Water damage happens slowly, then all at once. A small leak drips for months before the cabinet floor rots through. Hot water cylinders corrode internally for years before failing catastrophically. Waste pipes crack underground, letting tree roots invade the drainage system.
Most property buyers test taps and flush toilets. That misses 90% of potential problems. Real issues hide behind walls, under floors, and beneath ground. By the time you see water stains, significant damage exists.
We inspect plumbing across New Zealand weekly. Original galvanised steel pipes from the 1970s corrode internally—polybutylene pipes from the 1980s fail at joints. Modern PEX systems leak at poor connections. Each era has typical failure modes.
When buying New Zealand property, plumbing inspection forms part of the pre-purchase assessment. We examine all accessible components – supply pipes, waste pipes, fixtures, hot water systems, and drainage.
Water supply inspection starts at the toby. We check pipe material, condition, and water pressure. New Zealand properties typically have copper, plastic, or older galvanised steel supply pipes.
Hot water systems get particular attention. We note cylinder type, age, and condition. We check tempering valves, pressure relief valves, and expansion valves to prevent scalding and pressure buildup.
Waste systems move water away from fixtures. We inspect visible pipes for leaks, poor falls, and blockages. Every fixture needs proper traps to prevent sewer gases from entering buildings.
Testing involves running all taps, flushing toilets, filling and draining sinks and baths whilst watching for leaks. Slow drainage indicates blockages. Gurgling sounds mean venting problems.
Home plumbing inspections cover interior and exterior systems. We examine every fixture, test operation, check for leaks, and note water pressure and flow.
Under-sink inspections reveal common problems. Flexible hoses deteriorate over time—trap connections leak. Stop valves seize from lack of use. We’ve seen properties where decades-old flexible hoses were ready to burst.
Shower and bath inspections include testing drainage and checking waterproofing. Tile grout cracks let water penetrate the walls. Silicone seals deteriorate, causing water damage over time.
Hot water cylinder inspections check for rust, leaks, and proper installation. Cylinders on concrete floors corrode faster. Cylinders without overflow pipes pose flooding risks when valves are released.
External plumbing includes outdoor taps and irrigation. Outdoor taps need backflow prevention. Irrigation systems require separate valves preventing backflow contamination of drinking water.
Commercial plumbing differs from residential. Larger pipes, multiple fixtures, specialist equipment, and higher usage create different challenges.
Commercial kitchens have grease traps requiring regular maintenance. Blocked grease traps cause major drainage problems. Restaurant and cafe properties need particular attention.
Multiple toilet facilities need an adequate supply and waste capacity. Commercial properties also commonly have disabled facilities requiring specific fixture heights.
Industrial properties may have process water systems and chemical handling. We examine these for proper design and separation from drinking water supplies. Cross-connections create serious health risks.
Plumbing and pest problems connect. Leaking pipes create moisture, attracting insects and rodents. Gaps around pipes provide entry points for pests.
Under-floor leaks create damp conditions perfect for borer beetles. A small plumbing leak can trigger major borer infestations in floor framing.
Rats and mice travel along pipes, using gaps around penetrations to enter buildings. Every pipe through walls or floors should be sealed. Missing seals create pest highways.
Blocked drains attract flies and cockroaches. Standing water provides breeding grounds. Tree roots grow towards water. Underground leaks attract roots, which invade pipes through cracks, blocking drainage.
Plumbing leaks often hide behind linings and under floors. By the time water stains appear, significant damage has already occurred. Moisture testing detects problems early.
Moisture metres measure water content in materials. Standard dry timber sits below 15%. Above 20% indicates active wetting. High readings near plumbing suggest leaks.
We test around fixtures, under sinks, near cylinders, and along pipe runs. Elevated readings prompt further investigation. Under-floor moisture testing reveals subfloor leaks. We’ve had clients whose kitchen waste pipes leaked under floors for years, causing substantial timber decay repairs.
