You’re staring at a rising water bill and a suspicious damp patch under the kitchen sink. You call The Romans Plumbing to book an inspection—but how long will the plumber keep your day on hold? The short answer: most residential visits wrap up between one and three hours. This blog breaks down the plumbing inspection duration in detail, shows what happens minute-by-minute, and explains how a thorough check today prevents costly repairs tomorrow.
Why “time on site” matters
A fast walkthrough may miss hidden leaks behind walls or corrosion inside supply lines. A meticulous, standard-of-practice inspection—built around the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) checklist—gives you hard data on water pressure, drainage systems, water heater safety and more (Standard of Practice – ASHI.)
Six factors that decide the clock
- Home size & layout – Two-bath ranch < 1 h; 4-bath tri-level often > 2 h.
- Age & pipe material – Pre-1970 galvanized lines need extra corrosion checks.
- Inspection type – Annual tune-up vs. pre-purchase vs. emergency diagnosis.
- Accessibility – Slab foundations and tight crawl spaces slow things down (learn why in our slab leak guide).
- Existing plumbing issues – Low water pressure or mold growth indicates deeper probing.
- Add-ons – Sewer-scope cameras or water-quality sampling add 30-60 min.
Minute-by-minute checklist (with typical time bands)
| Task | What the plumber checks | Time (min) |
| Visual sweep of fixtures & shut-offs | Faucets, toilets, valves, water supply lines, hidden leaks | 10–20 |
| Water-pressure & meter tests | Detect supply issues and hidden flow restrictions | 5–10 |
| Drainage & leak tests | Dye tablets, video snake for sewer lines when needed | 20–30 |
| Water-heater inspection | Burner, T&P valve, anode rod (see our water heater maintenance tips) | 10–15 |
| Main shut-off & PRVs | Ensure quick isolation in plumbing emergencies | 5–10 |
| Optional sewer-scope | Camera run from clean-out to street | 30–60 |
Average U.S. timeframes by inspection type
| Inspection Type | Typical Duration | When to schedule |
| Routine annual tune-up | 1–2 h | Every 12 months to spot potential issues early |
| Pre-purchase (buyer’s) | 2–3 h | Before closing on a new home |
| Camera-only sewer scope | 45–90 min | If you have recurring backups |
| Emergency diagnosis | 1–4 h | During active leaks or flooding |
How to shave 30 minutes off your appointment
Clear access to crawl spaces, water-heater closets and exterior clean-outs.
Know where your main shut-off valve is.
Secure pets and jot down recent symptoms—odd water-heater noise, fluctuating water supply, mold odors—so the tech can zero in fast.
After the inspector leaves
Expect a 10-15 minute verbal debrief plus a digital report—complete with photos—within 24 hours.
Use it to prioritise repairs like hidden leaks or failing drainage systems before they balloon into plumbing emergencies.
Cost-vs-time reality check
A full-home inspection with sewer-scope ranges $350–$500 nationwide—peanuts compared to a $4,000 slab-leak repair or a burst pipe that ruins drywall (Consumer Guide: Home Inspections.) Thorough inspections catch water-pressure anomalies, rusting pipes and malfunctioning water heaters early, preventing costly repairs and mold growth.
When (and how often) to schedule
- Annually for regular plumbing peace of mind.
- Before buying or selling—adds negotiating power.
- After major remodels—new fixtures stress old supply lines.
- Following freezes or spikes in water bills—a hidden leak could be lurking.
Need a DIY primer first? Check our plumbing checklist for new homeowners.
Why Orlando trusts The Romans Plumbing
Local, licensed experts. Flat-rate pricing—no watch-the-clock surprises. Same-day digital reporting. Free sewer camera add-on.
Book your inspection slot now.
Closing thought
The typical plumbing inspection duration is just a couple of hours, but the peace of mind can last for years. Schedule yours today, stop hidden leaks before they start, and keep every drop—and dollar—exactly where it belongs.
FAQs
Do I need to be home the whole time?
Yes. The plumber may need to test fixtures in every room and will walk you through findings on the spot.
Will the water be shut off?
Only for short intervals—usually under five minutes—while checking shut-off valves or repairing minor plumbing issues.
Does an inspection include the water heater?
Absolutely. Our techs test temperature settings, anode rod life and safety valves; deeper guidance lives in our water heater troubleshooting guide.
