Stoney’s Plumbing · Home Plumbing Checkup Guide
Most plumbing emergencies give warning signs first. A water heater that rumbles, a supply line with a small bulge, a slow basement drain, a toilet that rocks, or a meter that ticks with every tap closed can all show up months before a flood. A plumbing inspection in Leesburg is a planned look at those parts of your home before they fail, done by you, by a plumber, or both. This guide explains what a home plumbing inspection covers, a room-by-room checklist homeowners can follow, what to look for at the water heater, main shutoff, pressure valve, drains, sewer line, sump pump and outdoor taps, when a camera inspection makes sense, how often to inspect, what inspections typically cost, and what to do with what you find. Stoney’s Plumbing is a veteran-owned residential plumber at 574 Rockbridge Dr SE, Leesburg, VA 20175, and we answer calls 24/7.
What should Leesburg, VA homeowners check in a plumbing inspection, and what does one cost?
A good plumbing inspection in a Leesburg home checks the main shutoff valve, water pressure and pressure reducing valve, the water heater and its relief valve, every visible supply line and hose, toilets, faucets and shower valves, under-sink cabinets, drains and vents, the sump pump, outdoor faucets and the water meter for hidden leaks, plus a sewer camera inspection when drains or age suggest it. As educational ranges, a general plumbing inspection often runs about $150 to $350, a sewer camera inspection about $200 to $500, and a combined whole-home inspection with camera about $300 to $700. These are general planning figures, not quotes.
A planned inspection costs far less than most water damage repairs, and it lets you schedule fixes on your timeline instead of during a crisis.
Local context: Many homes in Leesburg, Ashburn, Sterling and Purcellville were built during the 1980s to 2000s growth years. Their original water heaters, pressure valves, supply lines and sump pumps are now at or past typical service life, and Loudoun County’s hard water and freeze and thaw cycles add wear. Call Stoney’s Plumbing at (703) 794-5592 or see Stoney’s Plumbing on Google Maps.
Why Inspect Before Problems Start
Quick answer: Most plumbing failures start small. An inspection catches worn parts, slow leaks and aging equipment early, when repairs are smaller, cheaper and can be scheduled. It also helps you budget for big items like a water heater or sewer line before they fail.
Water damage is one of the most common and expensive home insurance claims in the country, and much of it starts with a part that showed wear long before it failed. A braided supply line under a sink can fray for months. A water heater can drip from the relief valve for weeks. A sewer line can collect roots for years before it backs up.
A plumbing inspection turns those hidden risks into a short, practical list. Instead of reacting to a flooded basement on a holiday weekend, you can replace the supply line for a few dollars, plan a water heater replacement for spring, or have roots cleared before they become a blockage.
There are three types of inspection worth knowing:
- Homeowner self-check. A walk-through using a checklist like the one in this guide. Free, and useful twice a year.
- Professional plumbing inspection. A plumber checks fixtures, valves, pressure, the water heater, drains and visible pipe, and tests for hidden leaks.
- Sewer camera inspection. A camera runs through the main drain line to see inside the pipe to the street connection.
A general home inspection done when buying a house usually takes a brief look at plumbing, but it is not the same as a focused plumbing inspection. Home inspectors often note visible issues and recommend a plumber for anything more detailed.
What a Plumbing Inspection Covers
Quick answer: A thorough inspection usually includes the main shutoff, water pressure, the PRV and expansion tank, the water heater, all accessible supply lines and valves, toilets, faucets, showers and tubs, drains and traps, visible pipes, the sump pump, outdoor taps, a meter leak test and, when needed, a sewer camera.
| Area | What gets checked |
|---|---|
| Main water entry | Shutoff operation, PRV condition, pressure reading, expansion tank, signs of leaks at the foundation |
| Water heater | Age, rust, leaks, relief valve and discharge pipe, venting on gas units, sediment noise, anode condition when accessible |
| Fixtures | Toilets for leaks and rocking, faucets for drips, shower valves, tub drains and overflow |
| Under sinks | Supply lines, shutoff valves, traps, disposal, dishwasher connections, signs of moisture |
| Laundry | Washer hoses, valves, drain box, standpipe and floor drain |
| Drains | Drain speed, gurgling, odors, cleanouts, vent function |
| Sewer line | Camera inspection for roots, sags, cracks and offsets when recommended |
| Basement | Sump pump, pit, check valve, discharge, signs of water entry |
| Outdoors | Hose bibs, frost-free taps, irrigation backflow, cleanout cap |
| Hidden leaks | Meter test, toilet dye test, moisture checks |
Most professional inspections of a typical single-family home take about one to two hours, longer for larger homes or when a sewer camera is included. At the end, you should get a clear list of findings, sorted by urgency.
