N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 19, § 197-5.8 – Plumbing system.

(a) Home inspectors shall observe and report on the following visibly and readily accessible components, systems and conditions:
1. (1) interior water supply and distribution systems including fixtures and faucets;
2. (2) drain, waste and vent systems;
3. (3) water heating equipment and vents and pipes;
4. (4) fuel storage and fuel distribution systems and components;
5. (5) drainage sumps, sump pumps, ejector pumps and related piping;
6. (6) active leaks.
(b) In inspecting plumbing systems and components, home inspectors shall operate all readily accessible:
1. (1) fixtures and faucets;
2. (2) domestic hot water systems;
3. (3) drain pumps and waste ejectors pumps;
4. (4) the water supply at random locations for functional flow;
5. (5) waste lines from random sinks, tubs and showers for functional drainage.
(c) Home inspectors are not required to:
1. (1) operate any main, branch or fixture valve, except faucets, or to determine water temperature;
2. (2) observe and report on any system that is shut down or secured;
3. (3) observe and report on any plumbing component that is not readily accessible;
4. (4) observe and report on any exterior plumbing component or system or any underground drainage system;
5. (5) observe and report on fire sprinkler systems;
6. (6) evaluate the potability of any water supply;
7. (7) observe and report on water conditioning equipment including softener and filter systems;
8. (8) operate freestanding or built in appliances;
9. (9) observe and report on private water supply systems;
10. (10) test shower pans, tub and shower surrounds or enclosures for leakage;
11. (11) observe and report on gas supply system for materials, installation or leakage;
12. (12) evaluate the condition and operation of water wells and related pressure tanks and pumps; the quality or quantity of water from on-site water supplies or the condition and operation of on-site sewage disposal systems such as cesspools, septic tanks, drain fields, related underground piping, conduit, cisterns and equipment;
13. (13) observe, operate and report on fixtures and faucets if the flow end of the faucet is connected to an appliance;
14. (14) record the location of any visible fuel tank on the inspected property that is not within or directly adjacent to the structure;
15. (15) observe and report on any spas, saunas, hot-tubs or jetted tubs;
16. (16) observe and report on any solar water heating systems.
(d) Home inspections shall describe the water supply, drain, waste and vent piping materials; the water heating equipment including capacity, and the energy source and the location of the main water and main fuel shut-off valves. In preparing a report, home inspectors shall state whether the water supply and waste disposal systems are a public, private or unknown.