Sec. 197-5.8. Plumbing system

(a) Home inspectors shall observe and report on the following visibly and readily accessible components, systems and conditions:

(1) interior water supply and distribution systems including fixtures and faucets;

(2) drain, waste and vent systems;

(3) water heating equipment and vents and pipes;

(4) fuel storage and fuel distribution systems and components;

(5) drainage sumps, sump pumps, ejector pumps and related piping;

(6) active leaks.

(b) In inspecting plumbing systems and components, home inspectors shall operate all readily accessible:

(1) fixtures and faucets;

(2) domestic hot water systems;

(3) drain pumps and waste ejectors pumps;

(4) the water supply at random locations for functional flow;

(5) waste lines from random sinks, tubs and showers for functional drainage.

(c) Home inspectors are not required to:

(1) operate any main, branch or fixture valve, except faucets, or to determine water temperature;

(2) observe and report on any system that is shut down or secured;

(3) observe and report on any plumbing component that is not readily accessible;

(4) observe and report on any exterior plumbing component or system or any underground drainage system;

(5) observe and report on fire sprinkler systems;

(6) evaluate the potability of any water supply;

(7) observe and report on water conditioning equipment including softener and filter systems;

(8) operate freestanding or built in appliances;

(9) observe and report on private water supply systems;

(10) test shower pans, tub and shower surrounds or enclosures for leakage;

(11) observe and report on gas supply system for materials, installation or leakage;

(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) observe, operate and report on fixtures and faucets if the flow end of the faucet is connected to an appliance;

(14) record the location of any visible fuel tank on the inspected property that is not within or directly adjacent to the structure;

(15) observe and report on any spas, saunas, hot-tubs or jetted tubs;

(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.