New Homeowner Plumbing Inspection
In Severna Park, MD
The specialist inspection your standard home inspection didn’t include. Know exactly what you’re buying—from the buried sewer lines to the internal pipe conditions.
Know What You Actually Bought. Fitchet Plumbing provides specialist plumbing inspections for new Severna Park homeowners — the inspection your standard home inspection didn’t include. For any home built before 1995 in Severna Park, a standard inspection leaves significant unknowns: the sewer line condition, the supply pipe material and its state of degradation, the water heater’s remaining service life, and whether polybutylene pipe is present. We document all of it in a written report, with photos, before anything becomes an emergency. Call (667) 644-3080 to schedule.
What A Standard Home Inspection Misses
In A Severna Park Home
A standard home inspection is a visual survey of accessible surfaces. An inspector confirms that a toilet flushes and a water heater has power. What they do not check is the internal condition of systems that can’t be seen from the surface—which matter most in a pre-1995 home.
1. Buried Sewer Lines
The most important omission. A standard inspector cannot see root intrusion, pipe bellies from clay soil movement, or offset joints. In a 1972 Chartwell home with original cast iron and mature oak roots, this is the most common major finding we make.
2. Pipe Material & Degradation
An inspector may note “galvanized” if visible, but rarely assesses internal corrosion or actively checks all cavities for polybutylene pipe presence. We evaluate the material and remaining effective service life.
3. Water Heater Internals
Confirming hot water isn’t enough. Standard inspections skip the anode rod condition, sediment accumulation, and expansion tank pre-charge. These details determine whether the unit has 2 years or 8 years of life remaining.
What Our New Homeowner Plumbing
Inspection Covers
Sewer Camera Scope
We run a camera through the main sewer line from the cleanout. You see the footage live, and we document root intrusion, scale, or structural deterioration.
Supply Pipe Assessment
We identify material (galvanized, copper, PB, CPVC, PEX) at all accessible locations. We check visible conditions and inspect polybutylene fitting stress.
Water Heater Evaluation
We check unit age, anode rod health, visible sediment indicators, and venting condition to give an honest assessment of remaining water heater life.
Main Water Shutoff
We test the main shutoff valve to confirm it closes fully. A seized shutoff valve becomes a severe liability during a burst pipe or sudden plumbing emergency.
Visible Drains & Vents
We assess visible drain connections, P-trap conditions, and any accessible vent stack sections for signs of slow leaks or improper previous modifications.
Written Assessment Report
You receive a written report with photos detailing what we found, what to address now vs. monitor, and realistic cost ranges for any recommended work.
Why This Matters More In
Severna Park
Severna Park’s housing stock demands specialist attention. Most homes were developed between 1960 and 1995. A median home built in 1977 is now 50 years old—enduring 50 years of Chesapeake Bay hard water, clay soil movement, and tree root expansion.
With Severna Park home values averaging over $647,000, buyers have substantial financial stakes. A sewer line needing trenchless lining ($3,000–$8,000) or full replacement ($8,000–$15,000) within two years of purchase is a material, undisclosed financial shock. A specialist plumbing inspection bridges that gap.
Establish Your Baseline
A $200-$400 inspection protects you from $10,000 surprises.
Schedule InspectionInspection Fee Applies to Repairs
If our inspection uncovers necessary repairs that you hire us to resolve, the inspection fee is applied directly to the total cost.
Call (667) 644-3080Before Or After Closing?
When is the best time to book your plumbing inspection?
- Before Closing (Ideal): Book during your inspection contingency period. If we uncover a failing sewer line or polybutylene piping, you can use our written quote for purchase price negotiation or repair credits.
- After Closing (Still Critical): If you’ve already closed on a pre-1995 Severna Park home without a specialist inspection, schedule one within the first 60–90 days. You will gain a clear maintenance baseline and know what needs attention before it triggers an emergency.