Home Plumbing Guide

A Buyer’s Home Plumbing Guide in Edmonton

While it isn’t as exciting as a brand-new kitchen, a home’s plumbing is one of its most essential—and potentially costly—systems. Understanding the basics of the pipes, drains, and fixtures in a potential home can save you from major headaches and expensive surprises down the road.

This guide will walk you through the key plumbing components an inspector checks and highlight a major red flag that is common in older Edmonton homes.

A Major Red Flag: Poly-B Piping

If you are looking at homes built between the late 1970s and mid-1990s, the most critical plumbing issue to be aware of is Polybutylene (Poly-B) piping. This flexible grey plastic pipe was a popular, low-cost alternative to copper for many years.

Unfortunately, it was later discovered that the plastic fittings could fail and the pipes themselves could degrade from the inside out, often failing suddenly and without warning, leading to major water damage.

It’s a serious concern for insurers. Many insurance companies will refuse to provide coverage for a home with Poly-B piping or will charge significantly higher premiums.
Replacement is often the best solution. Due to the high risk of failure, a full replacement is the recommended course of action.
Learn more in our deep-dive article: For a full breakdown of this issue, see our Guide to Poly-B Plumbing →

Other Key Plumbing Components to Check

Beyond Poly-B, a home inspector will focus on these critical areas:

The Hot Water Tank: Most tanks have a lifespan of 10-12 years. The inspector will check its age and look for any signs of corrosion or active leaking at the base.
Visible Leaks & Water Damage: The most obvious red flags are stains on ceilings (especially under bathrooms), soft spots in the flooring around toilets, and musty smells in the basement.
Water Pressure: In older homes, low water pressure can sometimes be a sign of aging galvanized steel pipes that are corroding from the inside, restricting flow.
The Sump Pump: For many Edmonton homes with basements, a functional sump pump is a critical defense against flooding from groundwater. An inspector will test it to ensure it’s working correctly.

What You Can Check During a Showing

While you’re not a professional inspector, you can spot potential plumbing issues with a quick visual check. Here’s what to look for:

Look Under Sinks: Check the cabinets under all kitchen and bathroom sinks for any signs of water stains, active drips, or a musty smell.
Check the Hot Water Tank: Look at the manufacturing date on the tank’s sticker (most last 10-12 years). Check the floor around the tank for any signs of rust or water.
Flush All Toilets: Does the toilet flush properly and stop running? Is the base secure and not rocking?
Inspect Caulking: Look at the caulking around tubs, showers, and sinks. Is it cracked, mouldy, or peeling away? This can be a sign of hidden water damage.
Scan the Basement Ceiling: If the basement is unfinished, look up at the subfloor for any dark stains that could indicate leaks from the bathrooms or kitchen above.

Your Next Step

A home’s plumbing is a complex system. A thorough evaluation by a professional is the best way to understand the true condition of the property you’re considering.

This is just one part of the bigger picture. See what else inspectors look for in our Edmonton Home Inspection Checklist →

Ready to Start Looking?

Customize Your Own Home Search

Each step in the home-buying journey is an important one. To see how this topic fits into the complete process, review our Ultimate Guide to Buying a Home in Edmonton.

Home Inspection FAQs

Have more questions about the home inspection process? Contact us here.

What is the main purpose of a home inspection?

The purpose of a home inspection is to provide the buyer with a comprehensive, unbiased assessment of the home’s physical condition. It is not a pass/fail test. An inspector identifies potential safety issues, significant defects, and systems that may need repair or replacement, allowing you to make an informed purchasing decision.

How much does a home inspection cost in Edmonton?

As of Fall 2025, a typical home inspection in Edmonton for a standard-sized house costs between $400 and $600. The price can vary based on the size and age of the home, and whether you add extra services like sewer scope or thermal imaging. While it’s an upfront cost, it’s a small price to pay to avoid potentially tens of thousands in unexpected repairs.

Should I attend the home inspection?

Yes, absolutely. Attending the inspection, especially the summary at the end, is highly recommended. It allows you to see any issues firsthand and ask the inspector questions. This gives you a much better understanding of the home and the context of the written report than just reading it on its own.

What are the most common issues found during inspections?

Common issues often relate to water and age. Inspectors frequently find improper grading or drainage outside the home, minor plumbing leaks under sinks, older furnaces or hot water tanks near the end of their life, and electrical issues in older homes (like ungrounded outlets). Most findings are minor maintenance items, but the goal is to catch any major ones.

What happens if the inspection reveals a major problem?

If the inspection uncovers a serious issue, your “subject to inspection” condition gives you several options. You can: 1) walk away from the deal and have your deposit returned, 2) negotiate with the seller to have them fix the issue, or 3) negotiate a price reduction to compensate you for the future repair cost.