There are several things a buyer needs to consider before making a down payment on a house. While visible home fixtures are easy to check, you will need to scratch the surface if you really want to know the state of the house you want to buy.
Besides electric installations and insulation, plumbing should also be a priority on your checklist. Failing to have a plumbing inspection before buying a home may lead to hard-to-fix problems that are expensive.
Here are five reasons why a plumbing inspection before buying a house is crucial.
The Main Sewer Line Might Be Clogged
The previous owners might not have been aware of plumbing issues in their home and the main sewer line might have clogged up without them knowing it.
While some sewer clogs are not so serious, others might be, and these could lead to a full or partial replacement, which is a very costly plumbing repair.
A professional plumber will investigate the main sewer line to make sure it is running smoothly. If no costly issues are found, you will not have worries about plumbing surprises in the near future.
Pipes May Be Leaking
Before closing on the home, it is essential that a plumber checks for pipe leaks. Leaks like these are prevalent in older homes.
Pipe leaks can indicate a host of other major plumbing problems, which can lead to mold and mildew, water damage in the house, and pipe corrosion.
The Water Heaters Can Be Faulty
The last thing you want is to move into a new home and find out that the water heater is not functioning correctly. This can be very inconvenient, especially for a large family.
The water heater of your potential future home might be old or in bad condition. It may also warrant a replacement, which can be very costly.
A plumber will have to check if the water heater is in good condition and that it is running correctly for the necessities of your family. Evidence of leaks and water damage can easily be picked up through a decent plumbing inspection.
Toilet Leakage May Be an Issue
Many homeowners do not know how to take care of leaks at the toilet base, which sometimes causes discoloration around the toilet. Therefore, it can happen that the previous homeowner simply covered up the problem, which will then go unnoticed by the new homeowner.
Significant floor damage can even be lurking beneath if the toilet is not securely in place. With a professional plumbing inspection, the plumber will check for leaks around the toilet and whether the floor is damaged due to a leaking toilet.
The Water Itself Might Be Unsafe
Before buying a new home, it is essential to check and see if the home’s water is clean and safe to use.
Discoloration of the water can be due to a temporary flow of dirty water or a long term problem such as old pipes requiring replacement. Whichever the reason, the only way to be sure is to have a plumber check out the situation.
While it is easy to check for whether clean water is running out of the faucets, an experienced plumber will be able to uncover the cause of water discoloration in the home.
Conclusion
Plumbing issues don’t mean the house is unlivable and that it is a bad investment. It merely means that you will have some things to do. Therefore, it is crucial to have a plumbing inspection before you purchase the house to understand what you are getting yourself into.
With all the correct information, you will make a better decision during the home buying process. A plumbing inspection before a home purchase can ultimately save you money, as you can mention the plumbing issues during negotiations.
While many mortgage lenders require a plumbing inspection before the closing of escrow, others don’t. Therefore, it is essential to have a professional plumber inspect the plumbing so that you don’t wind up surprised later when major plumbing issues arrive.