Buying or selling a home in Riverside County? The plumbing inspection can make or break a deal. Davis Plumbing and Heating Inc. is frequently called to address issues flagged by home inspectors — and we help sellers prepare their homes for inspection and buyers understand what repairs are truly necessary.

Most Common Plumbing Deficiencies Found in Riverside County Home Inspections

  • Water heater issues — Missing or improperly installed seismic straps (required in California), improper venting, no expansion tank (required when a pressure-reducing valve is present), incorrect temperature setting, age over 10+ years. Water heaters are flagged more than any other plumbing item.
  • Shower and tub leaks — Failing grout and caulk around shower pans allows water infiltration into subfloor and walls. Inspectors probe these areas specifically.
  • Galvanized steel pipes — Older homes in Lake Elsinore, Perris, and Sun City often still have original galvanized supply lines. Inspectors flag these as “at or near end of useful life.”
  • Low water pressure — A pressure test often reveals issues with the PRV or corroded pipes.
  • Leaking supply valves under sinks — Old angle stops (the valves under sinks and toilets) seize up and may not fully close. These are flagged as a potential emergency hazard.
  • Improper drain slopes — Drain lines that don’t slope the correct 1/4 inch per foot collect standing water and debris.
  • Running toilets — Easy to miss in a quick walkthrough but catches the inspector’s ear every time.
  • No access panels for tub/shower valves — Inspectors flag tiled-over shower valves with no access panel as a maintenance concern.

Seller Preparation: What to Fix Before Your Listing

Davis Plumbing offers pre-listing plumbing inspections for sellers. We identify and fix minor issues before they become inspection red flags — saving you negotiating leverage and potential delays. Typical pre-listing fixes we handle: water heater strapping and expansion tanks, angle stop replacement, running toilet repairs, and caulk/seal touchups.

Buyer Advisory: Which Issues Are Serious vs. Cosmetic

Not every flagged item requires a full repair before closing. Davis Plumbing can help buyers understand which inspection items are genuinely urgent (active slab leak, failing galvanized supply pipes) vs. minor maintenance items (running toilet, slow drain) that can be addressed after moving in.

Pre-Inspection or Post-Inspection Plumbing Service

Call Davis Plumbing and Heating at (951) 657-0393 for pre-listing or post-inspection plumbing repairs throughout Riverside County. Or schedule online. We provide written reports for real estate transactions.