An inspection of the plumbing system includes visible water supply lines; visible waste/soil and vent lines; fixtures and faucets; domestic hot water system and fuel source.
(1) The inspector will:
(a) Describe the visible water supply and distribution piping materials; drain, waste and vent materials, and water-heating equipment.
(b) Report
(i) The presence and functionality of sump pumps/waste ejector pumps when visible or confirm the float switch activates the pump when the sump is dry.
(ii) The presence and location of a main water shutoff valve and/or fuel shutoff valve(s), or report that they were not found.
(iii) The absence of the temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve and associated piping.
(iv) Measure and record the hot water temperature in degrees Fahrenheit at a representative number of locations in the home and location when taken.
(c) Inspect the condition of accessible and visible water supply pipes, drain/waste plumbing and the domestic hot water system when possible.
(d) Operate fixtures in order to observe functional flow.
(e) Check for functional drainage from fixtures.
(f) Report the absence of seismic restraints on hot water tanks.
(g) Describe and identify any condition of these systems or components in the inspection report that may need to be referred to a specialist.
(2) The inspector is not required to:
(a) Operate any valves, including faucets of freestanding or built-in appliances or fixtures, if the outlet end of the valve or faucet is connected or intended to be connected to an appliance.
(b) Inspect
(i) Any system that is shut down or winterized.
(ii) Any plumbing components not readily accessible.
(iii) Floor drains and exterior drain systems including, but not limited to, exterior stairwell drains and driveway drains.
(iv) Fire sprinkler systems.
(v) Water-conditioning equipment, including softeners, filter systems, and instant hot water dispensers.
(vi) Private water supply systems.
(vii) Gas supply systems.
(viii) Interior components of exterior pumps or sealed sanitary waste lift systems.
(ix) Ancillary systems or components such as, but not limited to, those related to solar water heating and hot water circulation.
(c) Test
(i) Pressure or temperature/pressure relief valve.
(ii) Shower pans for leaks or use special equipment to test/scan shower or tub surrounds for moisture in surrounding substrate materials.
(iii) Overflows on all plumbing fixtures.
(d) Determine
(i) The potability of any water supply whether public or private.
(ii) The condition and operation of water wells and related pressure tanks and pumps.
(iii) The quantity of water from on-site water supplies.
(iv) The quality or the condition and operation of on-site sewage disposal systems such as waste ejector pumps, cesspools, septic tanks, drain fields, related underground piping, conduit, cisterns, and related equipment.
(e) Ignite pilot lights.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.280.050 and 18.280.060. WSR 26-15-037, s 308-408C-100, filed 7/7/26, effective 8/7/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.280.050 and 18.280.060(6). WSR 09-08-014, ยง 308-408C-100, filed 3/20/09, effective 4/20/09.]