The Main Shutoff Valve
Quick answer: Every adult in the house should know where the main shutoff is and how to close it. During an inspection, check that it turns, closes fully and does not leak at the stem. Old gate valves with round handles often stick or fail to seal and are commonly replaced with quarter-turn ball valves.
The main shutoff is the single most important valve in any leak. In most Leesburg homes it sits where the water line comes through the foundation, often in the basement on the street side. In slab homes and townhomes, look in the garage, utility closet or near the water heater.
Inspection points:
- Can you reach it easily, without moving boxes or furniture?
- Does the handle turn without force?
- Does the water stop completely at a nearby faucet when it is closed?
- Is there any drip, crust or green corrosion at the stem or connections?
- Is it labeled so others in the house can find it?
Gate valves, with round wheel handles, are common in older homes. They tend to seize after years of not being used, and when forced they can break or leak. A quarter-turn ball valve is easier to close and more reliable. For the pipe that feeds this valve, see our service line warning signs and repair options guide.
Water Pressure and the PRV
Quick answer: Test static water pressure with a hose-thread gauge. Most homes do best between about 50 and 70 psi. Readings over 80 psi, or pressure that climbs overnight, point to a pressure reducing valve or thermal expansion problem that should be addressed.
Pressure is one of the easiest and most revealing checks in a home inspection. An inexpensive gauge screwed onto a laundry tap or hose bib tells you whether the pressure reducing valve is doing its job. High pressure quietly shortens the life of every fixture, hose and appliance.
During an inspection, a plumber will typically read static pressure, watch the gauge while a faucet runs, and check the expansion tank by tapping it and testing its air charge. Many Loudoun County homes have original PRVs that are 15 years old or more.
Our companion article, PRV repair and the low and high water pressure guide, explains testing, adjusting, rebuilding and replacing a valve in detail.
The Water Heater
Quick answer: Check the water heater’s age on the label, look for rust or moisture at the base and fittings, confirm the relief valve has a proper discharge pipe and is not dripping, listen for rumbling sediment, and on gas units make sure the vent is secure. Tank heaters often last about 8 to 12 years.
The water heater is one of the most likely items in a home to cause a large leak, because it holds 40 to 80 gallons of water under pressure. The good news is that it usually gives clear signs before it fails.
- Age. The serial number on the label usually encodes the manufacture date. Many tanks over 10 years old are near the end of their service life.
- Rust and moisture. Rust at the base, on the fittings or in the hot water suggests the tank is corroding.
- Relief valve. The temperature and pressure relief valve should have a discharge pipe running down to within a few inches of the floor or to a drain. A drip points to a pressure or temperature issue.
- Sediment. Popping or rumbling while heating means sediment has built up. Annual flushing helps in hard water areas like Loudoun County.
- Venting. On gas heaters, the vent should be secure and sloped upward, with no rust or soot at the draft hood.
- Drain pan. Heaters in finished spaces or attics should sit in a pan with a drain line.
- Expansion tank. In homes with a PRV, a tank on the cold line protects the heater from pressure spikes.
If the tank is old or showing rust, it may be time to plan a replacement. Our 2026 Leesburg water heater replacement walkthrough and Northern Virginia water heater pricing for 2026 help with planning.
Supply Lines and Hoses
Quick answer: Inspect every visible supply line under sinks, behind toilets, at the washer, refrigerator and dishwasher. Replace any that are bulging, kinked, rusty at the ends, cracked, or more than about 5 to 10 years old. Rubber washer hoses are a common cause of laundry floods.
Supply lines are the short flexible hoses that connect fixtures and appliances to the shutoff valves. They are cheap to replace and expensive when they fail, because a burst line releases water at full house pressure until someone shuts it off.
