Plumbing belongs in the lease conversation
A commercial lease decides who pays when the sewer lateral fails, the interceptor needs replacing or the water service has to be upsized. Those can be major costs, and they are much easier to negotiate before signing than after. A camera inspection and a plumber's walk-through cost far less than discovering a broken lateral under a finished kitchen floor.
Bring this checklist to the site visit, ask the landlord or listing agent for the documents it lists, and have a licensed plumber review what you find.
Documents to request
Site visit worksheet
| Item | Finding | Concern? |
|---|---|---|
| Sewer clean-outs located | ☐ | |
| Lateral material and condition (from footage) | ☐ | |
| Interceptor present and accessible | ☐ | |
| Floor sinks and floor drains present | ☐ | |
| Water heater size, age and strapping | ☐ | |
| Gas piping to the kitchen area | ☐ | |
| Lines shared with other suites | ☐ | |
| Restroom count and condition | ☐ |
Who pays: points to negotiate
Often asked of the landlord
- Repair or replacement of a failing shared lateral.
- Bringing the water or gas service to an agreed capacity.
- Existing backflow devices on building connections.
Often taken on by the tenant
- Kitchen fixtures and lines inside the suite.
- Interceptor maintenance during the lease.
- Equipment-specific needs like a dish machine booster.
Questions for the landlord
- Has this space been a food business before, and what plumbing did it have?
- Have there been sewer backups in this building?
- Who has maintained the shared lateral, and when was it last inspected?
- Will you allow a camera inspection before we sign?
- How are shared plumbing costs billed to tenants?
Common questions
Is a camera inspection worth it before a lease?
For a food business, usually yes. It shows the condition of the line your kitchen will rely on and gives you something concrete to negotiate with.
What if the landlord will not allow an inspection?
Treat that as information. Consider negotiating stronger lease terms on lateral repair or looking at other spaces.
Can a plumber help review the lease?
A plumber can explain what the building needs. For lease language, consult your own attorney or advisor.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.