Plumbing Inspection Guide for Twin Cities Home Buyers and Sellers

Why Plumbing Inspections Matter in Home Transactions

A standard home inspector does a great job looking at the overall house, but they are not licensed plumbers. They turn on faucets and look under sinks, but they cannot run a camera down a sewer line or evaluate the internal health of a boiler. A dedicated plumbing inspection provides true peace of mind during a major real estate transaction.

What a Professional Plumbing Inspection Covers

When AJ Alberts performs a real estate plumbing inspection, we leave no stone unturned. We check the age and condition of the water heater, test the main shutoff valves, evaluate the sump pump, inspect the water softener, and most importantly, we can camera the main drain line to check for tree roots or collapsed pipes.

Red Flags That Come Up in Twin Cities Homes

In the East Metro and St. Paul areas, older homes often hide expensive secrets. We frequently uncover aging galvanized pipes that need replacement, polybutylene pipes prone to sudden bursting, severe hard water scale damage, and even old lead service lines that require municipal coordination to replace.

What Home Buyers Should Ask the Inspector

If you are buying, ask the plumber: "How old is the water heater?", "Are there any tree roots in the sewer line?", and "Are the emergency shutoff valves functional?" Knowing these answers before closing allows you to negotiate repairs or adjust your offer accordingly.