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; 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 presence of the temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve and associated piping.
- (iv) Whether or not the water temperature was tested and state that the generally accepted safe water temperature is one hundred twenty degrees Fahrenheit.
- (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) Describe any deficiencies of these systems or components in the inspection report.
(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 and filter systems.
- (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.
(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(6). WSR 09-08-014, § 308-408C-100, filed 3/20/09, effective 4/20/09.]