How should functional water flow be evaluated during an inspection?

Evaluating functional water flow during an inspection is best achieved by running two faucets simultaneously. This method provides a more comprehensive understanding of the plumbing system's ability to deliver water under a realistic demand scenario. When two faucets are opened at the same time, it allows the inspector to assess how well the system maintains water pressure and flow rate when multiple outlets are in use.

Running a single faucet, while useful, does not accurately reflect conditions that may occur in real-life situations where multiple fixtures are used at once. Similarly, filling a sink with a hose measures flow into one fixture but doesn’t evaluate the overall performance of the plumbing system. Checking water temperature is important for safety and functionality, but it does not provide insight into flow dynamics. Therefore, activating multiple fixtures gives a true sense of the plumbing's efficiency and performance under typical use conditions.