DeKalb Low-Flow Plumbing Fixture Inspection
We verify that your home or commercial meets your local municipality's low flow compliance for sellers and buyers.
As of 2008, any residential properties built prior to 1993 in unincorporated DeKalb County must have a low-flow toilet and plumbing fixtures installed upon resale before the new homeowner can obtain water service from the County.
As of 2009, commercial properties upon resale. (revised 1/1/12). All low-flow plumbing fixtures must meet the appropriate American National Standards Institute ( A N S I ) guidelines and new homeowners must submit a certificate of compliance signed by a licensed home inspector or licensed plumber. Penalties for violating the laws include a warning for the first offense, $250 for the second offense, and $500 for the third offense.
Certificate of Compliance for Buyers
Our inspectors can verify whether your new residential or commercial property has plumbing fixtures that comply with the Low Flow Ordinance guidelines. If your property meets the necessary standards, you'll immediately receive the Certificate of Compliance required by DeKalb County to turn your water on
Compliance Voucher for Sellers
Sellers must inform buyers of the Low Flow Ordinance as part of the disclosure and/or sales contract. We offer Compliance Vouchers to help avoid last-minute price and/or other renegotiations due to buyer concerns about the home's potential non-compliance and the related costs. A seller can then provide the voucher along with the disclosure to assure buyers that the home's plumbing fixtures fully comply with the ordinance. Upon closing, the new home owner may then use their voucher to request a Certificate of Compliance from us at no cost.
All properties must meet these requirements:
• Toilets: 1.6 gallons per flush max.
• Urinals: 1.0 gallons per flush max.
• Showerheads: 2.5 gallons per minute max.
• Bathroom/Lavatory faucets: 2.0 gallons per minute max.
• Kitchen faucets: 2.2 gallons per minute max.
To facilitate the replacement of inefficient toilets in unincorporated DeKalb, the county has a rebate program through which you can receive $50-$100 each for up to 3 replacement toilets. Click for more information
Preceding the Inspection
Before the inspection date, the owner must check whether the plumbing fixtures in their property meet the necessary guidelines and replace any that do not. Afterward, they should schedule an inspection with us. Upon inspection, if all the fixtures are compliant, the owner will receive a Certificate of Compliance or Compliance Voucher. If any non-compliant fixtures are found, the owner must have them replaced and schedule another inspection.
Convenient & Affordable Service
Your Low-Flow Inspection can be stand-alone or added to a Total Home Inspection or Light Commercial Inspection for a great price. The service is also available even if you're too busy and not at home. All we need is your door lock code or other instructions for gaining entrance. Upon completing your inspection, your certificate or voucher, if eligible, will be left in the home and/or sent via email.