendation” Rule
If you recommend a plumber, include at least one photo that supports why.
Report Language Templates (Copy/Paste)
Active leak
“Active leakage observed at ____ at the time of inspection. Recommend repair by a qualified plumber and re-check for concealed damage after repairs.”
Past staining (no active leak)
“Staining consistent with past leakage observed at ____ . No active leakage was observed at the time of inspection. Recommend monitoring and further evaluation/repair as needed if leakage recurs.”
TPR discharge missing/improper
“Water heater temperature/pressure relief (TPR) discharge piping was missing/improperly terminated. This is a safety concern. Recommend correction by a qualified plumber.”
Corroded shutoff
“Shutoff valve(s) showed corrosion and may not operate reliably. Recommend plumber evaluation/repair as needed.”
Plumbing limitations
“Plumbing inspection is limited to readily accessible/visible components and basic functional testing. Concealed piping and intermittent leaks may not be detectable.”
Where ReportWalk Helps
Plumbing notes are easy to under-describe (“leak under sink”) or over-describe (“major plumbing failure”).
ReportWalk helps you dictate a consistent finding:
- Location → what you observed → what you tested → implication → recommendation
Quick Field Checklist (Copy/Paste)
- Main shutoff located/photographed (if accessible)
- Water heater: full + data plate + TPR discharge + venting photos
- Under-sink plumbing: kitchen + bath wide shots
- Run hot/cold at representative fixtures
- Toilets: flush + check rocking/running
- Hose bibs: leak check
- Photograph every defect you recommend repairing