What to look for:
- Bulges, blisters or kinks in the hose
- Rust or corrosion at the crimped ends of braided lines
- Frayed or broken braid strands
- Plastic nuts that are cracked or overtightened
- Moisture or mineral crust at the connection
- Plain rubber washer hoses, which are worth upgrading to braided stainless
Also test each fixture shutoff valve. Small multi-turn valves under sinks and toilets often seize. If one will not close or drips when turned, it should be replaced so you can isolate that fixture in a leak.
Kitchen Checklist
Quick answer: In the kitchen, check under the sink for moisture and stains, test both shutoff valves, inspect supply lines, the drain trap and disposal, look at the dishwasher connection, check the refrigerator ice maker line, and run the faucet to look for drips and good flow.
- Empty the sink cabinet and look for warped or stained wood.
- Run water and feel around the trap and disposal for drips.
- Check the dishwasher supply and drain connection under the sink.
- Pull the refrigerator out and inspect the ice maker line and valve.
- Look at the faucet base for water pooling or loose mounting.
- Check the sprayer hose for leaks under the sink.
- Make sure the disposal runs smoothly and the sink drains quickly.
For more detail on each of these, see our kitchen sink, disposal and dishwasher plumbing article.
Bathroom Checklist
Quick answer: In each bathroom, check toilets for running, rocking and leaks at the base, test faucets and shower valves for drips, look for loose or cracked caulk and grout around tubs and showers, check under vanities for moisture, and make sure sinks, tubs and showers drain quickly.
- Toilets. Add a few drops of food coloring to the tank. If color appears in the bowl without flushing, the flapper leaks. Rock the toilet gently. Movement can mean a failing wax ring or loose bolts.
- Toilet base. Stains, soft flooring or a sewer odor near the base can point to a leak at the seal.
- Faucets. Look for drips at the spout and moisture around handles.
- Showers and tubs. Check caulk and grout lines. Gaps let water into walls and subfloors. Test the shower valve for drips after shutoff.
- Vanities. Inspect supply lines, shutoffs and traps for moisture.
- Ceilings below. Stains on the ceiling under a bathroom are a common sign of a slow leak.
- Exhaust fan. A working fan helps prevent mold and moisture damage.
Our toilet, shower, tub and faucet repair walkthrough explains common fixes.
Laundry Room Checklist
Quick answer: In the laundry room, check washer hoses for bulges and age, test the hot and cold valves, look at the drain box or standpipe for overflow marks, check for a floor drain or drain pan, and notice any sewer odor, which can point to a dry trap or venting problem.
Washer hoses carry water at full pressure and are among the most common sources of sudden floods. Replace rubber hoses every five years or switch to braided stainless steel. Keep a few inches of space behind the washer so hoses do not kink.
Look for water stains on the wall behind the standpipe, which can mean the drain overflows during the spin cycle. A sewer smell near the washer is often a dry trap or a venting issue. Our guide to sewer odors at the washer walks through the causes, and our washer drain and laundry leak repairs article covers the rest of the room.
Drains and Vents
Quick answer: Run water in every sink, tub and shower and flush each toilet. Drains should empty quickly without gurgling. Slow drains, gurgling sounds, sewer odors, or water backing up in a lower fixture when an upper one drains can point to clogs, venting problems or a main line issue.
Drain checks are simple but revealing. A single slow drain is usually a local clog, often hair or soap in a bathroom or grease in a kitchen. Several slow drains at once, especially on the lowest floor, suggest a problem in the main drain or sewer line.
Signs worth noting:
- Gurgling. Air being pulled through a trap when another fixture drains often points to a blocked or missing vent.
- Odors. Sewer smells can come from dry traps in unused fixtures, a failed toilet seal or a vent problem.
- Backups. Water rising in a basement floor drain or shower when a toilet flushes or the washer drains is a warning sign of a main line blockage.
- Cleanouts. Locate your main cleanout, usually a capped pipe in the basement or outside near the foundation. A plumber needs access to it for clearing and camera work.
Pour water into seldom-used drains, such as basement floor drains and guest showers, every month or two to keep the traps full. For deeper drain issues, see our 2026 drain cleaning walkthrough for Leesburg homes.
Sewer Camera Inspections
Quick answer: A sewer camera inspection sends a waterproof camera on a flexible cable through your main drain to look for roots, cracks, sags, offsets, grease buildup and collapsed sections. It is worth considering for homes over about 25 years old, homes with large trees near the line, before buying a home, and after repeated backups.
