What Is A Plumbing Top Out Inspection?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Had to look up the term “top out”. Around here, it is called the 2nd rough-in. Basically, it

includes all supply and DWV lines that will be covered up

. Water lines pressurized… stub outs ok for fixture valves on trim out.

What does a plumbing inspector do?

Plumbing Inspectors

inspect plumbing work to ensure compliance with relevant standards and regulations

. Specialisations: Drainage Inspector, Gas Plumbing Inspector, Sanitary Plumbing and Water Supply Inspector.

What are the 3 stages of plumbing?

  • Underground rough-in phase.
  • Above ground rough inphase.
  • Finishing phase (Trim-out)

How do you check for plumbing inspection?

Pump 5 pounds of air pressure into the pipes. Watch the

pressure gauge

on the weenie so you can see when this level is reached. Turn the pump off and watch the gauge for 15 minutes to make sure the pipes are not losing pressure. Walk along the path of the pipes listening for soft hissing sounds to check for slow leaks.

What should I expect from a home inspection?

The inspector will check that major appliances are functional, scrutinize the heating and air-conditioning system, examine the plumbing and electrical systems and may even poke around in the attic and basement. The goal of a home inspection is

to uncover issues with the home itself

.

What do home inspectors look for?

A home inspector will look at things like

a home’s foundation, structural components, roof, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems

, then provide a written home inspection report with results. A home inspection generally takes two to four hours, but may take more time depending on the size of the house.

What code book do plumbers use?

The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) has released the 2021 edition of

the National Standard Plumbing Code – Illustrated (NSPC)

. An updated version of the 2018 NSPC, the book may be purchased via the IAPMO web store.

What comes first plumbing or framing?

Following

framing

are the mechanical rough-ins of your new home Plumbing, HVAC, electrical, media wiring, gas, and fireplace installations occur. If on a basement, we will have our plumbers come in and install rough plumbing before framing. If on a slab, rough in happens after framing.

Why is PEX banned in California?

PEX was banned in California

due to some concerns about toxic materials leaking through the pipe and into water

. Through various national laboratory tests, PEX has proven to be completely safe and durable. It is now legal in California and even included in principal plumbing codes.

What PSI is needed for plumbing?

A pressure test is a way of checking for leaks in the water piping without actually having any water in the pipes. This consists of connecting an air compressor to the water piping, typically at the laundry faucet or exterior sillcock, and pressurizing the pipes to

about 60 psi with air

.

How many pounds of pressure should a plumbing system hold?

The power of pressure

Water pressure is measured in psi, or pounds per square inch, and represents the force at which water enters your home from the water main. Normal psi for a home pipe system is

between 30 and 80 psi

. While you don’t want the psi to be too low, it violates code to be above 80.

How do you check for sewer leaks?

To test for leaks, we take

a rubber, inflatable test ball that is connected to an air hose and insert it into the sewer pipe at the main line cleanout

. Once it is in place at the perimeter of your home, we inflate the ball to artificially plug the sewer line so that no water flows past it.

What is a red flag on a home inspection?

Potential red flags that can arise during a property home inspection include

evidence of water damage, structural defects, problems with the plumbing or electrical systems

, as well as mold and pest infestations. The presence of one or more of these issues could be a dealbreaker for some buyers.

Who attends the final walk through?

Typically, the final walk-through is attended by

the buyer and the buyer’s agent

, without the seller or seller’s agent. This gives the buyer the freedom to inspect the property at their leisure, without feeling pressure from the seller.

What is not included in a home inspection?

Non-Standard Inspections

A standard report also

does not cover items like a well and septic system

, mold (outside of a visual check), asbestos, radon, or pests, but these are often available as add-ons.

When a home inspection is bad?

A few of the most common reasons home will fail an inspection are:

Roofing Issues

: Even a recently built home could be missing a few shingles. Electrical Problems: Wiring that’s not up to code, frayed, or improperly wired from the start are just a few common issues. Leaky Plumbing.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.