What is the obligation of an inspector when inspecting a plumbing system?

The obligation of an inspector when inspecting a plumbing system includes inspecting accessible supply and drain pipes that leak. This is crucial because the primary focus of a home inspector is to identify visible and accessible defects that could affect the safety, functionality, and value of the property.

When inspecting supply and drain pipes, the inspector looks for leaks, improper installation, corrosion, and support issues that can lead to more significant problems if left unaddressed. This responsibility emphasizes the importance of maintaining a functional plumbing system and ensuring that potential water damage is detected early.

Each of the other options, while relevant to certain aspects of plumbing, does not capture the full obligation of an inspector. Inspecting only visible fixtures does not encompass the critical elements of plumbing that could be hidden but still pose problems. Evaluating water pressure is important but is typically outside the scope of a standard visual inspection. Checking for bath compatibility addresses specific usage scenarios rather than the overall condition and safety of the plumbing system as a whole. Therefore, the inspector’s role is best defined by the obligation to inspect accessible supply and drain pipes that may leak.