Plumbing Inspection in Highland, CA

Highland's setup

Highland sits at the southern base of the San Bernardino Mountains, and its growth came first from navel orange groves and the railroads. The housing reflects that history. Point2Homes reports a median year built of 1983, with about 44 percent of homes built before 1980 and the 1980s and 1990s as the biggest building decades. Older parts of the city can have galvanized supply pipe and cast iron drains, while homes from the 1980s and 1990s are more likely to need new water heaters, valves and fixture parts.

East Valley Water District is the water agency named in the City's plan-check materials, and it also runs sewer collection where available. The City requires new structures to connect to sewer where it is available, subject to East Valley Water District review. Confirm with the seller which agency bills the house before the visit. Homes on the higher, colder streets near the foothills see more frost risk on exposed pipes and hose bibs in winter.

Choosing the right scope

Signs to point out

• Brown water at the first draw from a hot tap
• A drain that gurgles when another fixture empties
• Exposed pipe on an outside wall with no insulation
• A water heater with corrosion at the connections
• Low pressure on one floor or at one fixture
• A meter that keeps moving with every tap closed, a possible sign of a slab leak

Mention any of these when you call so the plumber can bring the right equipment, such as a sewer camera or pressure gauge.

Timing

Book the inspection right after your offer is accepted. Winter is when exposed pipes and weak sewer lines tend to show problems in Highland, so a camera run is especially worth it if you are buying in fall. Permits for repairs come from the City of Highland Building & Safety Division on Base Line, which requires them for plumbing systems and water heaters.