Buying a house is a serious investment. You, therefore, want to ensure that you spend money on a house that will last you a long time.
To do this, you must access all the important details, from the roof to the yard. An important and often overlooked system is plumbing. The plumbing needs to function well; if not, the repair costs should be in the practical range.
Buying an old house demands a thorough plumbing inspection. So, if you are about to make a purchase without this assessment, hold off and get a professional plumbing inspector to check it out. Learn more about these inspections below.
Why You Should Get the Plumbing Inspected Before Buying a House
It can bring the price down.
Learning about the plumbing situation can be a good gateway to negotiating a lower price. Bad plumbing should not push you out of a buy as long as the repairs are in practical range. If you plan to take the repairs on after purchase, you can negotiate a lower closing price. Alternatively, you can ask the owner to conduct the repairs and then agree on a fair price for the house.
It will help you prepare financially.
Once you understand the plumbing citation, you can prepare your finances for repairs. This is important since some issues may require immediate attention, and you may not have the finances to fix everything.
You can prioritise certain repairs to enable you to use the house immediately after purchase. Then you can create a sustainable financial plan to help you practically go through the rest of the repairs.
It will outline the extent of repairs.
Some plumbing problems may require reaching the pipes, which would call for a little demolition of walls or floors. Knowing the extent of the repairs is always good, so you can adequately prepare your schedule if you purchase the house. You may need to hold off on moving until the repairs are done; if they are extensive.
It will tell you about the water quality.
It is always a good idea to find out if the water in your new home is drinkable or even usable for chores. Perhaps there is a sewer issue related to the pipes that bring water to your home. Or the old pipes are affecting water quality; demanding a replacement.
Either way, discoloured and foul-smelling water is the last thing you want to deal with when you move into your home.
It can highlight other problems.
And lastly, getting a plumbing inspection can highlight other problems. For example, leaking pipes may have triggered mould growth, meaning you would need remediation services on top of plumbing. It is always good to know what you are walking into with the purchase so ensure the inspection is thorough.
What Should Be In A Plumbing Inspection?
There are several things your plumbing inspector needs to check, including:
Main Sewer Line
The main sewer line can get clogged, and the previous homeowner may not know about it. The clog can be serious or mild so ensure your inspector gives you the full details. The inspector should also inform you of other problems with the main sewer line and if there is a possibility of future issues.
Toilet Inspection
Ensure your inspector checks for leaks around the toilet and tests the flushing power and the cistern filling process. The inspector should inform you of any broken components, the foundation of the toilet, the potential to clog, and flushing pressure. Getting toilet repairs as soon as possible is always best to minimise the risk of replacements and costly repairs.
Sink Foundation
A loose sink foundation means repairs and replacements. The sink can rot and come off its foundations if it is old. Ensure that your inspector checks for this and advises on the best action between repairs and replacements. This inspection should cover all sinks, not just the bathroom.
Drain Issues
The inspector should check for any drain issues where there is a drain (shower, kitchen, laundry room, basement, etc.).
They should check for clogging, slow draining, rusting components, etc. A clogged drain could mean many connected issues that will affect the smooth furniture of your home. You could soon be dealing with a flooded shower! Your inspector should be thorough when checking all the drains.
Pipe Leaking
Pipe leaking will trigger multiple issues, including tough water stains, mould, foul odour, and unpleasant air quality.
Therefore, the inspector should check all pipes for leaks. Run water through all water sources, and check for wet spots on the walls, ceiling, and floors. The lead pipes could be the main issue, so your inspector should start with these.
Water Heater
Nothing is as annoying as cold showers during your first week in a new house. That is why we advocate for water heater inspection.
An old heater may malfunction without the homeowner’s knowledge. It could be increasing the energy and water bills due to imperfect functioning. Get it checked to ensure it will meet your needs.
Water Quality
As mentioned above, it is good to know the water situation in your home. Even if you plan to boil water for consumption, and cooking, ensure that the water you will use for your chores is ‘healthy.’ Your inspector should test the water for contaminants, discolouration, and other harmful components.
Septic Tank Inspection
Lastly, ensure your inspector checks the septic tank. They will likely use a camera to check if the waste flows to a septic tank or the municipal sewer system. They will check for any damage or flaws in the system.
Final Thought
Now that you understand the importance of a plumbing inspection, ensure that you go to the professionals for effective services. Hire a certified inspector to access the house. Similarly, hire a reputable company for repairs. We are ready to help you make your dream house plumbing-ready. Call us for any repairs and replacements on your plumbing system. We offer a wide range of services at an affordable price.