The camera enters through a cleanout and records video as it travels toward the street. Many systems also include a locator that shows the depth and position of the camera from above ground, so problems can be marked on the lawn.
Common findings in Loudoun County include:
- Root intrusion. Tree roots enter joints in older clay, cast iron or concrete pipe.
- Bellies or sags. Low spots where waste and water collect, often from settling soil.
- Offset joints. Sections of pipe that have shifted out of line.
- Cracks and breaks. Damage from age, ground movement or construction.
- Scale and grease. Buildup that narrows the pipe.
A camera inspection does not fix anything by itself, but it shows exactly what is happening so you can choose between cleaning, spot repair or replacement. Our sewer line responsibility and repair costs guide explains what comes next.
Pipe Materials to Know
Quick answer: Knowing what pipe your home has helps predict problems. Copper is common and durable, PEX is common in newer homes, galvanized steel corrodes and narrows with age, gray polybutylene is prone to failure, and cast iron drains can crack and corrode over decades.
| Material | Where you see it | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Copper | Supply lines in most homes from the 1960s on | Green crust at joints, pinhole leaks, especially with high pressure or aggressive water |
| PEX | Supply lines in many homes built or repiped since about 2000 | Damage near fittings, exposure to sunlight, rodent damage |
| Galvanized steel | Older homes, often before the 1970s | Rusty water, low pressure, corrosion at threads |
| Polybutylene | Some homes from about 1978 to 1995 | Gray plastic pipe prone to sudden cracking and fitting failure |
| Cast iron | Drain lines in older homes | Rust, cracks, scale buildup, leaking joints |
| PVC and ABS | Drain lines in most newer homes | Loose joints, cracks from impact or settling |
During an inspection, a plumber will note the materials in visible areas and point out any sections that are reaching the end of their life.
Basement and Sump Pump
Quick answer: Test the sump pump by pouring water into the pit until the float lifts and the pump runs. Check the check valve, the discharge pipe outside, and the backup power option. Look for water stains on basement walls and floors and moisture around pipes that pass through the foundation.
Many Leesburg homes have finished basements, which makes a sump pump failure especially costly. Pumps often last about 7 to 10 years.
- Pour a bucket of water into the pit and watch the pump start and stop.
- Listen for grinding or rattling, which can mean worn bearings or debris.
- Make sure the float moves freely and is not tangled in the cord.
- Check that the discharge pipe outside is clear and sends water away from the foundation.
- Consider a battery backup pump or a water alarm.
- Look at the floor around the water heater, washer and utility sink for stains.
More detail is in our basement flooding prevention and sump pump repair guide. Severe weather can overwhelm any pump, and Ready.gov flood preparedness tips cover home planning.
Outdoor Faucets and Irrigation
Quick answer: Check outdoor hose bibs for drips and leaks inside the wall, confirm they are frost-free or have an inside shutoff for winter, disconnect hoses before freezing weather, and have irrigation backflow devices tested as required by your water provider.
Outdoor faucets are a common source of hidden leaks in Northern Virginia. A frost-free hose bib that froze with a hose attached can split inside the wall and leak only when the faucet is turned on, sending water into the basement or rim joist.
- Turn each hose bib on and look inside the basement or crawl space for drips.
- Make sure hoses are removed in late fall.
- Check that the outdoor cleanout cap is in place and intact.
- Look for soggy or unusually green areas in the yard that could signal a service line or irrigation leak.
- Confirm the irrigation backflow preventer is tested and shut down for winter.
How Often to Inspect
Quick answer: A homeowner walk-through twice a year, in spring and fall, works well for most homes. A professional plumbing inspection every one to two years is reasonable, more often in homes over 30 years old, and a sewer camera every few years for older homes or homes with trees near the line.
| Check | Suggested frequency |
|---|---|
| Homeowner walk-through | Twice a year |
| Water pressure test | Once or twice a year |
| Meter leak test | Twice a year or after a bill spike |
| Water heater flush | Once a year in hard water areas |
| Sump pump test | Every spring and before storms |
| Professional inspection | Every one to two years |
| Sewer camera | Every three to five years for older lines, or when symptoms appear |
For timing advice, our article on the right season for Leesburg plumbing work explains why spring and fall are popular.
