Home Plumbing Inspection Checklist for Greenville SC Buyers

Buying a home in Greenville SC is exciting—but discovering major plumbing issues after closing can turn that excitement into financial stress. As professional plumbers who've inspected countless Greenville properties, we know the costly surprises that can hide behind walls and under foundations.

This comprehensive checklist helps home buyers identify plumbing red flags before signing on the dotted line. Whether you're buying a historic home in downtown Greenville or a newer property in one of the growing suburbs, understanding the plumbing system is essential.

Why Plumbing Inspections Matter for Greenville Home Buyers

A standard home inspection covers plumbing basics, but inspectors often lack the specialized knowledge and equipment professional plumbers bring. Common problems missed by general inspectors include:

• Hidden sewer line damage from tree roots
• Corroded pipes inside walls
• Improperly sized or installed water heaters
• Drainage issues that only appear during heavy rain
• Outdated materials that will need replacement soon

In Greenville's real estate market, knowledge is negotiating power. Finding issues before closing gives you leverage to request repairs or price adjustments.

Exterior Plumbing Inspection

1. Main Water Line and Shutoff Valve

What to check:

• Location of main water shutoff valve (should be easily accessible)
• Valve operates smoothly (turn it slightly to test—don't fully close)
• No corrosion or leaks at the valve
• Water meter condition and location

Red flag: If the shutoff valve is stuck, corroded, or inaccessible, replacement will be needed—potentially costing $500-$1,000+.

2. Sewer Line and Cleanout

What to check:

• Location of sewer cleanout (typically a white or black PVC pipe with a cap in the yard)
• No sewage stains around cleanout cap
• Mature trees near sewer line path (roots commonly invade older clay pipes)

Highly recommended: For Greenville homes over 30 years old or with large trees, schedule a professional sewer camera inspection. This $200-400 investment can reveal thousands of dollars in hidden problems.

3. Outdoor Faucets and Hose Bibs

What to check:

• Turn on all outdoor faucets—check for good pressure
• Look for leaks at the wall connection
• Verify faucets are frost-free models (important for Greenville winters)

4. Foundation and Crawl Space

What to check:

• Water stains on foundation walls (indicates drainage problems)
• Standing water in crawl space
• Exposed pipes in crawl space—check for corrosion or makeshift repairs
• Proper insulation on pipes in unheated spaces

Interior Plumbing Inspection

5. Water Heater

What to check:

• Age: Check the serial number—water heaters typically last 10-15 years. Many Greenville homes have original water heaters that need replacement soon
• Condition: Look for rust, corrosion, or moisture around the base
• Capacity: 40-50 gallons for most families; smaller tanks may be insufficient
• Venting: Gas water heaters must have proper venting to the exterior
• Pressure relief valve: Should have a discharge pipe extending to within 6 inches of floor
• Installation quality: Proper connections, no jerry-rigged repairs

Red flag: Rusty water, moisture around base, or water heater over 12 years old means budget for replacement ($800-2,500).

6. Visible Pipes

What to check:

• Material: Copper and PEX are good; galvanized steel corrodes and should be replaced; polybutylene (gray plastic) is obsolete and problematic
• Condition: No corrosion, green oxidation (copper), or makeshift repairs with duct tape or clamps
• Support: Pipes should be properly secured, not sagging

Red flag: Polybutylene pipes or extensive galvanized steel means costly whole-house repiping may be necessary ($3,000-$10,000+).

7. Water Pressure

What to check:

• Turn on multiple fixtures simultaneously—pressure should remain adequate
• Very high pressure (over 80 psi) can damage fixtures and pipes
• Very low pressure indicates restricted supply or corroded pipes

Pro tip: Ask the seller if they've experienced pressure issues—Greenville homes at higher elevations sometimes have low pressure problems.

8. All Faucets and Fixtures

Test every sink, tub, and shower:

• Turn on hot and cold water—check for adequate flow
• Look under sinks for leaks while water runs
• Check aerators for rust or sediment buildup
• Test handles/knobs—should operate smoothly
• Inspect caulking around sinks and tubs for gaps (water intrusion risk)

9. All Toilets

What to check:

• Flush each toilet—should empty and refill properly
• Listen for continuous running after flush (faulty flapper valve)
• Check for wobbling (loose wax ring—can lead to floor damage)
• Look for water stains around base
• Inspect tank components for wear

Red flag: Soft, spongy floor around toilet indicates water damage—potentially expensive repair.

10. Drains

What to check:

• All drains should empty quickly without gurgling
• Fill sinks and tubs, then release—watch drainage speed
• Slow drains indicate clogs or venting issues
• Multiple slow drains suggest main line problems

11. Water Quality

What to check:

• Color: Water should be clear—rusty or brown water indicates pipe corrosion
• Odor: Sulfur smell suggests bacteria in water heater or well issues
• Taste: Metallic taste indicates corrosion or high mineral content

For Greenville homes on well water: Request recent water quality test results and check the age/condition of well pump and pressure tank.

12. Washing Machine Connections

What to check:

• Shutoff valves for hot and cold supply lines
• Condition of water supply hoses (rubber hoses should be replaced with braided steel)
• Proper drainage setup—standpipe or sink
• Floor drain nearby (if in basement or laundry room)

Special Considerations for Greenville SC Homes

Historic Homes (Downtown Greenville, North Main, Hampton-Pinckney)

Older Greenville homes often have:

• Galvanized steel or even lead pipes requiring replacement
• Cast iron sewer lines vulnerable to root intrusion
• Insufficient water pressure due to undersized supply lines
• Outdated plumbing that doesn't meet current code

Budget accordingly: Updating plumbing in historic homes can cost $10,000-$30,000+ depending on scope.

Homes on Septic Systems

Many Greenville County properties outside city limits use septic systems. Request:

• Septic system inspection by qualified professional
• Records of pumping/maintenance (should be pumped every 3-5 years)
• Age and size of septic tank
• Location of tank and drain field

Properties Near Trees

Greenville's beautiful mature trees can wreak havoc on sewer lines. If large trees (especially willows, oaks, or maples) are within 50 feet of the sewer line, strongly consider a camera inspection.

When to Hire a Professional Plumber for Pre-Purchase Inspection

While you can check many items yourself, hire a licensed Greenville plumber for specialized inspection if:

• Home is over 30 years old
• You notice multiple plumbing red flags
• Property has a septic system
• Large trees are near sewer lines
• You're buying a fixer-upper or foreclosure
• General home inspector noted plumbing concerns

Professional Plumbing Inspection Services in Greenville SC

At Heinert Plumbing, our pre-purchase plumbing inspections include:

• Comprehensive evaluation of all plumbing systems
• Sewer camera inspection (if needed)
• Detailed written report with photos
• Repair cost estimates for identified issues
• Recommendations for immediate vs. future repairs

This information empowers you to negotiate repairs or price adjustments with confidence.

Questions to Ask the Seller

Always request:

• Age of water heater, sump pump, and major plumbing components
• History of plumbing problems or repairs
• Has the home ever had sewage backups?
• When was the septic system last pumped/inspected?
• Are there any known plumbing issues?
• What type of pipes does the home have?
• Have any plumbing updates or remodels been done?

Final Thoughts for Greenville Home Buyers

Plumbing problems can be expensive, but they're also negotiable. Don't let the excitement of home buying prevent you from doing due diligence. A few hundred dollars for professional inspection can save you thousands in unexpected repairs.

Whether you're buying in downtown Greenville, Simpsonville, Mauldin, or anywhere in Greenville County, we're here to help ensure you know exactly what you're getting into.