Property Inspection
Plumbing Inspection Photo Guide: What to Document Under Sinks and Behind Walls
Plumbing deficiencies are among the most expensive property problems — slow leaks that cause mold, galvanized pipes that restrict flow, water heaters that fail without warning. Systematic photo documentation of every accessible plumbing component creates the record that supports inspection reports, insurance underwriting, and remediation planning when the plumber cannot be on-site to evaluate in person.
System documentation overview
- All accessible supply piping — material type, age indicators, condition
- Under all sinks — supply shutoffs, drain P-traps, evidence of past or current leaks
- Water heater — label, tank condition, T&P valve, seismic strapping
- All toilets — tank and bowl condition, supply line and shutoff
- Any accessible drain piping — material, condition, slope
- Main water shutoff location and condition
- Water pressure if tested
- Sump pump if present — condition and operation
- Exterior hose bibs and exposed supply piping
Problem indicators to document
- Active leaks — dripping at joints, under sinks, at supply connections
- Evidence of past leaks — water stains, mineral deposits on drain fittings, efflorescence
- Corrosion — green staining on copper joints, rust on galvanized, corroded shutoffs
- Improper connections — dissimilar metal without dielectric fittings, kinked supply lines
- Low flow condition at fixtures if noticeably low
- Galvanized pipe — insurance concern in older homes
- Polybutylene pipe — grey plastic, known failure material, insurance exclusion concern
- Visible sewer damage or roots at cleanouts
Water heater documentation
- Manufacturer label: complete label with model and serial number (encodes manufacture date)
- Tank condition: rust staining at base, corrosion at connections, dents or damage
- T&P valve: label and condition, discharge pipe termination within 6" of floor or drain
- Seismic strapping: two straps if required in seismic zone
- Flue: draft hood and flue condition for gas units
- Sediment: any signs of buildup at base or at connections
Insurance-relevant plumbing conditions
- Polybutylene (PB) pipe: grey plastic, 1970s-mid 1990s — insurers often require replacement or will not write coverage
- Galvanized iron supply pipe: older homes — insurers may require replacement
- High water pressure above 80 PSI: stresses connections and appliances
- Known or past water damage: insurer's prior loss inquiry — photo of completed repair documentation
- Lead pipe or lead solder: older construction, documentation-worthy health and liability concern
Crawl space and basement plumbing
- Supply pipe material and condition under floors
- Evidence of past leaks — mineral deposits, staining, repairs
- Sump pump — pump, pit, float, and discharge line
- Main drain stack visible condition
- Cast iron versus PVC drain pipe material and condition
- Crawl space moisture affecting plumbing — standing water, condensation, mold on pipes
- Uninsulated supply pipes in unconditioned spaces — freeze risk
Use a phone light attachment or headlamp — crawl space photos without adequate light are not useful.
Plumbing inspection documentation mistakes
Plumbing failures are the single largest source of residential and commercial water damage claims. Documentation gaps — both in inspection records and in maintenance history — are consistently what makes these claims difficult to resolve. These are the most common mistakes.
No photos of pipe material and joint types
The material and joining method used in a plumbing system determines its expected service life, maintenance requirements, and failure modes. Photograph accessible pipe runs with material type visible — copper, galvanised, CPVC, PEX — and photograph joint types at connections. This baseline is essential when an insurer disputes whether a failure was sudden or age-related deterioration.
Missing photos under sinks and at fixture supply connections
Supply connections at sinks, toilets, and appliances are among the most common leak points. Photograph under every sink, behind every toilet, and at every appliance connection during inspection. Document the supply line material, age indicators, and any corrosion or staining. Braided supply lines over 10 years old are a documented failure risk that should be noted.
No documentation of water heater condition and age
Water heater age is encoded in the serial number, but the condition requires visual documentation. Photograph the data plate, the anode rod condition if accessible, the T&P valve and discharge pipe, and the base for any signs of prior leakage. An aged water heater without documentation of condition creates disputes when it fails and floods adjacent spaces.
Skipping photos of drain and vent conditions
Drain and vent pipes are inspected less frequently than supply systems but their failures are equally damaging. Photograph accessible drain cleanouts, vent terminations at the roof, and any drain runs visible in crawl spaces or basements. Cast iron drains over 40 years old should be documented with close-ups at any visible joint or support point.
No documentation of pressure test results
Pressure tests confirm system integrity but leave no record unless documented. Photograph the pressure gauge reading at test start and at the end of the hold period, with a visible timestamp. If pressure dropped, photograph the gauge showing the loss and note the reading in the inspection report. TaggingSpace links pressure test photos to the inspection record automatically.
Frequently asked questions
What plumbing elements should be photographed during a home inspection?
All accessible supply piping, under all sinks (shutoffs, drain P-traps, leak evidence), water heater documentation, all toilets, accessible drain piping, main shutoff, water pressure if tested, sump pump, and exterior hose bibs. Material type and age indicators are as important as condition.
What signs of plumbing problems should be specifically documented?
Active leaks, past leak evidence (stains, mineral deposits, efflorescence), corrosion (green on copper, rust on galvanized), improper connections without dielectric fittings, galvanized pipe, polybutylene pipe, and any visible sewer damage at cleanouts. Each is a potential insurance underwriting concern.
How should water heater documentation be conducted during a plumbing inspection?
Manufacturer label (serial number encodes manufacture date), tank condition, T&P valve and discharge pipe termination, seismic strapping if required, flue condition for gas units, and any sediment signs. The water heater label is the single most important photo — it establishes age and capacity.
What water pressure and supply material documentation matters for insurance?
Polybutylene pipe (insurers often require replacement), galvanized iron supply in older homes, water pressure above 80 PSI, prior water damage history, and lead pipe or solder. These conditions affect insurability and premiums — the inspection photos verify what buyers represent to insurers.
What should be documented in accessible crawl space or basement plumbing?
Supply pipe material and condition, past leak evidence, sump pump condition and operation, main drain stack, pipe material (cast iron vs PVC), moisture conditions affecting plumbing, and uninsulated pipes in unconditioned spaces. Requires adequate lighting — phone with light attachment or headlamp.
How should plumbing inspection photos be organized by deficiency type?
By location (kitchen, each bathroom, utility room, basement), system component (supply, drain/waste/vent, water heater, fixtures), and deficiency type. Each deficiency needs orientation, context, and detail shots — contractors using photos to estimate remediation need to understand where in the house the work is required.
Related guides
Plumbing inspection photos organized by location and deficiency type
TaggingSpace organizes plumbing inspection photos by location and deficiency type — active leak, past leak evidence, material concern, code deficiency — so the complete plumbing documentation package for the master bath or the crawl space is retrievable for the contractor estimate or insurer review.
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