Plumbing Inspection in Oxford, NC

What happens once you call

You'll be connected with an independent plumber who works in Oxford and the rest of Granville County. Expect a few questions: the address, about when the house was built, whether it has a basement or crawl space, and whether you're buying or already own it. If you have a closing date, say so up front so the visit can be scheduled inside your due-diligence period.

On site, the plumber typically checks water pressure, runs every fixture, looks along exposed supply and drain pipe, tests the main and fixture shutoffs, and inspects the water heater's age, venting and relief valve. A camera inspection of the sewer lateral is an add-on you can request.

What affects the cost

• House size, number of bathrooms and number of water heaters
• Adding a sewer camera run, and whether there's a cleanout to enter through
• Crawl space height and how much pipe is hidden behind finished walls
• Whether you want a written report for the seller or lender

Oxford conditions that shape the inspection

Oxford is the Granville County seat, incorporated in 1816, and its housing is older than the Triangle norm. Census survey data puts the median home at 1976, with about 56% built before 1980 and close to 17% before 1940. Galvanized supply pipe, cast-iron drains and old repairs in mixed materials are common finds, particularly in and around the Oxford Historic District.

The City of Oxford's Water and Sewer division supplies water from Kerr Lake through the Kerr Lake Regional Water System, which the City co-owns, and maintains water and sewer lines. The City says it reads, repairs and replaces all water meters, but no page reviewed says where the City's part of the service line stops and the owner's begins, so ask the City about a specific address. The wastewater plant runs a fats, oils and grease program, a reminder that grease buildup in older laterals is worth a look on camera.

Repair permits come from Granville County Inspections, which handles building permits for the City of Oxford; the City handles zoning.

Quick checklist before the visit

• Clear a path to the water heater, main shutoff and crawl space entry
• Find the outdoor cleanout if there is one
• Gather any past repair invoices or the seller's disclosure
• Note fixtures that leak, run or drain slowly