Plumbing problems are some of the most common “gotchas” found during home inspections because many failures start small, stay hidden, and worsen over time. A slow drain can signal a bigger sewer issue. A minor drip can point to failing supply lines. And an older water heater might be working today—but be near the end of its safe service life.
At A1 Best Plumbing, our Long Beach Plumbing experts recommend treating an inspection report like a roadmap: it doesn’t just list defects—it helps you prioritize repairs that protect your home, health, and budget.
1) Active leaks and hidden water damage (under sinks, behind walls, ceilings)
One of the most frequent inspection findings is leaking at fixtures or connections, especially:
- Under kitchen and bathroom sinks (trap joints, angle stops, supply hoses)
- At toilet bases (failed wax rings)
- Around tubs/showers (failed grout/caulk or plumbing behind the wall)
- Ceiling stains under bathrooms (slow leaks from drain assemblies)
Even when inspectors can’t open walls, they often note water staining, soft drywall, bubbling paint, cabinet swelling, or musty odors.Our Long Beach Plumbing experts recommend repairing “small” leaks immediately and documenting the fix—because minor seepage is a major driver of mold, wood rot, and cabinet/floor replacement.
2) Corroded or outdated piping (galvanized, aging copper, improper transitions)
Inspectors frequently flag piping systems that are near the end of their lifespan or prone to failure. Common concerns include:
- Galvanized steel piping (internal corrosion, restricted flow, poor water pressure)
- Older copper with corrosion or pitting (pin-hole leaks)
- Dissimilar metal connections without proper dielectric fittings (accelerates corrosion)
- Polybutylene supply piping (known failure risk in many homes)
In Long Beach and other coastal areas, humidity and air salt can also contribute to corrosion at exposed components.Our Long Beach Plumbing experts recommend asking for a clear plan when older piping is present: selective repairs may work short-term, but a repipe can be more cost-effective if failures are recurring.
3) Water heater issues (age, improper installation, safety concerns)
Water heaters are heavily scrutinized during inspections because failures can be expensive and sometimes dangerous. Common findings:
- Unit is past typical service life (often 8–12 years, depending on model and conditions)
- Corroded connections or active seepage at the tank
- Missing or improperly installed temperature & pressure relief (TPR) valve discharge line
- Inadequate strapping/bracing where required
- Improper venting on gas units (drafting concerns)
- Missing drip pan or improper drain setup (where applicable)
Our Long Beach Plumbing experts recommend verifying the manufacture date, checking the TPR setup, and budgeting proactively if the heater is older—replacement on your schedule is far better than replacement after a flood.
4) Slow drains, clogs, and improper slope (drain/waste/vent problems)
A “slow drain” note in a home inspection is common—and it can mean anything from hair buildup to deeper line issues. Inspectors often report:
- Slow tubs/showers (hair/soap accumulation)
- Gurgling fixtures (possible venting issues)
- Recurring backups (possible mainline or sewer problems)
- Improper slope on horizontal drains (leading to standing water and frequent clogs)
Our Long Beach Plumbing experts recommend having a licensed plumber evaluate recurring slow drains rather than relying on chemical drain cleaners, which can damage certain piping and rarely solve underlying problems.
5) Sewer line concerns (root intrusion, bellies, cracks, old materials)
Sewer problems can be the most expensive surprise after closing. Many inspection reports advise additional evaluation when they see red flags like:
- Multiple slow drains throughout the home
- Prior backup history
- Older homes with clay or cast-iron sewer laterals
- Landscaping with large roots near the line
A standard home inspection may not include a sewer camera scope unless it’s specifically ordered.Our Long Beach Plumbing experts recommend a sewer camera inspection during your inspection contingency period—especially for older homes—so you understand the condition of the line before you own it.
6) Water pressure problems (too high, too low, or unstable)
Water pressure issues show up in inspections in two common ways:
- Low pressure (often from corrosion/restriction, partially closed valves, aging galvanized pipe, or local supply issues)
- High pressure (can damage fixtures, hoses, and appliances over time)
Excessive pressure may indicate a missing or failing pressure regulating valve (PRV).Our Long Beach Plumbing experts recommend measuring pressure with a gauge and addressing high pressure early—because it quietly shortens the lifespan of water heaters, supply lines, and valves.
7) Faulty shutoff valves and supply lines (can’t stop water when it matters)
Inspectors frequently note:
- Main shutoff valve is hard to access or doesn’t fully close
- Fixture shutoffs (angle stops) seized, leaking, or inoperable
- Old braided lines, rigid risers, or mismatched connections
These are “small parts,” but they matter during emergencies and routine repairs.Our Long Beach Plumbing experts recommend replacing questionable supply lines and ensuring every fixture has a working shutoff—this is one of the highest-value upgrades for peace of mind.
8) Toilet problems (loose bases, poor flushing, hidden leaks)
Toilets often get flagged for:
- Loose rocking (wax ring failure risk)
- Evidence of leaks at base or tank bolts
- Weak flush performance
- Running toilets (silent leaks that raise water bills)
Our Long Beach Plumbing experts recommend dye-testing toilet tanks during due diligence when a toilet is suspected of running—silent leaks can waste significant water without obvious signs.
9) Improper DIY repairs and code/safety issues
Home inspections commonly uncover “handyman plumbing,” such as:
- S-traps instead of P-traps
- Missing vent connections or improper venting
- Flexible drain hoses used incorrectly
- Unpermitted modifications
- Poorly supported pipes, bad fittings, or sloppy soldering
Even if it “works,” improper installation can lead to leaks, sewer gas odors, and repeated clogs.Our Long Beach Plumbing experts recommend having questionable installations reviewed by a licensed plumber and corrected before they become emergencies.
10) Cross-connection and backflow concerns (health and safety)
Sometimes inspectors note missing backflow protection or potential cross-connection issues, especially with:
- Irrigation systems
- Hose bibbs without vacuum breakers
- Certain remodel configurations
Our Long Beach Plumbing experts recommend addressing backflow and cross-connection risks promptly—these aren’t just “code items,” they protect your drinking water.
What to do if these issues appear in your inspection report
When plumbing items show up on an inspection, the goal is to separate minor fixes from major risk.Our Long Beach Plumbing experts recommend this approach:
- Prioritize active leaks and safety concerns (water heater TPR, gas venting, sewer backups)
- Request estimates for big-ticket items (repipe, sewer repair, water heater replacement)
- Ask for documentation (photos, invoices, permits where required)
- Use findings to negotiate repairs or credits before closing (where applicable)
- Plan preventive upgrades (shutoff valves, PRV, supply lines) after move-in
Why homeowners choose A1 Best Plumbing
A thorough plumbing evaluation can save you from surprise repairs and help you make confident decisions—whether you’re buying, selling, or simply preparing your home for an upcoming inspection.
Our Long Beach Plumbing experts recommend scheduling a professional assessment when your report mentions leaks, older piping, recurring clogs, water pressure issues, or sewer concerns. A1 Best Plumbing can help you identify what’s urgent, what’s optional, and what will deliver the best long-term reliability.If you’d like, share a few lines from your inspection report (or a photo of the plumbing section), and I can help you interpret what the inspector is flagging and which items typically deserve immediate attention.