Plumbing Inspection Cost: A Complete Homeowner’s Guide

If you are buying a house, especially an old one, you might be keen to check the plumbing and things related to the water in the house to make sure you are not going to run into any potential issues. To do that, you need to hire plumbing inspectors. This article will help you get to know about the whole process and the obvious and hidden costs that come with it.

What Is a Plumbing Inspection?

A plumbing inspection is when a hired professional comes to a house or any building and examines the plumbing system in that property in order to make sure everything is working and in good condition.

Here is a full breakdown of the subject if you found yourself interested in the details of this subject.

When Should You Get a Plumbing Inspection?

There are signs to look out for that tell you you need a plumbing inspection as soon as possible:

1. Low water pressure, slow drains, discolored water, unusual noises, or higher water bills.

There are also times that are considered best to have a plumbing inspection, even if you haven’t noticed any problems:

2. Before selling or purchasing a house

Do an inspection before selling your home so the future owners can start living without any hassles. Also, hire inspectors before buying a house to give you certainty that there is nothing to be worried about regarding the plumbing.

3. On a yearly basis

To always have peace of mind, you can have your plumbing system checked each year, especially before winter, to look out for leaks and also see if there is any risk that pipes will freeze.

4. Long time since the last inspection

If the property is quite old, it’s definitely a good idea to have someone examine the plumbing system before something serious goes wrong and expensive repairs are necessary.

Average Plumbing Inspection Cost?

The table below gives you an idea of the average cost of plumbing inspection in 2025 in Canada:

Something to keep in mind is that right now, in 2025, the Canadian plumbing and home inspection industries are experiencing rising costs due to factors like inflation, labor shortages, and increased material costs, so the plumbing system inspection cost listed above can go up at any given time.

If you are curious to know about the different aspects of a house and maintaining it, you can always check our Blog for more articles, such as the one about Basement Waterproofing.

What’s Included in the Cost of a Plumbing Inspection?

There are several things you should be aware of that are included in the cost of a plumbing inspection:

1. All the different things that are examined:

• Inspecting pipes, fittings, and joints for leaks or corrosion.
• Checking faucets, toilets, tubs, showers, and other fixtures.
• Testing water pressure and drainage speed.
• Examining visible plumbing in basements, crawl spaces, or attics.
• Checking the water heater for proper operation, temperature settings, and signs of wear or leaks.

2. The tools used in the inspection:

• Water pressure gauges.
• Moisture meters to detect hidden leaks.
• Basic camera inspection of drains (some inspectors or companies will charge extra for this).

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Factors That Affect Plumbing Inspection Pricing?

Here are factors that can potentially influence the cost of a plumbing check-up:

• The size of the house and the number of bathrooms it has definitely play a part in the price.
  
  
• Basic visual inspections cost less than when they use sewer cameras or even thermal imaging in some cases.
  
  
• The less accessible the different pipes are, the more time and effort the inspector(s) will have to spend and the more expensive the inspection will be.
  
  
• If the property is quite far from the inspection company, meaning it is located outside of a town or a city, they will include some travel fees in the final bill as well.
  
  
• How well-known the inspector is and their level of expertise will affect the price accordingly.
  
  
• If you’re in a hurry or the plumbing situation is severe, same-day or emergency inspections often carry a premium fee.

FAQs

1. Is a plumbing inspection worth it?

Yes. A plumbing inspection can catch small leaks, hidden damage, or outdated components before they cause costly repairs.

2. Does a home inspection include plumbing?

They usually do include some basic visual inspections of the fixtures, but nothing too detailed or technical, unless requested by the homeowner.

By the way, if you happen to live in Ontario, our own Houmse team will take care of the inspections you need at any time.

3. How long does a plumbing inspection take?

That depends on the size of the property and the number of fixtures and potential complications in the plumbing system, but for an average house, it usually takes 1 or 2 hours.

4. How often should I have my plumbing inspected?

Most experts recommend a professional plumbing inspection once a year, especially for older homes or those with a history of plumbing issues.

5. Can I do my own plumbing inspection?

You can check for visible leaks, slow drains, or running toilets yourself, but a professional has the tools and expertise to find hidden problems you might miss.

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Home with Regular Plumbing Inspections

All in all, a plumbing inspection can protect you from future costly repairs or, more likely, replacements that would have been unnecessary if they were taken care of early on. If you live in an ancient house with creaking floors and pipes that make noises at night, then an annual plumbing inspection is absolutely a priority. By reading this article, you find out all about the subject and whether you are getting your money’s worth when it comes to plumbing inspections.