Is the inspector required to operate sump pumps and waste ejector pumps during an inspection?

The inspector is not required to operate sump pumps and waste ejector pumps during an inspection because these systems are typically not a part of the standard requirements for a home inspection. Inspections are generally meant to assess the visible and accessible aspects of a property, focusing on structural integrity, safety, and functionality of major systems. These pumps are often excluded because they can be considered as specialized equipment, and their operation could lead to possible risks or misinterpretations if they fail or malfunction during the inspection. Furthermore, the purpose of a home inspection is to provide a general overview and condition assessment rather than an exhaustive operational analysis of every system in the home. Therefore, not operating sump pumps and waste ejector pumps aligns with a standard practice of limiting potential liabilities and focusing on critical inspection areas.