Annual Whole-Home Plumbing Inspection

Purpose

Define a structured whole-home plumbing inspection performed annually for service-contract customers. The visit's job isn't repair; it's finding the issues that will become emergencies between this year and next. A worn supply hose found in October prevents the New-Year's-Eve burst-pipe call.

Scope

Applies to:

• Residential service-contract customers (most common)
• Real-estate-transaction pre-listing inspections (limited scope adjustments)
• Insurance-required annual inspections

Excludes new construction sign-off (separate code-inspection scope) and post-flood damage assessments (insurance-coordinated; separate SOP).

Responsibilities

• Dispatcher schedules at the customer's anniversary month; confirms whole-home access
• Lead technician walks the home systematically + documents findings with photos
• Customer receives a written report + any quoted follow-on repairs before tech leaves

Procedure

1. Customer briefing. "I'll walk every room looking for plumbing issues. About 60 - 90 minutes. I'll show you anything I find before I write quotes."
2. Water heater. Inspect T&P discharge pipe, anode rod (if accessible), expansion tank, supply lines, drain pan. Note model + age.
3. Main shutoff. Verify operable (turn off + on). Customer should know its location - confirm.
4. Main pressure regulator (if present). Verify static pressure 50 - 70 psi at a hose bib. Above 80 psi = regulator failing.
5. Every fixture. Walk each:

• Sinks: faucet operation, supply lines, P-trap, sprayer + diverter
• Toilets: flush + refill cycle, base seal, supply line, leak (food-coloring quick test)
• Tubs/showers: valve operation, drain flow, caulk integrity, escutcheon seal
• Bidets, pot fillers, ice maker lines: each is a flexible-supply failure point

1. Washing machine connections. Hoses (stainless braided preferred, replace any > 5 years old), shutoff valves operate.
2. Dishwasher connection. Supply + high loop on drain hose.
3. Hose bibs. Each outdoor bib operates, doesn't leak at the wall. Frost-free in cold climates.
4. Drain check. Fill each sink/tub, release simultaneously where reasonable. Watch for slow drains at any fixture.
5. Sewer cleanout. Locate, photograph, verify accessible. Open if visibly settling.
6. Crawlspace / basement / utility area. Look for moisture stains, mineral residue on copper, visible corrosion, or active drips.
7. Document everything. Photo of each issue + a written report listing findings prioritized (urgent / soon / monitor).
8. Customer walk-through. Review the report together. Quote any urgent + soon items in person.

Acceptance Criteria

• Every fixture inspected
• Water heater + main shutoff + pressure regulator verified
• Photos taken for each issue noted
• Written report delivered to customer (email + paper)
• Urgent items quoted in person; "monitor" items documented for next year's comparison

References

• IAPMO Uniform Plumbing Code (multiple chapters; verify against local AHJ)