Plumbing Inspection Cost Ranges
Quick answer: As educational ranges, a general plumbing inspection often runs about $150 to $350, a sewer camera inspection about $200 to $500, a combined whole-home inspection with camera about $300 to $700, and a water heater checkup with flush about $100 to $250. These are general planning figures, not quotes.
| Service | Educational range |
|---|---|
| General plumbing inspection | About $150 to $350 |
| Sewer camera inspection | About $200 to $500 |
| Whole-home inspection with camera | About $300 to $700 |
| Water heater checkup and flush | About $100 to $250 |
| Leak detection visit | About $150 to $450 |
| Pressure test and PRV check | About $100 to $250 |
These are general planning figures, not quotes. The price depends on home size, the number of bathrooms, access to cleanouts and equipment, whether a camera is needed and whether the visit is scheduled or after hours. We explain the scope and price before work begins. For broader pricing context, see our 2026 cost guide for Leesburg plumbing repairs.
Want a Plumber to Check Your Home?
Call Stoney’s Plumbing at (703) 794-5592. We are a veteran-owned local plumber in Leesburg, and we answer calls 24/7. We will walk through your water heater, valves, fixtures, drains and pressure, explain what needs attention now and what can wait, and give you the scope and price before work begins.
Buying or Selling a Home
Quick answer: Buyers should consider a focused plumbing inspection and sewer camera in addition to the general home inspection, especially for homes over 25 years old. Sellers can benefit from a pre-listing inspection to fix small issues ahead of time and avoid surprises during negotiations.
A general home inspector looks at many systems in a few hours, so plumbing gets a brief look. They may run faucets, flush toilets, check the water heater label and note visible leaks. They usually do not camera the sewer line, test pressure overnight or check every shutoff valve.
For buyers, the sewer line is the biggest unknown. A collapsed or root-filled line can cost thousands to repair, and it is invisible without a camera. Older homes in downtown Leesburg and established neighborhoods with mature trees are good candidates.
For sellers, fixing running toilets, dripping faucets, an old water heater relief valve or a seized shutoff before listing can make the home show better and keep the buyer’s inspection report short. Our article on how plumbing fixes affect what your home is worth covers this in more depth.
Inspection Priorities by Home Age
Quick answer: Newer homes mostly need checks on supply lines, the water heater, pressure and the sump pump. Homes 20 to 40 years old often need attention to original PRVs, water heaters, shutoffs and possibly polybutylene. Older homes need closer looks at galvanized pipe, cast iron drains and the sewer line.
| Home age | Typical priorities |
|---|---|
| Under 10 years | Supply lines, water heater install details, expansion tank, sump pump, builder punch-list items |
| 10 to 20 years | Water heater age, PRV, washer hoses, toilet fill valves, faucet cartridges |
| 20 to 40 years | Original PRV, shutoff valves, polybutylene, copper pinholes, sewer camera |
| 40 years and older | Galvanized supply, cast iron drains, clay sewer line, service line material |
Our article on knowing when old fixtures should go helps with aging fixtures.
Seasonal Inspection Checklist
Quick answer: In spring, test the sump pump, check outdoor taps and irrigation, and look for winter damage. In summer, watch the water bill and check for condensation. In fall, disconnect hoses, insulate exposed pipes and flush the water heater. In winter, protect pipes during cold snaps and keep the shutoff accessible.
Spring
- Test the sump pump before spring rains.
- Turn on outdoor faucets and check inside for leaks.
- Start irrigation carefully and look for broken heads.
Summer
- Watch for higher water bills from irrigation leaks.
- Check for condensation on cold pipes in humid basements.
Fall
- Disconnect hoses and shut off outdoor taps.
- Flush the water heater.
- Insulate pipes in garages, crawl spaces and exterior walls.
Winter
- Keep cabinet doors open on exterior walls during hard freezes.
- Keep the home heated when traveling.
- Know how to close the main shutoff fast if a pipe bursts.
The National Weather Service Sterling forecast office issues freeze and storm alerts for Loudoun County.
Water Quality Signs
Quick answer: Rusty or brown water, white scale on fixtures, a rotten egg smell from hot water, or a sudden change in taste can all show up during an inspection. They point to corroding pipe, hard water, a water heater anode issue or utility work.
- Rusty water. Often galvanized pipe or a corroding water heater tank.
