Plumbing Inspection Report Checklist: Photos and Defect Wording

A complete plumbing inspection report checklist organizes findings into clear main supply, fixture, drain-waste-vent, and fuel gas or specialty equipment categories so clients can quickly understand system condition. By capturing overview and defect photos in a consistent sequence on site, you build a report that clearly separates functional equipment from active leaks, improper materials, or missing safety components.

Main Water Supply and Shutoff Valve

Start the plumbing section at the main service line where it enters the structure. Documenting the main shutoff location and piping material gives buyers essential operational information for emergency situations.

Key photos to take:

1. Overview photo showing the main shutoff valve location relative to surrounding foundation walls or equipment.
2. Close-up photo of the main valve body, meter (if indoor), and ground wire connection.
3. Close-up photo of the main supply line piping material where it penetrates the wall or floor.

When documenting defects at the main supply, specify the exact fitting location and whether leakage is active or historical.

Active seepage observed at main water shutoff valve packing nut inside basement near front foundation wall. Staining noted on foundation floor below valve.

If you inspect dedicated equipment like a tank or tankless heater, link to your dedicated water heater inspection report checklist for tank condition, relief valve piping, and expansion tank details.

Supply Piping Materials and Connections

Inspect visible supply piping in basements, crawlspaces, utility rooms, and cabinet undersides. Focus on material transitions, physical support, and evidence of corrosion.

Common material findings to record:

• Dissimilar metal connections without dielectric isolation, such as copper directly threaded into galvanized iron.
• Polybutylene or older supply lines where visible at manifolds or fixture connections.
• Corroded or heavily oxidized fittings showing mineral crust or active weep spots.
• Unsecured supply lines that vibrate or rattle when valves close.

When writing findings for supply pipe defects, describe the component, exact room location, and observed condition without guessing the underlying cause.

Galvanized steel supply piping connected directly to copper line without dielectric union at main basement overhead trunk line. Heavy green corrosion and rust buildup present around threaded joint.

Fixtures, Faucets, and Drains

Walk fixture by fixture through bathrooms, kitchens, laundries, and exterior hose bibbs. Testing functional flow and drain speed while looking under sinks prevents missed leaks.

Recommended photo sequence per fixture area:

1. Overview photo of the fixture and surrounding counter, wall, or enclosure.
2. Under-sink cabinet interior photo showing supply lines, shutoff valves, P-trap, and drain assembly.
3. Detail photo of any active leak, corrosion, wood deterioration, or missing sealant.

For defect descriptions, keep the phrasing focused on observable facts:

Active leak observed at P-trap slip joint under kitchen sink during functional drain test. Water pooling on cabinet floor liner below drain assembly.

Hose bibb at rear exterior lacks anti-siphon backflow preventer. Vacuum breaker recommended at threaded spigot outlet.

When drafting fixture findings, clear structure makes a noticeable difference for clients reading the report alongside other sections. For broader guidance on structure, see our guide on writing home inspection report findings.

Drain, Waste, and Vent (DWV) System

Expose visible DWV lines in accessible basements, crawlspaces, or utility rooms. Pay attention to pipe slope, mechanical cleanout access, support strapping, and proper venting connections.

Key observations to record in your checklist:

• Mechanical damage, cracking, or improper pitch on waste lines.
• Unvented S-traps, flexible accordion drain tailpieces, or auto-vents installed in unapproved configurations.
• Missing cleanout caps or damaged threads on main waste cleanout plugs.
• Staining or organic growth beneath waste line joints.

Example report wording for DWV defects:

Flexible corrugated tailpiece installed on bathroom sink drain below P-trap. Accordion-style interior walls trap debris and restrict proper drainage flow.

Active leakage noted around main cast iron stack cleanout cap in basement utility area. Mineral deposits and rust staining along lower pipe section.

Specialty Systems and Checklist Customization

Properties often feature specialized plumbing components such as well pressure tanks, sump pumps, or sewage ejectors. Capturing these items under distinct checklist headings keeps the main supply and drain sections clear.

When setting up your inspection software on site, matching the template sections to the specific property features keeps the walkthrough moving without empty placeholder fields. For example, Inspectr builds the checklist based on property details entered at setup, so sections like well head or septic components appear only when those systems exist.

For sump pumps and ejectors, capture:

• Pump pit cover condition and pit cleanliness.
• Discharge pipe material, check valve presence, and exterior discharge point.
• Electrical connection and float switch clearance.

Sump pump discharge pipe lacks check valve above pit cover in basement utility corner. Water in discharge line flows back into pit when pump stops cycling.

Organizing the Plumbing Summary

A well-structured plumbing summary helps buyers and agents prioritize issues by separating active leaks or safety concerns from minor maintenance items. Placing photo evidence directly beside the finding description speeds up buyer understanding. If you deliver reports on tight schedules, incorporating these steps into a same-day report workflow ensures high quality without delaying delivery.