Should I get a plumbing inspection before buying?

Yes, absolutely — a plumbing inspection before buying a home is one of the smartest investments you can make. A standard home inspection covers plumbing at a surface level, but a dedicated plumbing inspection goes much deeper and can reveal costly hidden problems before you're legally on the hook for them.

A general home inspector will check visible pipes, fixtures, and water pressure, but they won't run a camera through your sewer line or pressure-test your supply pipes. A licensed plumber can identify issues like corroded galvanized pipes, tree root intrusion in the sewer line, failing water heaters, or improper DIY plumbing work that violates Ontario Building Code. These are exactly the kinds of problems that don't show up until after closing — and they can cost thousands to fix.

The most valuable part of a pre-purchase plumbing inspection is the sewer camera inspection. In Ottawa, many older homes (especially in neighbourhoods like Glebe, Westboro, or Vanier) have aging clay or cast iron sewer lines that are prone to cracking and root intrusion. A camera inspection runs roughly $200–$350 and can tell you whether you're looking at a $400 drain cleaning job or a $10,000+ sewer line replacement. That's critical information before you sign.

What a thorough plumbing inspection covers:

• Water pressure and supply line condition
• Drain flow and sewer line camera inspection
• Water heater age, condition, and compliance
• Visible pipe material (copper, PEX, galvanized, lead)
• Shut-off valve function
• Any signs of past leaks or water damage

On the Ottawa-specific side, older homes may still have lead service lines connecting to the city water main — Ottawa has an ongoing lead pipe replacement program worth asking about. Your plumber can identify whether the home has lead pipes and what remediation might cost.

If the inspection turns up problems, you have real options: negotiate the purchase price, ask the seller to make repairs, or walk away entirely. Without the inspection, you inherit every problem the previous owner had.

For a pre-purchase plumbing inspection in Ottawa, Ottawa Pro Plumbing can walk through the property with you and give you an honest assessment before you commit. It's a small cost that can save you from a very expensive surprise.