Plumbing

Connecticut Home Inspections

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A plumbing inspection consists of evaluating several things. Water supply, distribution (pipes), fixtures, drains, waste and vent systems, as well as water heaters and the fuel type used. All these need to be evaluated and reported. (Sump pumps are also included in this evaluation - see "Basement Moisture").

WATER:
Inspecting the water supply begins with determining whether it is publicly supplied or from a well and where it enters the house.

Knowing this is important because the main shut off is typically located at the service entrance. This way, if repairs are being done or there is an emergency, you will know where to go to shut off the water.

Well jet pump and pressure tank

At this time the State of Connecticut does not require home inspectors to inspect wells or well equipment (this likely to change in the near future). At Schaefer, we do some level of evaluation of visible equipment but well contractors are needed to do any type of in-depth evaluation of the well itself. In the photo above and to the right there is a jet pump with an inline filter and the well pressure tank. Many well pumps are submersible and located in the well shaft out of sight. The pump pumps water into the tank and pressurizes it in the tank. When water is needed, the pressure in the tank will push the water through the pipes to the desired location until the pressure drops, then the pump will engage and pressurize the tank again. This cycle will continue until the demand for water is no longer needed.

FIXTURES/FAUCETS:
All water pipes lead to a destination for the water - fixtures. The inspector will turn on all faucets to make sure they are functioning and whether they have sufficient pressure for its use.

WATER HEATERS:
There are several types of hot water heaters and the water can be heated by any number of fuels such as electricity, oil, gas, and even solar. Some units are stand-alone units, while others work in conjunction with the heating system. The inspector must distinguish between the types of units while checking for leaks and corrosion. If the unit is heated by a combustible fuel, flue pipes and chimneys are inspected as well as the supply line of the fuel source.

Indirect system: Hot water from the heating system is circulated through the water heater to heat the domestic hot water.

Oil fired water heater

Gas fired water heater

Tankless coil: Water is heated directly within the boiler for the heating system.

Electric water heater

WASTE:
Waste pipes have a final destination, typically the city sewer system or private septic systems. Home inspectors are not required by the State of Connecticut to evaluate septic systems. A very minimal test can be done by running water for a time to see if the system will accept it. Care must be taken when some home inspection companies represent that they evaluate the septic system. Some inspectors will do a dye test. This is simply flushing a dye into the system, running water for a time and waiting to see if the dye comes to the surface, which indicates a failed system. This test however, is often misleading. Dye tests have been done often to failing systems with no surfacing. Other companies will tell you that they will pump and evaluate your system. What they often do not tell you is they are only becoming the middle man, subbing out the evaluation to a septic service company and charging you a fee for doing it. At Schaefer we do the same if requested, but we are trying to make your inspection expense as little as possible. You will save money if you go directly to a septic service company without the middleman.

We recommend that if the system has not been both pumped and inspected in the last one to two years, you should have this done during your inspection period. If the system has been maintained by a septic service company, you should call them and get whatever history you can. (see septic article)

Waste pipes, drains and vents, carry waste from the home to the city sewer or septic. The pipes must be inspected for leaks, cracks, blistering and other deficiencies that can be found. Waste pipes are made from several materials including cast iron, plastic, copper, galvanized steel and lead. They exit in the home at a high enough elevation to allow adequate flow to the final destination. In addition there are vent pipes that extend to the exterior of the home, usually through the roof. These vent pipes allow air to flow in as the waste flows out. You can think of a straw filled with water. If you hold your finger over the top end of the straw, the water will not flow out. Once you lift your finger and allow air in, the water will then flow out. Waste lines similarly need vent pipes to allow air in for the waste to flow out.

Copper waste pipes entering into cast iron pipe as it exits the house under the basement slab

Vent pipe through roof allows proper flow of waste through pipes

Drain traps like the one seen to the right are found under sinks, tubs, shower stalls etc. These traps do just what the word implies. Water is trapped in the "U" shape of the trap, preventing sewer gasses from backing into the house. The inspector must determine their presence for the health of those living in the home.