AII Standards of Practice

  8 - SYSTEM: PLUMBING

8.1 The inspector SHALL observe and report on: 

1. Interior water supply and distribution system including: 

1. Piping materials, supports and insulation. 
2. Fixtures and faucets. 
3. Manual flow. 
4. Evidence of leaks. 
5. Presence of visible cross connections
6. Presence of visible backflow prevention devices. 

2. Interior drain, waste and vent system including:

1. Traps, drains waste, and vent piping, and piping supports. 
2. Evidence of leaks. 
3. Normal drainage.
4. Evidence of lack of drainage or leaking waste drain system.
5. Presence of cleanouts and absence of any drain line plugs.

3. Hot water systems including: 

1. Water heating equipment, energy source and type of connection. 
2. Normal operating controls. 
3. Presence of safety temperature-pressure relief valve and drain piping. 
4. Combustion air and venting. 
5. Clearance to combustibles.
6. Presence of seismic bracing.

4. Fuel storage and distribution of systems including: 

1. Fuel storage equipment, supply piping, venting, and supports. 
2. Evidence of leaks. 

8.2 The inspector SHALL: 

5. Identify Water supply and distribution piping materials. 
6. Identify drain, waste, and vent piping materials. 
7. Identify water-heating equipment. 
8. Operate all plumbing fixtures, hose bibs, and faucets, where the faucets are not connected to a household appliance. (Sprinkler systems are not operated).
9. Identify the presence of sump pump and sewage ejection pumps if visible (evaluation of function or adequacy is not included).

8.3 The inspector is NOT required to: 

10. State the effectiveness (quantitatively or qualitatively) of anti-siphon, back-flow prevention or drain-stop devises. 
11. Determine whether water supply and waste disposal systems are public or private.
12. Operate automatic safety controls.
13. Operate any valve except toilet flush valves, hose bibs and fixture faucets. 
14. Operate any system fixture or component that is shut down, turned off or disconnected.
15. Examine or evaluate the operation of private water systems, including, but not limited to wells, pumps, tanks, and related equipment.
16. Verify the functional flow, pressure, temperature or volume at any fixture that is capped or connected to an appliance.
17. Examine any overflow device of any fixture.
18. Evaluate the potability (quality) of water or conformance to any State standards or design.
19. Evaluate the gas or propane system for any leakage.
20. Evaluate gas, liquid propane, or oil storage tanks.
21. Determine whether there are sufficient clean-outs installed in the waste system piping.
22. Test shower pans for leakage or fill any fixture with water during an inspection.
23. Inspect drainage to or from any appliance, unit, or apparatus to or from said property.
24. Report on: 

1. Water conditioning systems. 
2. Fire and lawn sprinkler systems. 
3. On-site potable water supply quality and quantity. 
4. On-site waste disposal systems. 
5. Foundation irrigation systems. 
6. Jetted tubs, except as to functional flow and functional drainage. 
7. Swimming Pools, ponds and spas. 

[NOTE: Examination of specific areas may be justified if the Inspector possesses proper experience, certification and licensing for such examinations and they are contracted separately, with separate fee structures, between the Inspector and the Client]

next page