How much does a plumbing inspection cost?
How much does a plumbing inspection cost?
$100 – $200 cost for visual inspection
$300 – $1,100 cost for camera inspection
$400 – $1,300 cost for combo inspection
Average plumbing inspection cost
The average cost of a plumbing inspection is $100 to $200 for a basic visual inspection, $300 to $1,100 for a camera or video inspection, or $400 to $1,300 for a combination of the two. Plumbing inspections typically cover fixtures, water and sewer lines, water heaters, toilets, pumps, drains, and appliances.
| Inspection type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Visual | $100 – $200 |
| Camera | $300 – $1,100 |
| Combination | $400 – $1,300 |
Visual plumbing inspection
Visual plumbing inspections cost $100 to $200 and are the most basic option available. This inspection type includes a visual review and assessment of the water lines, drains, fixtures, and water-using appliances like water heaters, washers, dishwashers, and refrigerators.
Camera plumbing inspection
A plumbing camera inspection costs $300 to $1,100 on average. A camera inspection is best if you suspect there are issues inside the pipes in your walls, ceiling, or under the floor. During a camera inspection, the inspector feeds a high-resolution camera in hard-to-reach areas and identifies issues or blockages.
A sewer camera inspection costs $125 to $500 on average but typically only includes the sewer line and cleanout.
Combination plumbing inspection
Combination inspections cost $400 to $1,300 and include a visual and camera inspection of your plumbing system. This method is more thorough and ensures there aren’t any current problems with the plumbing.
Plumbing inspection cost factors
The following factors influence the cost of a plumbing inspection:
Home size – Smaller homes have fewer water lines and fixtures to inspect, so the job will take less time and cost less.
Urgency – Some inspectors charge a $100 to $500 fee for emergency or after-hours calls. Common emergency jobs include overflowing toilets, broken pipes, or basement flooding.
Plumbing system – A whole-home inspection usually costs more than an inspection for a single plumbing system:
A well inspection costs $250 to $550 or $400 to $650 for a well and septic system inspection.
A septic inspection costs $150 to $450.
If the technician finds a problem during the inspection, you may be able to bundle the inspection and repair for a discounted rate if you use the same company.
Common plumbing repairs
If the inspector identifies any problems, you should resolve them as soon as possible. The following common repair costs may apply:
Unclogging a drain costs $100 to $275.
Sewer line cleaning costs $150 to $500 for a basic snaking or $250 to $800 for hydro jetting.
Sewer line repair costs $150 to $3,800.
Septic tank system repairs cost $600 to $3,000.
Toilet repair costs $130 to $300.
Water heater repair costs $150 to $700 for standard tanks or $300 to $1,300 for tankless water heaters.
Sump pump repair costs $200 to $870.
Plumbing inspection FAQs
What is a plumbing inspection?
During a plumbing inspection, a plumber will look for leaks, damage, or corrosion and make sure the following fixtures were installed properly:
Toilets
Sinks
Bathtubs and showers
Faucets
Pipes and fittings
Appliances that use water
Water heaters
Main shut-off valve
Sump pumps
Outdoor hose bibs
Some plumbers also include water pressure and water quality checks.
How long does a plumbing inspection take?
A plumbing inspection takes 1 to 3 hours, depending on the size of your home and whether the plumber notices any issues along the way. Camera and combination inspections typically take longer than basic visual inspections.
Do I need a plumbing inspection?
Most professionals recommend plumbing inspections every 1 to 2 years or before buying or selling a home. A standard home inspection costs $250 to $500+ but doesn't include an extensive evaluation of the plumbing.
You should also get an inspection if you notice ongoing water temperature fluctuations, strange sounds coming from your pipes, or odors in drains. This can help you catch issues before they escalate and prevent more costly repairs.
Getting estimates from plumbing inspectors
Before hiring a plumbing inspector near you, follow these steps:
Get at least three estimates from local plumbers to compare.
Look for experienced plumbers with 5+ years of experience.
Check out company reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Verify their insurance, license, and bonds.
Avoid the cheapest quotes as quality may suffer.
Get a written estimate, contract, and warranty before any work begins.
Questions to ask plumbing inspectors
Ask these questions to find a high-quality plumbing inspector:
How long have you been in business?
Do you have any plumbing certifications?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
How long will the inspection take?
What type of inspection do you recommend?
Will there be any cleanup afterward, and is it included in your estimate?
What other fees can I expect?
Do you offer a warranty or guarantee?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.