What’s Covered in a Texas TREC 7-6 Plumbing Inspection

In Texas, home inspectors follow the Texas Real Estate Commission’s (TREC) Standards of Practice, which are outlined in the 7-6 inspection form. Under this standard, inspectors must evaluate and report on:

• Water Supply System
  Inspectors check all accessible and visible water supply lines for leaks, proper pressure, and functional flow. They identify the location of the main water shutoff valve and report deficiencies like leaks, corroded piping, or inadequate pressure.

• Drains, Wastes, and Vents
  The inspector will operate a representative number of fixtures to check for proper drainage and venting. Slow drains, gurgling, backups, or improper configurations are noted. Visible piping under sinks and in accessible areas is evaluated for leaks or deterioration.

• Water Heating Equipment
  The water heater is inspected for age, installation quality, capacity, safety features (such as temperature and pressure relief valves), and overall condition. Inspectors also check for gas leaks, proper venting, and code-compliant discharge piping.

• Hydrotherapy Equipment (if present)
  Jetted tubs or whirlpool systems are filled and operated to check for leaks and functionality.

The inspection is visual and operational, meaning inspectors don’t cut into walls or use invasive methods. However, they do run water through multiple fixtures simultaneously and observe system performance, which often reveals underlying issues. First Responding Home Inspections also uses thermal imaging - at no additional cost - to identify moisture behind drywall that is otherwise not visible. This is especially useful for finding moisture between floors, such as a second story bathroom leak that trapped moisture between the first and second stories.

Common Plumbing Issues Found During Inspections

Texas homes can have a mix of plumbing materials, including copper, PVC, PEX, galvanized steel, and older cast iron. Common issues our inspectors encounter include:

• Corroded galvanized supply lines causing poor pressure

• Undersized or improperly sloped drain lines

• Leaking or disconnected vents in attics

• Water heaters near the end of their service life

• Improperly installed pressure relief valve discharge lines

• Previous repairs done incorrectly or with incompatible materials

Seasonal temperature swings, shifting clay soils, and expansive terrain can all contribute to hidden leaks or pipe movement under slabs — a particular concern in Central Texas.

Beyond the Standard Inspection

While the TREC 7-6 inspection evaluates visible plumbing components, it does not include an in-depth look at the home’s main sewer line. At First Responding Home Inspections, we offer a sewer scope inspection using a specialized camera to examine pipes from the cleanout to the municipal connection.

This allows us to detect issues that aren’t visible during a standard inspection, including cracked or broken pipes, root intrusion, sagging sections, blockages, and collapsed lines. Identifying these problems before closing helps buyers avoid costly repairs and make informed decisions during negotiations.