Shower leaks are widespread. Water penetrates failed waterproofing, tracking down walls and damaging framing. Regular testing detects these problems before significant damage.
As building consultants, we provide guidance beyond identifying plumbing problems. We explain severity, urgency, and typical repair costs. Some issues need immediate attention. Others can wait months.
Morgan Kircher, Managing Director with 20 years in the building industry, developed our inspection protocols covering all building systems, including plumbing. We know what matters most and what doesn’t.
Dripping taps waste water but rarely cause damage – low priority. Leaking waste pipes under floors damage framing – high priority. Active hot water cylinder leaks flood properties – urgent. We help property buyers and owners understand these priorities.
Our reports photograph defects, clearly explain problems, and recommend specific actions. Property buyers use reports to negotiate repairs or price reductions. Sellers use pre-listing inspections to address problems before marketing, avoiding last-minute negotiation issues.
We also advise on the lifespans of plumbing systems. Copper pipes last 50+ years typically. Plastic pipes are suitable for 50+ years if properly installed. Galvanised steel pipes last 30-40 years before internal corrosion significantly reduces flow. Hot water cylinders last 10-15 years, depending on water quality and maintenance. Knowing these lifespans helps plan future costs and avoid emergency replacements.
Water quality varies across New Zealand regions. Some areas have soft water that can contribute to metal dissolution from pipes and fittings. Regular flushing of drinking water taps is recommended, particularly after periods of low use.
Older properties commonly have galvanised steel pipes showing internal corrosion. Flow reduces over decades as rust builds inside. Eventually, replacement becomes necessary.
Hot water cylinder failures happen suddenly. Cylinders corrode internally with no external warning until they fail, flooding properties. We recommend replacement every 12-15 years.
Tree root invasion affects older properties with clay drainage pipes. Liquid amber, willow, and poplar aggressively seek water. Roots invade cracks, expanding and blocking flow.
Shower leaks develop slowly. Waterproofing fails around tile edges, at corners, and where walls meet floors. Water penetrates, damaging the framing behind tiles.
Property buyers should book inspections during the due diligence period. Most agreements allow 10-15 working days for inspections before committing unconditionally.
For auction properties, you need an inspection completed before auction day. We inspect within 2-3 days and deliver reports within 24-48 hours.
Current homeowners benefit from periodic inspections every 5-10 years, particularly for properties over 20 years old. Early detection allows planned repairs rather than emergency responses.
Reports categorise findings by urgency – immediate (active leaks, cylinder failures), short-term (6-12 months), and long-term (routine maintenance).
Each problem includes photos and descriptions explaining what’s wrong and why it matters. Cost estimates help with budget planning – dripping taps cost $50, hot water cylinders $2,000-$4,000, whole-house repiping $8,000-$15,000.
Professional inspection reports inform property decisions. Buyers discovering major problems can request repairs, negotiate price reductions, or withdraw during due diligence. Minor issues shouldn’t stop purchases, but discovering a property that needs complete replumbing changes the investment equation.
Sellers benefit from pre-listing inspections. Addressing plumbing problems before marketing creates buyer confidence and reduces negotiation conflicts.
We inspect residential homes, commercial properties, and investment buildings across New Zealand. Our inspections examine all accessible plumbing systems, identify problems, explain their significance, and recommend actions.
Whether buying, selling, or maintaining property, professional plumbing inspection provides valuable information about system condition, remaining lifespan, and potential problems. Small leaks become major damage over time. Early detection saves money and prevents emergency repairs.
Contact Alert Building Inspections to book your inspection. We respond quickly, schedule inspections to suit your timeline, and deliver detailed reports, helping you make confident property decisions. Don’t let hidden plumbing problems surprise you after purchase.
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Alert Building Inspections provides professional building reports throughout New Zealand, delivered within 24-48 hours. Ready to protect your property investment? Call 0800 4 ALERT (425 378).
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