What Is It?
A plumbing inspection checklist is a working survey document used by a plumber to record the condition of every part of a property's plumbing system. It is organised system by system and room by room — cold and hot water supply, drainage and waste, water heating, sanitaryware, visible leaks, water pressure and stop valves — so that each item is checked and rated consistently. It is a condition record, not a certificate of compliance: it captures the state of the installation on the day of inspection and flags defects, risks and recommended remedial work.
About This Template
A plumbing inspection checklist gives a plumber a structured, repeatable way to survey the whole of a property's plumbing rather than just the fault they were called out for. Working through supply pipework, drainage, hot water provision, sanitaryware, water pressure and isolation valves in a fixed order means nothing is missed and the customer gets a clear written record of the condition of their system. It is invaluable for pre-purchase surveys, void property checks, landlord handovers and quoting larger jobs, and it protects the plumber by documenting exactly what was — and was not — inspected.
When to Use
- Before buying or selling a property, to assess the condition of the plumbing as part of a survey
- When taking on a void or newly acquired rental property and a baseline condition record is needed
- Before quoting for a bathroom, kitchen or larger refurbishment so the full system condition informs the price
- When a landlord or managing agent wants a periodic check of the plumbing between tenancies
- After a leak, burst or water damage incident to assess the wider system and identify other weak points
- When a customer reports recurring problems such as low pressure, slow drainage or noisy pipework
What to Include
- Property details: full address, property type and age, and the date and reason for the inspection
- Incoming supply: location of the external stop valve and internal stop tap, supply pipe material, and whether the internal stop tap operates freely
- Lead pipework check: presence of any lead supply pipe or lead-jointed pipework, with a recommendation to replace where found
- Cold water supply: distribution pipework material and condition, any cold water storage cistern, and condition of its lid, overflow and insulation
- Hot water system: type (combi boiler, vented or unvented cylinder, electric), age, visible condition, and any insulation defects
- Drainage and waste: condition and flow of sink, basin, bath, shower and WC waste runs, presence of traps, and any signs of blockage or slow drainage
- Sanitaryware: condition and operation of taps, mixers, WCs, cisterns, basins, baths and showers, and any seals or grouting failures
- Leaks and water damage: visible leaks, damp patches, corrosion, weeping joints and previous repairs at every fitting and pipe run
- Water pressure and flow: measured or observed pressure at outlets, and any pressure or flow imbalance between floors or outlets
- Isolation valves: presence and operation of service and isolation valves at appliances, basins, WCs and the boiler
- Backflow and cross-connection: presence of WRAS-approved fittings and adequate backflow protection in line with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
- Summary of defects, risk rating for each item, recommended remedial work, and the plumber's name, signature and date
Tips
Always locate and test the internal stop tap first — a seized stop tap is a common, serious finding and the customer needs to know how to isolate the supply in an emergency
Note any lead supply pipe or lead-jointed pipework clearly and recommend replacement; lead pipework is a health concern and water suppliers often part-fund replacement of the external section
Check that isolation valves are fitted and actually turn — valves that are present but seized give a false sense of security and slow down future repairs
Photograph leaks, corrosion and poor previous workmanship as you go; dated photos alongside the checklist make your report credible and protect you in any dispute
Confirm fittings on the supply side are WRAS-approved and that adequate backflow protection is in place — non-compliant fittings are a Water Fittings Regulations 1999 issue the customer should be told about
