Buying a home or investment property? Understand its plumbing before you commit.
Gold Coast Plumbing Inspections, a division of SurfSide Plumbing & Drainage, provides pre-purchase plumbing inspections across the Gold Coast and Northern NSW. Rob is a licensed plumber and gas fitter who provides a thorough assessment of accessible plumbing and gas installations, with clear explanations and practical advice.
Our inspections complement your building and pest inspection, helping you make a more informed decision about the property.
Why arrange a pre-purchase plumbing inspection?
Plumbing problems aren’t always obvious during a property viewing. Signs of leaks, poor workmanship, potentially unapproved alterations and installations that may not meet applicable Australian and New Zealand Standards can be easy to miss—and costly to put right.
A trained eye can help identify concerns before they become unexpected repair bills. Our aim is to explain what we find, what it means and what may need attention.
What does the inspection include?
Depending on the property, available access and agreed inspection scope, we check:
- Water pressure and signs of leaks: Pressure checks and testing to help identify potential leaks and excessive water pressure.
- Gutters and downpipes: Inspection of accessible guttering and downpipes for visible damage, leaks and drainage concerns.
- Stormwater drainage: Assessment of accessible drainage and visible signs that water may not be directed away effectively.
- Gas appliances and installations: Checks by a licensed gas fitter for potential safety concerns and signs of unsuitable installation.
- Hot water systems: Inspection of the accessible hot water unit, connections and associated fittings for visible issues and signs of deterioration.
- Accessible plumbing fixtures and pipework: Checks for visible leaks, damaged fittings and signs of poor workmanship.
If we identify something that needs a closer look, we’ll explain why and recommend suitable further investigation. This may include a CCTV drain camera inspection where there are indications of a drainage problem. Drain camera inspections are not included as a routine part of every inspection due to liability.
Why water pressure testing matters
Strong water pressure isn’t always a good thing. Excessive pressure puts strain on pipes, flexible hoses, fittings and appliances, increasing the risk of leaks and bursts.
We check the property’s water pressure and carry out pressure testing to help identify signs of leaks that may otherwise go unnoticed. We also assess whether pressure control is needed.
Pressure testing helps identify potential concerns, but it cannot establish the condition of every concealed pipe. Where results indicate a problem, we’ll explain the findings and recommend the next steps.
Gas safety checks by a licensed gas fitter
Gas installations require specialist knowledge and careful attention to detail. A working appliance alone doesn’t confirm that its installation is safe.
As a licensed gas fitter, Rob checks accessible gas appliances and associated installations for potential safety concerns and signs of work that may not meet applicable requirements.
Any concerns, recommended repairs or further testing are explained in the report, so you understand what needs attention and why.
A written report with clear next steps
After the inspection, you’ll receive a written report outlining:
- The areas and installations inspected.
- The findings and any access limitations.
- Issues requiring prompt attention.
- Recommended repairs and maintenance.
- Any further investigation or specialist testing recommended.
Where repair work is identified, we can provide estimates based on the findings and available access. If further investigation is needed before the work can be accurately priced, we’ll make that clear.
Practical support for buyers and sellers
Finding a plumbing problem doesn’t have to mean the end of a property sale. Our role is to provide clear, factual information and practical options for addressing the findings.
With the commissioning client’s permission, we can share the report and repair estimates with both buyer and seller.
Sellers can engage us to carry out recommended repairs or use the written findings to seek quotes from their own plumber. Buyers can use the report and estimates to understand potential repair costs if they proceed with the purchase.
We help both parties understand which issues need prompt attention, which are maintenance items and which require further investigation.
How much does a pre-purchase plumbing inspection cost?
Our pre-purchase plumbing inspection is a flat fee of $330 + GST ($363 including GST). This includes the inspection, a written report of our findings and estimates for any recommended repair work.
Book your pre-purchase plumbing inspection
Speak directly with Rob to discuss the property, confirm the inspection scope and pricing, and arrange a suitable time.
Call 0433 396 802 to book your pre-purchase plumbing inspection.
We service the entire Gold Coast, and Northern NSW.