An Annandale plumbing inspection is a plumber's check of the drains, supply piping, valves, fixtures, water heater and gas connections, plus a camera run of the sewer lateral if you want one. Annandale has some of the older housing in Fairfax County, so the visit often turns up original-era plumbing. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Annandale.
What's different about Annandale
Annandale grew quickly after World War II, and the median home was built around 1968. Neighborhoods like Lake Barcroft and Ravensworth have plenty of houses with original drain lines, older shutoff valves and plumbing that's been added to piece by piece. A plumber looks at how the newer work ties into the old.
Fairfax Water supplies the area from the Potomac River and the Occoquan Reservoir. Its plant analyses show moderately hard to hard water, about 7.5 grains per gallon on average from the Potomac plant. Fairfax Water owns the meter; the line from the meter or street valve to the house shutoff is the owner's. In homes built between 1971 and 1980 the meter is often indoors. Fairfax Water's Lead Free Fairfax survey asks customers to identify the pipe on their side.
Fairfax County's Wastewater Management program owns the public mains, and the private lateral belongs to the property. The County doesn't mark private laterals, so on a 50-plus-year-old house it's worth filming. If sewage ever backs up with nothing running, the County's 24-hour line, 703-323-1211, checks the main first. Washington Gas serves Annandale; if you smell gas, get outside, then call 911 and 844-WASHGAS (844-927-4427), option 1.
Repair or replace: typical findings
| Finding | Usually repaired | Usually replaced |
|---|---|---|
| Original gate valve at the main | Stem packing | Valve that won't close or weeps |
| Cast iron or older drain line | Clearing a clog or one section | Widespread scale, cracks or rot |
| Water heater | Relief valve or anode | Leaking tank or poor venting |
| Sewer lateral | Root cutting | Broken or offset joints on camera |
Signs to schedule one
- An inspection period on a purchase
- Slow drains in several rooms or a gurgling basement toilet
- Low pressure on the second floor
- Rust-colored water from a fixture after it sits
Timing and seasonal notes
Book early enough that a camera finding can be priced before your deadline. In late fall, have hose bibs and pipes in exterior walls checked before freezing nights. In spring Fairfax Water switches to free chlorine for a while, so a stronger chlorine smell is normal. If repairs follow, Fairfax County Land Development Services issues permits through PLUS.
Plumbing Inspection questions in Annandale
What deserves extra attention in an older home?
Who is responsible for the water line between the meter and the house?
Should a sewer camera run be added to the inspection?
Does the inspection include gas piping, and what if I smell gas?
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