Key Takeaways
- A proper plumbing inspection looks at your water supply, drains, fixtures, water heater, and main shutoffs. It is much more than just checking if the toilet flushes.
- Older Charlottesville homes often have galvanized, cast iron, or even lead-related plumbing parts. These can affect your water safety, pressure, and future repair costs.
- Getting a camera inspection of the sewer line and pressure tests on older pipes is a smart move if you want to avoid surprises after you move in.
Buying an older home in Central Virginia can be exciting, but the plumbing is often a mystery. Behind those classic walls and fixtures, you could have aging pipes, hidden leaks, or a sewer line that is just waiting for the next big storm to cause problems. That is why a thorough plumbing inspection is so important. It gives you a clear idea of what you are dealing with before you buy, so you can plan for repairs or upgrades instead of just hoping everything works out.
What Your Inspector Looks At Inside The Home
A good plumbing inspection goes beyond just running a faucet or flushing a toilet. Here is what your inspector should do:
- Run multiple fixtures at the same time to see how pressure and temperature hold up.
- Check sinks, tubs, and showers for slow drains, gurgling, or backing up.
- Look under every sink and around every toilet for active leaks or old water stains.
- Confirm toilets are firmly mounted and not rocking or leaking at the base.
The goal is to see how your plumbing works when it is really being used, not just for a moment. If problems show up during these tests, it could mean there are bigger issues hiding in the walls or under the house.
Pipes, Materials, And Signs It May Be Time To Repipe
One of the first things to find out in an older home is what the pipes are actually made of. Your inspector will check for:
- Galvanized steel supply lines that may be nearing the end of their life and restricting flow
- Old brass or copper with outdated solder that could raise lead concerns at the tap
- Cast iron or aging PVC drains that show cracks, rust, or past patch jobs
Older pipes might seem fine now, but they can quickly turn into a problem with leaks or low water pressure. If your inspection report mentions heavy corrosion, rust-colored water, or low flow even though the street pressure is good, it is a good idea to talk to The Otter Guys about repiping before you move in.
Lead, Older Fixtures, And Safety Concerns
In some older Central Virginia homes, the inspection may flag potential lead-related risks, especially if the property has original service lines or very old fixtures. According to the EPA’s “Protect Your Tap” guide, buyers should pay attention to homes built before the late 1980s and ask about lead service lines, solder, and older brass fixtures. Your plumbing inspection will not replace lab testing, but it can identify likely sources so you know whether further testing or fixture replacement belongs in your budget.
Water Heater, Shutoffs, And Everyday Reliability
Besides the pipes in your walls, inspectors also look at the things you use every day:
- Age and condition of the water heater, including signs of rust, leaks, or unsafe venting
- Location and function of the main water shutoff and key fixture shutoffs
- Visible evidence of past leaks at the heater, laundry area, or in the crawlspace/basement
If the water heater is getting old, or if the shutoffs are stuck or missing, these are things you will want to fix right away so you are not surprised after you move in. The Otter Guys can help you with water heater repairs or replacements once you have your inspection report.
Sewer And Drain Line Inspections
If your home has big trees, older clay or cast-iron sewer lines, or has had backups before, getting a camera inspection is a smart investment. This extra check can show you:
- Root intrusion from large trees along the line
- Bellies or sags where waste and paper collect
- Cracks, offsets, or partial collapses that could lead to future backups
Finding these problems early gives you the chance to negotiate repairs or plan for a sewer upgrade, instead of dealing with an emergency backup during your first winter in the house.
Tim’s Experience With HVAC Inspection
Here’s how we helped Tim and his family get an inspection on their home:
“We had recently purchased a house at Wintergreen and had several issues regarding HVAC and plumbing we wanted to have looked at from the home inspection. Called the Otter Guys after seeing good reviews, and an appointment was promptly set up. Lee arrived on time and went through all of our issues, patiently explaining the mini split systems that we have in the house (our first experience with this type of system), and set up an appointment to clean our units. We felt extremely comfortable with Lee and his expertise and candor, and we will certainly be utilizing The Otter Guys in the future.”
Read the full review here.
Call The Otter Guys
If you are buying an older home in Central Virginia and want to know exactly what is going on with the plumbing, our team is here to help. The Otter Guys can review your inspection report, give you estimates for repairs or repiping, and do our own detailed evaluation so you know what to expect. Just tell us about your property on our contact page, and we will help you move forward with confidence.