- White scale. Hard water. Loudoun County water is moderately hard, and scale shortens the life of heaters and valves. See our guide to softening hard water in Loudoun homes.
- Rotten egg odor in hot water. Often a reaction between the anode rod and water in the heater.
- Cloudy water that clears. Usually air in the lines after utility work.
Leak Sensors and Smart Shutoffs
Quick answer: Battery water sensors placed near the water heater, washer, sinks and sump pump sound an alarm or send a phone alert when they detect water. Smart shutoff valves on the main line can close automatically when they sense a leak or unusual flow. They complement inspections but do not replace them.
Inexpensive leak sensors cost about $15 to $50 each and are one of the most useful upgrades after an inspection. Put them on the floor beside the water heater, behind the washer, under the kitchen sink, under each vanity, beside the refrigerator and near the sump pit. Many connect to Wi-Fi and send alerts to your phone, which matters most when you are away from home.
Whole-house smart shutoff valves install on the main line near the PRV. They watch flow and pressure, learn normal use, and close the main when they detect a burst or a long, unusual flow. Some also run small overnight pressure tests to find slow leaks. They need power and a good network connection, and they should be installed so the manual shutoff still works.
Even with sensors, worn parts still wear out. Sensors tell you when something has already leaked. An inspection finds the frayed hose or rusty tank before it does.
Inspecting Before a Remodel
Quick answer: Before a kitchen or bathroom remodel, have the plumbing in that area inspected while walls and floors are still easy to open. It is the cheapest time to replace old shutoffs, galvanized or polybutylene pipe, worn drain lines and shower valves.
Remodels expose pipes that are normally hidden. If the drywall is coming off anyway, replacing a corroded section of pipe or an outdated shower valve costs far less than opening a finished wall later. A plumber can also confirm the drain size, vent layout and water supply can handle new fixtures, such as a larger tub, a second vanity or a pot filler.
Ask about permits early. Moving drains, adding fixtures or changing water lines often requires a permit and inspection in Loudoun County, and the Virginia statewide code applies. The Virginia DHCD codes page explains which code edition is in effect.
Vacant Homes, Rentals and Long Trips
Quick answer: Homes that sit empty for weeks are at higher risk because nobody notices a leak. Before a long trip or a vacancy, inspect supply lines and the water heater, consider shutting the main water off, set the heat no lower than about 55°F in winter, and ask someone to check the home.
Landlords and owners of second homes in western Loudoun County face the same issue: a small leak can run for weeks. A quick inspection between tenants, a set of leak sensors and a labeled main shutoff go a long way. For winter vacancies, consider draining the lines or having a plumber winterize the home. Water utilities, including Loudoun Water’s pipe protection tips, offer cold-weather advice for homeowners.
When you return, run each faucet, flush toilets, refill seldom-used traps and check the meter before settling back in. If the house was cold, look for wet spots near exterior walls and outdoor taps.
What to Do With the Results
Quick answer: Sort findings into three groups: fix now, plan soon and monitor. Active leaks, a seized main shutoff, very high pressure and a failing water heater go first. Aging parts that still work can be scheduled. Minor items can be watched at the next inspection.
| Priority | Examples |
|---|---|
| Fix now | Active leaks, main shutoff that will not close, pressure over 80 psi, rusty leaking water heater, sewer backup |
| Plan soon | Water heater over 10 years old, original PRV, rubber washer hoses, polybutylene, roots in the sewer line |
| Monitor | Minor scale, slow single drain, small cosmetic corrosion |
Many small fixes, such as replacing supply lines, shutoff valves and toilet parts, can be grouped into one visit. Our small leak, toilet and faucet repair guide lists common items.
Keeping Records
Quick answer: Keep a simple plumbing log with the date and result of each inspection, pressure readings, water heater age, PRV and sump pump install dates, and photos of shutoff locations. It helps you plan, and it is useful when selling the home.
A notebook, a spreadsheet or a note on your phone works. Tag the main shutoff, water heater and PRV with the install date. Save sewer camera video if you have it. That history makes each future inspection faster and more useful.
What You Can Check Yourself
Quick answer: Homeowners can safely do a meter leak test, a toilet dye test, a pressure test, a sump pump test, supply line checks, drain speed checks and a look at the water heater label and base. Leave gas venting, relief valve testing on old heaters, and sewer camera work to a plumber.
