Most Richmond homes were built between 1900 and 1990, and the plumbing reflects that range. Galvanized steel in older Fan and Museum District houses, polybutylene in 1980s subdivisions, copper in most of Henrico, and PEX in newer Glen Allen and Hanover builds. A whole-house plumbing inspection identifies what you have, what is at risk, and what to budget for over the next five years. We do these inspections for new homeowners, pre-listing sellers, and anyone who has not had eyes on their plumbing in a while.
We check supply lines and material type, drain and waste piping, shutoff valves at every fixture, toilet condition and float operation, faucet aerators and flow, hose bibs, water pressure at the gauge, water heater age and condition, expansion tank, sediment buildup, anode rod, and the main shutoff. Outside, we check the meter, the main line to the house if visible, the sewer cleanout, and any irrigation tie-ins. You get a written report with photos and a prioritized list of what needs work now, what to plan for, and what is fine.
A typical residential inspection takes 2 to 3 hours on site. Larger homes (4,000 square feet and up, multiple water heaters, well systems) take 3 to 4 hours. The written report is delivered within 48 hours.
A standard inspection on a single-family home runs $245 to $425 depending on size and complexity. A sewer scope (camera into the main line from the cleanout) adds $185 to $295. Well and septic systems add to the scope. We bundle multi-service inspections (plumbing plus HVAC) at a discount for new homeowners.
The biggest value of a whole-house plumbing inspection is catching a small problem before it becomes a flood. A worn shutoff valve costs $25 to replace. A failed shutoff during a burst pipe costs $5,000 to $20,000 in water damage. Same logic applies to corroded supply lines, end-of-life water heaters, and polybutylene that should have been replaced 15 years ago.
Fresh Air carries Virginia license 2705143403, which covers plumbing, gas, and electrical work, and we have served the Richmond market since 2011. Our technicians inspect plumbing the way they would want their own home checked: thoroughly, honestly, and without pressure to sell you a repipe you do not need. We provide written reports that real estate agents, insurance carriers, and home inspectors take seriously.
Call Fresh Air at 804-730-1999 or book online. We can usually schedule a full inspection within the same week.