Short answerCommon plumbing findings are small leaks under sinks, running toilets, slow drains, low pressure from older galvanized supply pipe, older cast iron drain lines, missing shutoff valves, and water heater safety items. Most are minor. Older supply pipe, sewer line problems, and hidden leaks can be larger projects that deserve a licensed plumber's quote.
What do inspectors check?
Visible supply and drain lines, fixtures, water pressure and flow, drainage, the main shutoff, and the water heater.
What are the common findings?
- Leaks under sinks and at toilets.
- Low pressure from galvanized pipe.
- Slow drains and older cast iron or clay lines.
- Polybutylene or other problem pipe materials.
- Missing or stuck shutoff valves.
How serious is it?
Small leaks and fixture issues are routine. Repiping and sewer line replacement are larger.
What does it cost to fix?
| Item | Planning estimate | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Main sewer drain snaking | About $288 | W |
| Sewer line replacement, open trench | $80 to $180 per foot | P |
| Whole house repipe with PEX, one to two bath ranch | $4,000 to $8,500 | P |
Planning estimates, not bids. Local contractors may price differently.
When is a specialist needed?
Low pressure throughout, rust colored water, sewer backups, or older drain materials. Indiana licenses plumbers statewide.
If you are selling
Fix cheap safety items before listing, get a quote on anything big, and disclose what you know. What to fix before listing.
If you are buying
Sort the finding into normal for age, negotiate, specialist, or walk away. What to ask the seller to fix.
Frequently asked questions
Should I scope the sewer line?
On older homes, often yes. See sewer scoping.
Is galvanized pipe a deal breaker?
No, but plan to replace it.
Keep reading
Want to know what a buyer's inspector may find before they do?
Book a free pre listing condition walk. I walk the house with you, point out what inspectors and FHA, VA, and USDA appraisers tend to flag, and give you planning ranges so you can decide what to fix, credit, price in, or disclose.
Book a condition walkOr call or text (812) 525-5489, or email [email protected].
The condition walk is a REALTOR® and contractor evaluation, not a home inspection, and it does not replace one. If you have already signed a listing agreement with another agent, please take these questions to your agent.
Looking at a house and not sure what you are getting into?
Ask for a free Before You Offer review. Send me the listing. I look over the photos, the seller's disclosure, and recent sales, then flag likely condition issues and planning cost ranges before you write an offer.
Request a Before You Offer reviewOr call or text (812) 525-5489, or email [email protected].
The Before You Offer review is a REALTOR® and contractor review of the listing, not a home inspection. It is for buyers who are not already working with an agent. If you have an agent, please bring these questions to your agent.
Sources
- Wardmark Property Operations pricing, June to September 2026
- Summers Plumbing Heating and Cooling, Indiana pricing, 2026
Written by John Long, REALTOR®, 1 Percent Lists Indiana Real Estate. Working contractor who has priced hundreds of home inspection repair requests. Former labor relations negotiator for a major manufacturer and U.S. Coast Guard veteran.
John Long, REALTOR® · 1 Percent Lists Indiana Real Estate · (812) 525-5489 · yourpropertynegotiator.com
This page is general information, not a substitute for a professional home inspection, and not legal, tax, insurance, or lending advice. Ask a real estate attorney about contracts and disclosure, a CPA about taxes, your lender about loan rules, and a licensed inspector or tradesperson about your house. Nothing here guarantees a sale price, net proceeds, repair cost, payment, timeline, appraisal, inspection result, or loan approval. Cost figures are planning estimates, not bids. I own Wardmark Property Operations LLC, a contracting company. You are always free to use any contractor you choose.