Plumbing Inspection for Buyers, Sellers and Homeowners
Plumbing problems are usually cheaper to find than to live with. A slow leak behind a vanity, a water heater near the end of its life or a sewer line with roots in it rarely shows up during a quick walk-through, and all three can turn into expensive calls later. A pre-purchase plumbing inspection — or one before a remodel — gives you a contractor's look at the system while you still have time to plan.
In plain words: we look for the plumbing problems that cost money later, show you photos, and tell you your options.
In Chicago, call 773-250-6060.
What we check
- Visible supply and drain piping for leaks, corrosion, improper materials and past repairs
- Water heater inspection: age, venting, relief valve and discharge, signs of leaking or rust
- Drain performance at fixtures, and camera inspection of drain lines when needed
- Sump pump and sewage ejector condition, discharge and check valves
- Accessible gas piping for visible concerns
- Fixtures, shutoff valves and hose bibs
- Visible code and upgrade concerns under Illinois or Chicago requirements
We take before and after photos, and you get a clear written report with photos and repair or upgrade options.
Plumbing inspection before buying a house
A general home inspector covers the whole house in a few hours and often recommends further evaluation by a plumber. Our inspection is that further evaluation: a plumbing contractor looking at the water heater, piping, drains, pumps and fixtures in more depth, so you know what a flagged item actually means before your contingency window closes.
It is meant to complement your home inspection, not replace it. We focus on the plumbing, and on heating and cooling if you add them.
Water heaters, drains and sewer lines
Water heater inspection covers the things that matter for safety and remaining life: venting, the temperature and pressure relief valve and its discharge pipe, the gas connection, and any rust or moisture at the base.
Drains get a practical test at the fixtures. When the age of the house, slow drains or past backups point to a problem underground, we can add a camera inspection of drain lines when needed and show you what the camera sees.
Sump pumps, ejectors and basements
In Chicago-area basements, the sump pump and any sewage ejector are worth checking before you move a single box downstairs. We look at the pit, the pump's operation, the check valve and where the discharge goes.
Who it's for
Home buyers
A trade-level look at plumbing and HVAC before closing, to complement — not replace — your home inspection.
Home sellers
Find and document problems before a buyer's inspector does, so there are fewer surprises in negotiation.
Homeowners planning upgrades
Know what condition the existing systems are in before you budget a remodel or replacement.
Landlords and property managers
Written condition reports with photos for units and buildings, to plan repairs instead of reacting to them.
How it works
- Step 1
Book
Call or send a request. Tell us the property type, the systems you want checked and any deadline, such as an inspection contingency.
- Step 2
On-site inspection
A technician inspects the accessible equipment and piping, and runs the systems where it is safe to do so.
- Step 3
Photos
We photograph what we find — before photos of the conditions, and after photos of any work we are later asked to do.
- Step 4
Report & recommendations
You get a clear written report with photos, separating urgent items from planned work, with repair or upgrade options.
- Step 5
Optional repair or upgrade
If you want, our team can price and do the work. You are free to use the report with any contractor.
What this inspection is — and isn't
Right Away is a plumbing and HVAC contractor, not an Illinois-licensed home inspector. This is a Plumbing & HVAC Inspection of accessible systems, not a whole-home inspection; it complements a buyer's home inspection and does not replace it. We do no electrical work and do not inspect electrical systems — electrical questions go to a licensed electrician.
Service area
From our shop at 2093 Rand Rd in Des Plaines, we inspect properties in Chicago and the northwest suburbs:
Frequently asked questions
Is a plumbing inspection the same as a home inspection?
No. Right Away is a plumbing and HVAC contractor, not a licensed home inspector. Our plumbing inspection is a more detailed look at the plumbing and complements a buyer's home inspection; it does not replace it.
Do you inspect the sewer line?
When needed, we can do a camera inspection of accessible drain lines and show you the footage and findings. Some underground piping may not be accessible.
Will I get a written report?
Yes. You get a clear written report with photos, separating urgent items from things to plan for, with repair or upgrade options.
Do I have to hire you for the repairs?
No. Repairs by our team are optional. The report is yours to use with any contractor or in negotiations.
Do you check electrical?
No. Right Away does no electrical work and does not inspect electrical systems. Electrical questions should go to a licensed electrician.
Related services
Schedule an inspection
Call 847-550-3322 for the suburbs or 773-250-6060 in Chicago, or schedule an inspection online.