Most of the checklist in this guide takes an afternoon. Bring a flashlight, a pressure gauge, food coloring, a bucket and a notepad. Stop if you find active leaks, smell gas, or see corrosion that makes you uneasy about turning a valve.
For more on where DIY ends, see our article comparing doing it yourself, a handyman or a plumber.
When It Cannot Wait
Quick answer: Call without delay for active leaks, a water heater leaking from the tank, a sewer backup, a burst pipe, no water, or a gas smell near a gas water heater. Close the main shutoff for water leaks, and for gas odors leave the home and call the gas utility from outside.
Stoney’s Plumbing answers calls 24/7 at (703) 794-5592. Our Leesburg after-hours plumber page explains what to do while you wait, and our 2026 guide to urgent plumbing in Leesburg covers common urgent problems.
Choosing a Plumber for an Inspection
Quick answer: Look for a licensed Virginia plumber who explains what the inspection covers, gives a written list of findings sorted by urgency, shows you photos or camera video, separates must-fix items from optional upgrades and gives you the scope and price before work begins.
You can check any Virginia contractor license through the DPOR license lookup tool. Work that requires a permit is covered on the Loudoun County permits page. For more tips, read how to pick a trustworthy plumbing company.
Printable Plumbing Inspection Checklist
Quick answer: Use this list for a twice-yearly walk-through. Anything that fails a check goes on your fix-now or plan-soon list.
- Main shutoff located, labeled and tested
- Static pressure between about 50 and 70 psi
- Expansion tank sounds hollow on top
- Water heater age noted, no rust, relief valve dry
- All supply lines free of bulges and corrosion
- Fixture shutoff valves turn and seal
- Toilets pass the dye test and do not rock
- Faucets and shower valves do not drip
- Caulk and grout intact around tubs and showers
- Washer hoses braided and under five years old
- All drains empty quickly without gurgling
- Seldom-used traps refilled
- Sump pump runs and discharges away from the house
- Outdoor taps do not leak inside the wall
- Meter shows no movement with everything off
Plumbing Inspection Myths
Quick answer: A new home still needs checks, a home inspection is not a plumbing inspection, no visible leaks does not mean no leaks, and an inspection is not just a sales pitch when it comes with clear priorities.
- Myth: New homes do not need inspections. Builder-grade supply lines and install mistakes show up in new homes too.
- Myth: The home inspector already checked the plumbing. A general inspection is brief and rarely includes a sewer camera.
- Myth: No puddles means no leaks. Many leaks are inside walls, under slabs or underground.
- Myth: Inspections always lead to big repairs. Many findings are small and inexpensive.
Common Leesburg Plumbing Inspection Scenarios
Quick answer: Typical inspection findings in local homes include a frayed supply line under a vanity, an aging water heater with a rusty base, roots in a sewer line before a home purchase, a slow leak at a frost-free hose bib and a seized main shutoff.
The frayed vanity line
A Leesburg homeowner schedules a checkup before a long trip. The inspection finds a braided supply line with broken strands under the guest bath vanity. A new line and shutoff valve cost little compared with a ceiling repair.
Rust at the base of the heater
An Ashburn family’s 13-year-old water heater has rust at the base and a damp drain pan. They plan a replacement for the following week instead of dealing with a flooded utility room.
Roots before closing
A buyer in an established Leesburg neighborhood orders a sewer camera before closing. The camera shows roots at two clay joints. The buyer negotiates the repair into the sale.
The wet rim joist
A Purcellville homeowner notices a musty smell in the basement. The inspection finds a frost-free hose bib that split inside the wall last winter and leaks whenever the hose is used. A new hose bib solves it.
The shutoff that would not close
A Sterling homeowner tries the main shutoff during a walk-through and it will not turn. A plumber replaces the old gate valve with a ball valve, so the next leak can be stopped fast.
Stoney’s Plumbing
Quick answer: For plumbing inspections, leak checks and sewer camera work in Leesburg, Stoney’s Plumbing is a local call. Stoney’s Plumbing is a veteran-owned residential plumber at 574 Rockbridge Dr SE, Leesburg, VA 20175, available 24/7. Call (703) 794-5592.
We help Leesburg and Loudoun County homeowners inspect water heaters, valves, fixtures, drains and sewer lines before small problems turn into big ones. We explain how our pricing works, give you the scope and price before repair work begins, and tell you plainly when something can wait.
