Papillion Plumbing Inspection Checklist for New Home Buyers

Buying a new home in Papillion? Congratulations — but before you pop the champagne, make sure you take a good look under the sinks and behind the walls.

A home inspection may give you a general overview, but plumbing deserves a closer look. Even a beautiful, move-in-ready home can hide costly plumbing surprises that show up weeks or months after closing.

Here’s your Papillion plumbing inspection checklist — what to look for, what to ask about, and when to call a professional before you sign on the dotted line.

From slow leaks to outdated piping, plumbing problems are among the most expensive home repairs. Unfortunately, they’re also some of the easiest to overlook during the buying process.

Here are a few of the most common issues we find in Papillion homes during inspections:

🚰 Leaking water lines behind walls or in crawl spaces
💧 Aging water heaters past their warranty or efficiency limit
🧰 Corroded pipes that restrict flow or risk bursting
🚽 Poorly vented drains that cause gurgling or slow flow
💦 Sump pumps that fail during heavy rain
🌳 Tree root intrusion in older sewer lines

A quick plumbing check can help you spot these red flags before they become expensive post-purchase repairs.

Papillion’s housing mix includes everything from brand-new builds to mid-century homes, which means plumbing systems can vary widely.

• Older homes (built before the 1990s) may have galvanized or cast-iron pipes nearing the end of their lifespan.
• Newer homes may look perfect but can still have installation shortcuts or improperly sealed fittings.
• Tree-heavy neighborhoods increase the risk of sewer line intrusion.
• Local hard water can cause early wear on water heaters and fixtures.

A professional plumbing inspection helps ensure your new home’s plumbing is efficient, up to code, and ready for long-term reliability.

Before closing on your new home, review these key areas — or better yet, have a licensed plumber do a full inspection for you.

1. Water Heater Condition

Check the age, capacity, and signs of rust or leaks. A water heater older than 10 years may need replacement soon.

2. Water Pressure Test

Pressure should be between 50–60 psi. High pressure can damage fixtures; low pressure may indicate clogs or corrosion.

3. Pipe Materials & Condition

Identify whether the home uses copper, PEX, or galvanized steel — older steel and polybutylene pipes should be replaced.

4. Drain Flow and Venting

Flush toilets and run faucets simultaneously. Gurgling or slow drains could signal vent or sewer issues.

5. Sewer Line Inspection

A camera inspection can reveal cracks, roots, or buildup in the main line before you buy.

6. Sump Pump Function

Papillion gets its fair share of rain — make sure the sump pump and discharge line work properly.

• Ask for plumbing records — find out when major components were last replaced.
• Don’t skip sewer camera inspections — they reveal what no standard home inspection can.
• Check for signs of hard water — cloudy faucets, white spots, or scale buildup.
• Budget for updates — even newer homes may need softeners or minor upgrades for long-term efficiency.

At McIntosh Plumbing, we help Papillion home buyers protect their investment with thorough plumbing inspections — from water pressure checks to full camera sewer evaluations.

If you’re about to buy or have just moved in, schedule a professional plumbing inspection today to make sure your dream home doesn’t come with hidden leaks or future headaches.

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