After an inspection, review the full report, clarify uncertain findings with the inspecting plumber, prioritise issues by risk, obtain written repair quotes and schedule any repairs or follow-up checks. Keep the report and all related records.
Review and clarify the findings
Read the report’s findings, photographs, recommendations, scope, inaccessible areas and limitations. An inspection may not reveal concealed defects or confirm every cause.
Ask the plumber to clarify:
- which defects are confirmed and which require further investigation
- whether each item needs urgent repair, planned work or monitoring
- what could happen if work is delayed
- what warning signs would require earlier action
- whether additional testing would change the recommended repair.
Request written clarification before approving substantial work based on an uncertain finding.
Prioritise issues and obtain quotes
Prioritise urgent plumbing issues by their potential consequences, not their order in the report:
- Urgent: Sewage leaks or overflows, substantial active leaks, unsafe hot-water findings, or water near electrical equipment.
- Planned: Stable defects that could worsen, damage the property or disrupt essential fixtures.
- Monitor: Minor defects and optional improvements, each with a review date.
For escaping water, use only a safe, accessible isolation valve that you already know how to operate. Avoid contact with sewage and keep away from water near electrical equipment. Do not open walls, enter confined spaces or attempt repairs yourself; arrange professional help.
Before approving repairs, obtain a written quote stating the scope, assumptions, exclusions, access requirements and how the result will be checked. If the cause remains uncertain or the potential damage is significant, complete the recommended investigation before authorising major work.
Schedule work and keep records
Book urgent work promptly and place lower-risk repairs or monitoring tasks in a dated plan. Use an appropriately licensed contractor where NSW licensing requirements apply; licence details can be checked through NSW Fair Trading.
Keep the inspection report, photographs, written clarifications, quotes, invoices and any documents supplied for the completed work. Record deferred items, why they were deferred and when they should be reviewed. Keep any workmanship warranty with the completion records and note its reporting deadline.
Arrange a follow-up inspection when the report recommends one, the repair was concealed or complex, or the outcome cannot be confirmed through ordinary observation. If the report identifies urgent or licensed work, contact our Sydney plumbing team to review it and provide a written quote.