Shreveport Home Inspection: Plumbing Terms Explained

Home inspections in Caddo and Bossier parishes almost always include a few plumbing notes. Here is what the most common ones mean in plain language. Your inspector saw the house and is the best guide to the report; a licensed plumber can explain repair options and costs.

Water heaters

TPR valve — The temperature and pressure relief valve. It needs a discharge pipe that runs down toward the floor or outside.

No drain pan — A tank in a closet or attic without a pan can damage ceilings and floors when it leaks.

Past expected life — The tank is older than typical; plan a replacement. See water heaters.

Supply pipes

Galvanized — Older steel pipe that rusts inside and lowers pressure. See repiping.

Polybutylene — Gray plastic pipe from the 1980s and early 1990s known for fitting failures.

Active leak under house — Water found in the crawl space; have a plumber trace it. See leak detection.

Drains and sewer

Cast iron drain — Older drain pipe that corrodes and cracks with age. More: cast iron drains in older Shreveport homes.

Sewer scope findings — Roots, offsets or sags seen on a camera inspection of the lateral.

No cleanout — No outside access point to the main line; one can be added during repairs.

Gas

Uncoated brass connector — An old appliance connector that should be replaced.

Sediment trap missing — A short pipe that catches debris before a gas appliance; a plumber can add one.

Not sure what a note means for your budget? A plumber can look at the item and give you a written price before closing. See sewer line repair and gas line repair.