If you’re under contract on a home in Long Beach, you’re likely asking: should I pay for a separate plumbing inspection in addition to the general home inspection? The short answer is yes—get the plumbing inspected. The plumbing system is one of the most expensive parts of a home to repair, and many costly issues are invisible during a standard walk-through.
Our Long Beach Plumbing experts recommend a dedicated inspection from A1 Best Plumbing to protect your investment, strengthen your negotiating power, and prevent unpleasant surprises after you move in.
Why a Regular Home Inspection Isn’t Enough
General home inspectors provide a broad overview, but they typically don’t:
- Run a sewer camera to inspect the main line
- Pressure-test supply lines or perform advanced leak detection
- Evaluate water heater safety in depth (TPR valve, expansion tank, combustion air)
- Check for outdated or problematic piping materials (e.g., galvanized steel, polybutylene)
- Identify early-stage slab leaks or hidden moisture under floors
Our Long Beach Plumbing experts recommend a specialized evaluation because small symptoms can mask big problems—especially in older Long Beach neighborhoods with mature trees, clay/cast iron sewer lines, and slab-on-grade foundations.
What a Professional Plumbing Inspection Includes
A thorough pre-purchase plumbing inspection from A1 Best Plumbing typically covers:
- Sewer Camera Scope (the big one): Live video of the sewer lateral from the house to the street to identify root intrusion, bellies (sags), offsets, cracks, grease buildup, or collapsed sections.
- Supply Line Assessment: Visual inspection of pipe materials (copper, PEX, galvanized), corrosion, previous repairs, and potential for pinhole leaks—common near the coast due to salt-laden air.
- Static Water Pressure and Flow: We verify pressure (ideal residential range is often 55–75 PSI) and check for pressure-regulator or thermal expansion issues that can stress fixtures and appliances.
- Fixture-by-Fixture Testing: Toilets, faucets, showers, and shutoff valves tested for leaks, weak flush, and cross-connection concerns; dye tests for silent toilet leaks.
- Water Heater Evaluation: Model age, capacity, venting, TPR valve, pan and drain, seismic strapping (required in California), and expected remaining life. Our Long Beach Plumbing experts recommend budgeting for replacement at 10–12 years for tanks.
- Drainage Performance: We run water tests to reveal slow drains, partial clogs, and venting problems that could cause sewer gas odors.
- Crawl Space/Slab Checks: Moisture readings, signs of active leaks, and piping support/insulation. For slabs, acoustic and thermal tools help identify potential slab leaks.
- Outdoor Plumbing: Hose bibs, irrigation tie-ins, and visible backflow protection where applicable.
- Documentation: Photo/video findings, severity ratings, repair estimates, and recommendations you can use in negotiations.
Hidden, High-Ticket Risks in Long Beach Homes
Long Beach has diverse housing—from 1920s Craftsman bungalows to newer infill builds—and each era brings specific plumbing risks. Our Long Beach Plumbing experts recommend paying attention to:
- Root intrusion in older clay/cast-iron sewer laterals: Tree-lined streets look great, but roots seek out joints and cracks, leading to backups and expensive repairs or trenchless replacements.
- Galvanized supply lines: Common in mid-century homes; they corrode internally, causing low pressure, rusty water, and sudden leaks.
- Coastal corrosion and pinhole leaks: Salt air can accelerate corrosion in copper; early detection prevents slab damage.
- DIY or unpermitted remodels: Flips may hide improper venting, missing P-traps, and unsafe gas/water heater setups.
- High water table and soil movement: Can stress underground lines, creating bellies or offsets that trap waste.
Any one of these can cost thousands. A sewer line replacement alone can range from a few thousand for spot repairs to five figures for full replacement.
Cost, Timing, and ROI
- Cost: A standalone plumbing inspection in the Long Beach area is typically a few hundred dollars; adding a sewer camera scope is often the best money you’ll spend during escrow.
- Timing: Most inspections take 1.5–3 hours on site. Reports and videos are usually delivered same day or within 24 hours.
- ROI: Catching just one major issue (e.g., root-damaged sewer, failing water heater, or hidden slab leak) can save you thousands. Our Long Beach Plumbing experts recommend using the findings to negotiate credits, request repairs, or plan upgrades on your terms.
How to Use the Inspection in Your Negotiation
A clear, professional report from A1 Best Plumbing can help you:
- Request seller repairs before close of escrow for safety or code issues.
- Negotiate a credit for big-ticket items like sewer relining, repiping, or a new water heater.
- Walk away if the property presents unacceptable risk or cost.
- Budget confidently if you still love the home and want to proceed with eyes open.
Tip: Schedule the inspection early in your contingency period to allow time for follow-up estimates.
Special Cases: Condos, New Builds, and Flips
- Condos/Townhomes: You still need a plumbing inspection. Unit lines, water heaters, shutoffs, and fixtures are your responsibility even if the HOA covers the main stack. Our Long Beach Plumbing experts recommend reviewing HOA maintenance responsibilities and any recent building-wide plumbing projects.
- New Construction: Brand-new doesn’t mean trouble-free. We sometimes find poorly strapped water heaters, missing expansion tanks, or mis-vented fixtures. A quick verification protects your warranty.
- Remodeled/Flipped Homes: Shiny finishes can conceal improper slope, cheap push-fit connectors, or unvented islands. Verify before you buy.
Quick DIY Checks You Can Do During Showings
These won’t replace a pro inspection, but they’re helpful early indicators:
- Run multiple fixtures at once to test pressure and temperature stability.
- Flush each toilet and listen for prolonged running (flapper or fill valve issues).
- Fill a sink, then drain it to see if water backs up elsewhere.
- Look under sinks for corrosion, stains, or flexible traps installed incorrectly.
- Check water heater age from the serial number; past 10–12 years means plan for replacement.
If anything seems off, our Long Beach Plumbing experts recommend prioritizing a full inspection with sewer camera.
FAQs
- Do I really need a sewer camera?
Yes. The sewer lateral is the buyer’s responsibility in most cases, and problems are expensive. A camera is the only way to see it.
- How long does the inspection take?
About 1.5–3 hours, depending on property size and access. Reports are typically delivered within 24 hours.
- Who pays for the inspection?
Usually the buyer, as part of due diligence. Use the findings to negotiate.
- What water pressure is acceptable?
Generally 40–80 PSI. Over 80 PSI can damage fixtures and should be regulated; under 40 feels weak and may indicate restrictions.
Conclusion
A pre-purchase plumbing inspection is a small, strategic investment that protects you from the biggest hidden costs in homeownership. Our Long Beach Plumbing experts recommend scheduling it alongside your general home inspection so you have the full picture before removing contingencies.A1 Best Plumbing serves Long Beach, Signal Hill, Lakewood, and surrounding communities with detailed, buyer-focused plumbing inspections, including sewer camera scopes, leak detection, and code/safety checks.
Call A1 Best Plumbing to book your inspection and move forward with confidence—knowing you’ve done everything you can to safeguard your new home and your budget.