Water supply and sewage composition and condition

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Plumbing systems have common components, but they are not uniform. In addition to fixtures, these components include gas pipes, water pipes, pressure regulators, pressure relief valves, shut-off valves, drain pipes, vent pipes, and water-heating devices. The water pressure in pipes is commonly confused with water volume, or functional flow, but whereas high volume may be desirable high pressure is not. In fact, whenever street pressure exceeds eighty pounds per square inch (PSI) a regulator is required, which typically comes factory preset between forty-five and sixty-five PSI. Regardless, consumers need to understand that leaks will occur in any system and particularly a system with older pipes or one in which a regulator fails and high pressure is able to stress the washers and diaphragms of components.

Waste and drainpipes are also not uniform, and range from a modern ABS type [acrylonitrile butadiene styrene] to older types made of cast-iron, galvanized steel, clay, and even a cellulose material that has been coated with tar (Orangeburg pipe). The condition of drainpipes is usually directly related to their age. Older ones are subject to damage through decay and root or seismic activity, whereas ABS ones are virtually impervious to damage. However, inasmuch as significant portions of drainpipes are concealed, inspectors can only infer their condition by observing the draw at drains. Nonetheless, blockages and leaks will occur in the life of any system. Shower pans leak and must be flood-tested, but this is the responsibility of licensed pest-control inspectors and beyond the scope of the inspection. [See Section 12]. Regardless, blockages and leaks in main sewer pipes are common and are costly to repair or replace, and for this reason we sensibly disclaim responsibility for evaluating the concealed portions and strongly recommend that buyers arrange to have the main sewer pipe video-scanned, or accept the risk of any damage that might occur.
The inspector shall inspect

• the main water supply shut-off valve; 
• the main fuel supply shut-off valve;
• the water heating equipment, including the energy source, venting connections, temperature/pressure-relief (TPR) valves, other valves, and seismic bracing;
• interior water supply, including all fixtures and faucets, by running the water
• all toilets for proper operation by flushing;
• all sinks, tubs and showers for functional drainage;
• the drain, waste and vent system
• drainage sump pumps with accessible floats.
• whether the water supply is public or private based upon observed evidence;
• the location of the main water supply shut-off valve;
• the location of the main fuel supply shut-off valve;
• the location of any observed fuel-storage system; and
• the capacity of the water heating equipment, if labeled.
• deficiencies in the water supply by viewing the functional flow in two fixtures operated simultaneously;
• deficiencies in the installation of hot and cold water faucets;
• mechanical drain stops that were missing or did not operate if installed in sinks, lavatories and tubs; and
• toilets that were damaged, had loose connections to the floor, were leaking, or had tank components that did not operate.