What tool can a home inspector use to distinguish between aluminum and steel pipes?

A magnet is an effective tool for distinguishing between aluminum and steel pipes due to the inherent magnetic properties of these metals. Steel is ferrous, meaning it contains iron and will be attracted to a magnet, allowing the inspector to easily identify it. In contrast, aluminum is non-ferrous and will not be attracted to a magnet, confirming that the pipe is made of aluminum. This distinction is important in home inspections because it can affect the property's plumbing integrity, potential corrosion issues, and the choice of repair methods.

The other tools listed serve different purposes. A laser level is used for leveling and alignment tasks and is not relevant for identifying metal types. A moisture meter measures the moisture content of materials, which is helpful for detecting water issues but does not differentiate between the metals. A thermal camera detects temperature differences and identifies heat loss or insulation issues, which, while beneficial in a home inspection, does not provide information about the composition of pipes.