Plumbing & Water Heater Inspection Checklist | Middle TN

In Middle Tennessee, plumbing failures and water heater leaks are leading causes of insurance claims and crawlspace mold. Leveraging over 12 years of industrial maintenance experience and a background in Advanced Manufacturing Electrical Technology, I perform a rigorous, systems-based evaluation to protect your investment.

• TPR Valve & Discharge Pipe: We verify the Temperature & Pressure Relief valve is present and that the discharge pipe terminates safely to prevent scalding during a system failure.
• Thermal Expansion Tanks: We check for a properly pressurized expansion tank, a critical component required to prevent system stress and premature tank failure.
• Venting & Exhaust: For gas units, we inspect the flue and draft hood for proper slope and signs of dangerous carbon monoxide backdrafting—a common safety hazard in older Mid-TN homes.
• Corrosion & Leakage: We inspect the base and "nipples" of the tank for weeping or rust. Given our local hard water, these are often the first signs of imminent failure.
• Combustion Air: We verify the unit has an adequate air supply to burn fuel safely and efficiently, ensuring your family's safety.

• Main Shut-Off Valve: We locate your main valve and verify it is accessible and functional for emergency use—knowledge every homeowner needs.
• Pipe Material Identification: We identify the type of supply lines (Copper, PEX, CPVC, or Galvanized) and check for signs of galvanic corrosion or aging materials.
• Cross-Connections: We look for improper connections that could allow contaminated water to enter your clean drinking supply.

• Functional Drainage: We perform a high-volume water test on fixtures to ensure they drain properly and that no active leaks are present during the inspection.
• Trap Verifications: We check for proper P-traps and venting to ensure hazardous sewer gases stay out of your living space.
• Cleanout Accessibility: We verify that sewer cleanouts are accessible for future maintenance, saving you headaches down the road.

• Cabinet "Drip" Checks: We inspect under every sink with high-powered lighting and moisture sensors to find active leaks or past water damage hidden in the cabinetry.
• Toilet Stability: We test for "rocking" or loose toilets—the #1 cause of subfloor rot and joist damage in Tennessee homes.
• Shower/Tub Enclosures: We inspect the "wet wall" and floor-to-wall seals for signs of moisture intrusion that could lead to structural decay.
• Gas Line Bonding: Using my electrical background, I verify that gas piping is properly bonded to the electrical system to prevent fire hazards during lightning strikes—a vital check for our storm-prone region.

• Crawlspace Plumbing: We physically enter the crawlspace to check for sagging pipes, leaking waste lines, and uninsulated pipes prone to freezing during our Tennessee winters.
• Hose Bibbs: We test exterior faucets for proper operation and check for anti-siphon backflow preventers to protect your water quality.

The Atchley Difference: Don't let a hidden leak turn into a structural disaster. Every Atchley Home Inspection utilizes a decade of mechanical expertise to provide a comprehensive plumbing evaluation, giving you total peace of mind.

Atchley Pro Tip: Buying a Home with a Private Well?
In rural Middle Tennessee, your plumbing system is only as good as the water running through it. Standard home inspections check if the water flows, but they don't check if the water is safe.
Because I am a Certified Professional Inspector with a background in industrial systems, I highly recommend bundling a Certified Well Water Quality Test with your plumbing inspection. We test for common local contaminants like bacteria, lead, and nitrates to ensure your family’s drinking water is as solid as your home’s pipes.
Certified Well Water Testing for FHA, VA, and USDA Loans