Pre-Purchase Plumbing Inspections

Pre-Purchase Plumbing Inspection Services

1. Definitions

Inspection – a pre-purchase plumbing inspection of a residential property.
Client – the person or entity named on the quotation or report.
Inspector – the licensed plumbing contractor or worker conducting the inspection.
Property – the address nominated for inspection.

2. Licensing & Legislative Compliance

All inspection works are carried out in accordance with:

• The Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018 (QLD)
• The Plumbing and Drainage Regulation 2019 (QLD)
• The Queensland Building and Construction Commission Act 1991 (QLD) where applicable

Inspections are conducted by a licensed Queensland plumber where required by law.

3. Nature of a Pre-Purchase Plumbing Inspection

The Inspection is:

• Non-invasive, visual, and operational
• Limited to accessible areas at the time of inspection
• Based on conditions present at the date and time of inspection

The Inspection is not:

• A plumbing compliance certificate (Form 4, Form 16, or QBCC certificate)
• A guarantee or warranty of future performance
• A full plumbing audit
• Certification of compliance with current Australian Standards

4. Scope of Inspection

Depending on the service level (Basic or Advanced), the Inspection may include:

• Internal water supply and drainage (visible and accessible)
• Tapware, mixers, toilets, basins, sinks, showers, baths, and laundry plumbing
• Hot water system (visual condition & basic operation)
• Roof plumbing (visible from ground if accessible)
• Subfloor plumbing inspection (Advanced only)
• Sewer inspection openings (Advanced only)
• Moisture meter testing (Advanced only)
• Identification of DIY or non-compliant work
• Visible water damage linked to plumbing

5. Limitations & Exclusions

The Inspection does not include:

• Excavation or access to concealed or underground pipework
• Removal of walls, cabinetry, or fixed building elements
• Pressure testing of concealed plumbing (unless selected)
• Water authority infrastructure
• Internal appliance dismantling
• Stormwater system performance during rainfall events
• Septic or on-site sewerage system certification (unless requested)

Inspectors may decline access to unsafe areas.

6. Hot Water Systems

Hot water systems are visually inspected for:

• Leaks
• Corrosion
• Installation condition
• Operational status

The Inspection does not guarantee remaining service life; age estimates are indicative only.

7. CCTV Drain Inspection (Optional)

Where requested, CCTV inspections:

• Are limited to accessible inspection openings
• May be restricted by blockages or pipe condition
• Cannot guarantee identification of all defects

Recordings may be provided upon request.

8. Gas Plumbing Inspection (Optional)

Gas inspections are limited to visual assessment of accessible components and appliance connections.

• No Gas Compliance Certificate is provided
• Where gas leaks are suspected, immediate action may be recommended

9. Reporting

Reports reflect the condition of accessible plumbing at the time of inspection only.

Findings are based on non-invasive methods appropriate to pre-purchase inspections.

Photographic evidence may be included.

10. Risk Assessment & Budget Estimates

Where defects are identified:

• A risk rating (Low / Moderate / High) may be assigned
• Budget guidance for rectification may be provided

All estimates are indicative and subject to full quotation.

11. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law:

• Liability is limited to the inspection fee paid
• No liability is accepted for concealed defects or inaccessible areas
• The report is prepared solely for the Client named and is not transferable without written consent

The Inspection does not remove the Client’s obligation to perform their own due diligence.

12. Access & Safety

The Client must ensure:

• Safe access to roof space and subfloor (where applicable)
• Water supply is connected
• Gas supply is connected (if applicable)

The Inspector reserves the right to refuse access where safety risks exist.

13. Acceptance of Terms

Payment of the inspection fee or acceptance of the quotation constitutes acceptance of these Terms & Conditions.

14. Optional Strong Risk Protection Clause

Plumbing systems may contain concealed defects not detectable by non-invasive inspection. Further invasive investigation may be required where significant risk indicators are identified.