Plumbing Inspection Checklist Before Buying a Home in Maryland
Plumbing Inspection Checklist Before Buying a Home in Maryland
A standard home inspection is not enough. Here's what to check — and what to ask for — before you close on a home in Southern Maryland.
Why Standard Home Inspections Miss Plumbing Problems
A standard home inspection is a visual inspection of accessible systems. The inspector checks visible pipes, fixtures, and water pressure — but does not run a sewer camera, test water quality beyond a basic flow test, or evaluate the well system in detail. Many of the most expensive plumbing problems in Maryland homes are invisible to a standard inspection.
We regularly get calls from new homeowners who discovered significant plumbing problems within months of closing — a sewer line with root intrusion, a well pump at end of life, or water with pH 5.8 that has been destroying the copper pipes for years. A pre-purchase plumbing inspection by a licensed plumber can identify these issues before you close.
Well Water Checklist (Private Well Homes)
Water quality test — comprehensive panel: Maryland requires bacteria and nitrates at sale. Request a comprehensive panel: pH, iron, hardness, manganese, arsenic, lead, and VOCs. The minimum required test is not sufficient to evaluate overall water quality.
Well pump age and condition: Ask for the age of the well pump. A pump over 10 years old is approaching end of life. If the age is unknown, a licensed plumber can evaluate the pump's condition.
Pressure tank condition: Tap the pressure tank — a waterlogged tank sounds solid throughout. Check the Schrader valve for water. A failed pressure tank causes short-cycling that destroys the pump.
Well casing and cap condition: Inspect the well cap for cracks. Confirm the casing extends at least 12 inches above grade. A cracked cap is the most common cause of bacterial contamination.
Water treatment system status: If there is a water treatment system (softener, iron filter, acid neutralizer), ask for the installation date, last service date, and any water test results. An unmaintained system may not be functioning.
Well flow rate: A well flow test measures how many gallons per minute the well produces. Low-yield wells (under 1 GPM) require a storage tank or constant pressure system.
Sewer and Drain Checklist
Sewer camera inspection: A sewer camera inspection is the only way to see inside the sewer line. Root intrusion, partial collapses, and bellied pipes are invisible to a standard inspection. We strongly recommend a camera inspection on any home over 20 years old.
Drain flow test: Run all fixtures simultaneously and observe drain speed. Slow drains indicate a partial blockage or undersized drain lines.
Septic system inspection: If the home is on a septic system, request a septic inspection and pumping record. A septic system that hasn't been pumped in 5+ years may be overdue for service.
General Plumbing Checklist
Pipe material — galvanized steel pipes are a red flag in older homes (corrode from inside, reduce flow, can fail suddenly)
Water heater age — check the serial number. Over 10 years old = budget for replacement
Water pressure — should be 40–80 PSI. Below 40 PSI indicates a system problem
Visible pipe condition — check under sinks, in the basement, and in the crawlspace for corrosion, staining, or past repairs
Shutoff valve condition — main shutoff and individual fixture shutoffs should operate freely
Sump pump — test by pouring water into the pit. Confirm battery backup is present and functional
Blue-green staining on fixtures — indicates acidic well water corroding copper pipes
Orange staining on fixtures — indicates iron in the water
Frequently Asked Questions
What plumbing should I check before buying a home in Maryland?
For a well water home: water quality test, well pump age, pressure tank condition, and water treatment system status. For all homes: sewer camera inspection, water heater age, pipe material, and water pressure.
Does a standard home inspection cover the well and sewer?
A standard home inspection includes a visual inspection of accessible plumbing and a basic well flow test. It does not include a water quality test, a sewer camera inspection, or a detailed well system evaluation. These require separate specialist inspections.
Is a well water test required when buying a home in Maryland?
Maryland law requires a well water test at the time of sale. The minimum required test covers bacteria and nitrates. Buyers should request a more comprehensive panel including pH, iron, hardness, and arsenic.
Real Google reviews from homeowners we've helped across Calvert, Anne Arundel & Charles County.
5.0· 13 Google Reviews
Savannah Foster
Southern Maryland
May 2026
"Absolutely blown away by the service from Deep Dive Plumbing Maryland! We had ongoing issues with our well water for years — bad smell, staining, and constant problems with pressure — and nobody ever took the time to truly figure out the root cause. Terry and the team came out, performed a full water analysis, explained everything in detail, and designed a system specifically for our home instead of just trying to sell us random equipment. You can really tell they care about doing things the right way. The install was extremely clean and professional, they walked us through how everything works, and our water has never looked or tasted better. The difference is unbelievable."
Well Water Analysis & Filtration System
Tim A.
Southern Maryland
June 2026
"We had our water heater leak and flood our basement. Deep Dive Plumbing Maryland came out Saturday morning and got us a new heater same day for a very reasonable price, and also replaced the shutoff valve that was old and wouldn't stop dripping."
Water Heater Replacement
Joshua Scheper
Local Guide
Southern Maryland
May 2026
"I've worked with Deep Dive Plumbing Maryland several times and always come away amazed at how thorough they are. I would definitely recommend them."
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