Visit Stoney’s Plumbing online or open Stoney’s Plumbing in Google Maps. Address: 574 Rockbridge Dr SE, Leesburg, VA 20175. For urgent problems, see 24/7 emergency plumbing in Leesburg, with local after-hours pages for Ashburn after-hours plumbing help, Sterling after-hours plumbing help, Purcellville after-hours plumbing help, Loudoun County after-hours plumbing help. We also help nearby homeowners: Ashburn plumbing help, Sterling plumbing help, Purcellville plumbing help, Loudoun County plumbing help, Lansdowne and River Creek plumbing help, Aldie and South Riding plumbing help, Hamilton and Round Hill plumbing help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plumbing Inspections in Leesburg
What is a plumbing inspection?
A plumbing inspection is a planned check of your home’s water supply, water heater, fixtures, drains, valves and, when needed, sewer line, to find leaks, worn parts and aging equipment before they fail.
What does a plumbing inspection include?
A typical inspection covers the main shutoff, water pressure and PRV, the water heater, supply lines and fixture valves, toilets, faucets, showers, drains, the sump pump, outdoor taps and a meter leak test. A sewer camera can be added.
How often should I have my plumbing inspected?
A homeowner walk-through twice a year and a professional inspection every one to two years works for most homes. Older homes and homes with trees near the sewer line may benefit from more frequent camera checks.
How much does a plumbing inspection cost in Leesburg?
As educational ranges, a general plumbing inspection often runs about $150 to $350, a sewer camera about $200 to $500 and a combined inspection about $300 to $700. These are general planning figures, not quotes.
Is a home inspection the same as a plumbing inspection?
No. A general home inspection takes a brief look at plumbing. A plumbing inspection is more detailed and may include pressure tests, leak tests and a sewer camera.
Should I get a sewer camera inspection before buying a home?
It is a smart step for homes over about 25 years old, homes with large trees near the sewer line, and any home with slow drains or a history of backups.
How can I check for hidden leaks myself?
Turn off all water use and watch the meter’s leak indicator for about an hour. If it moves, close the main shutoff. If it still moves, the leak is likely on the service line. If it stops, the leak is inside the house.
How do I check if my toilet is leaking?
Add a few drops of food coloring to the tank and wait without flushing. If color shows up in the bowl, the flapper is leaking. Also gently rock the toilet to check for a loose base.
How long do water heaters last?
Tank water heaters often last about 8 to 12 years. Rust, leaks at the base, rumbling and a dripping relief valve are signs to plan a replacement.
How often should supply lines be replaced?
Replace supply lines and washer hoses that are bulging, frayed, rusty at the ends or more than about 5 to 10 years old. Rubber washer hoses are worth upgrading to braided stainless.
What water pressure is normal?
Most homes do well between about 50 and 70 psi. Readings over 80 psi or pressure that climbs overnight point to a PRV or thermal expansion issue.
Can I do a plumbing inspection myself?
Yes, many checks are easy: meter leak test, toilet dye test, pressure test, sump pump test and supply line checks. Leave gas venting, sewer camera work and corroded valves to a plumber.
What should I fix first after an inspection?
Start with active leaks, a main shutoff that will not close, very high pressure and a failing water heater. Then schedule aging parts and keep an eye on minor items.
Does Stoney’s Plumbing answer calls 24/7?
Yes. Stoney’s Plumbing answers calls 24/7 at (703) 794-5592. An active leak, a sewer backup, a leaking water heater or a total loss of water is worth a call at night or on weekends.
Where is Stoney’s Plumbing located?
Stoney’s Plumbing is located at 574 Rockbridge Dr SE, Leesburg, VA 20175. We are a veteran-owned residential plumber helping homeowners in Leesburg, Loudoun County and Northern Virginia. Call (703) 794-5592.
Find Stoney’s Plumbing in Leesburg
Schedule Your Plumbing Checkup
From aging water heaters to hidden leaks, call Stoney’s Plumbing at (703) 794-5592. We are a veteran-owned local plumber in Leesburg, available 24/7, and we give you the scope and price before work begins.
574 Rockbridge Dr SE, Leesburg, VA 20175 · Serving Leesburg, Loudoun County & Northern Virginia