What a general inspection may miss
A general home inspection looks at visible plumbing, runs fixtures and checks the water heater. It usually does not run a camera through the sewer lateral or pinpoint leaks under a slab. In a La Mirada tract home, those are often the most expensive plumbing surprises.
That is why many buyers of older homes add a separate sewer camera inspection and ask the sellers about past slab leaks, reroutes and repiping. Records of previous work are as valuable as the inspection itself.
During a showing
- Look at exposed pipe at the water heater and under sinks: gray threaded galvanized, copper, or plastic PEX.
- Run hot water at a far bathroom and watch the color and pressure.
- Flush toilets and run tubs together; listen for gurgling.
- Check the water heater label for the date and look for straps, rust and water at the base.
- Look for patched drywall or new flooring in hallways, which may mark a past slab leak repair.
- Find the outside sewer cleanout and note any large trees between the house and the street.
Inspections to consider
| Inspection | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Sewer camera inspection | Condition of the lateral, roots, breaks, sags and pipe material. |
| Meter leak test | Whether any water is being lost with fixtures off. |
| Water pressure test | Whether pressure is too high, too low or unregulated. |
| Gas line check | Condition of connectors and visible piping; any odor is a reason to stop and call SoCalGas. |
| Permit history | Whether past water heater, repipe or sewer work was permitted; check with the city. |
Questions for the sellers
- Has the house been repiped, and if so with what material and when?
- Has there ever been a slab leak or reroute?
- Has the sewer lateral been cleaned, lined or replaced?
- How old is the water heater, and was it permitted?
- Are there invoices or camera videos from past plumbing work?
Typical in older La Mirada tract homes
- Foundation
- Slab-on-grade is common
- Original supply pipe
- Galvanized or early copper
- Original lateral
- Clay or cast iron
- Water
- Hard, a blend of local groundwater and imported supply
Common questions
Is galvanized pipe a deal-breaker?
Not necessarily, but it usually means planning for repiping. Factor that into your offer and timeline.
Who pays for a sewer camera inspection?
That is negotiated between buyer and seller. Many buyers pay for it themselves to get an independent result.
Can a camera find slab leaks?
No. A sewer camera shows drain lines. Slab leaks in supply lines are found with meter tests, pressure tests and leak detection.
General information for La Mirada, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.