Buying a Home in the GTA? Get a Plumbing Inspection First. Here Is Why.

In the GTA's competitive housing market, buyers often waive conditions — including inspections — to win bidding wars. Even when inspections do happen, a general home inspector covers electrical, structure, insulation, and plumbing in a few hours. They cannot spend the time a plumber would.

For homes built before 1990 in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, or surrounding areas, a dedicated plumbing inspection before closing can save you from a five-figure surprise in the first year of ownership.

What General Home Inspectors Typically Miss

• The condition of the main sewer line (requires a camera — most inspectors do not carry one)
• Cast iron drain pipe deterioration (can look fine externally while crumbling internally)
• Lead water service lines (common in pre-1955 Toronto homes)
• Galvanized steel pipes with significant corrosion
• Polybutylene pipes (known to fail without warning)
• Water heater age and internal condition
• DIY plumbing work that violates code

What a Plumbing Inspection Includes

Sewer Camera Inspection

This is the most important thing. A camera run from a cleanout access point through the main sewer line to the city connection shows everything: root intrusion, offset joints, cracked or collapsed sections, grease buildup. Replacing a failed main sewer line costs $8,000–$30,000 depending on depth and method. Knowing about it before you buy gives you negotiating power — or a reason to walk.

Pipe Material Assessment

A plumber can identify pipe materials and assess remaining service life. Lead service lines in Toronto are being replaced under a city program — but the homeowner portion still costs $5,000–$15,000. Galvanized supply pipes with severe corrosion may need full repiping.

Water Heater Condition

Age, condition, vent connection integrity, and whether it meets current code.

Fixture and Shutoff Valve Condition

Checking that all fixtures work, drains flow freely, and shutoff valves operate.

Water Pressure

A pressure gauge test identifies failing PRVs, partial main shutoffs, or pipe restriction issues.

How Much Does a Pre-Purchase Plumbing Inspection Cost?

A thorough plumbing inspection including sewer camera typically costs $350–$600. Given what it can reveal, it is one of the best-value due-diligence expenses in a real estate transaction.

Using the Findings

Issues found can be used to negotiate a price reduction, request repairs as a condition of closing, or simply make an informed decision about whether to proceed. A $500 inspection that reveals a $15,000 sewer problem pays for itself 30 times over.

Book a pre-purchase plumbing inspection in the GTA: 647 206 3327