You’re buying a new home. You put in an offer and it was accepted. Up next – home inspection, termite inspection, and appraisal. The house passes the inspection with flying colors, so you’re off to a good start, or are you?
Some buyers follow up a home inspection with a plumbing inspection, but that’s more the exception than the norm. More often than not, a homeowner will call us shortly after they’ve already moved in.
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for the new homeowners to be unaware of the condition of the home’s plumbing system. If there was a pre-existing condition, the homeowners don’t find out until later and it’s the plumber who has to give the bad news.
If you’re in the market for a new home, here are some plumbing issues that a plumber would watch out for if they were buying their own property.
1. What is the condition of the main sewer?
We are often called the properties where there is a clog in the main sewer line, which is located between the city sewer and the home. Once we clear the clog, we’ll run a camera to determine the cause of the problem.
The culprit can be tree roots, or years of wear and tear can cause the line to deteriorate, with another clog imminent. A total collapse may be on the horizon as well. In situations such as these, the homeowners were in luck because the camera inspection caught the problem before it got a lot worse, for example, before it collapsed.
If you’re purchasing a new home, it’s wise to have one after the home inspection, before you close on the deal. When it comes to the plumbing in a home that you’re buying, you can’t be 100% certain if the home will be in need of major repairs in the near future.
By ordering a simple camera inspection, you can find out if there are any hidden, and possibly costly problems before you purchase the property, giving you peace of mind.
2. What about the water heater?
Water heaters should last about 10 years but if they are used a lot and poorly maintained, their lifespan can be shorter. When you buy a house, you want to consider the location of the tank. If it leaks, will it ruin your flooring? Will it cause drywall damage?
You want to be aware of where the water heater is located, especially if it can cause property damage if there is a leak. If you’re calling a plumber out to inspect your new home, make sure they perform a water heater inspection as well.
3. Were the toilets neglected?
Homeowners often fail to fix leaks at the base of toilets. A leak may seem small, but in reality, it can lead to significant damage in the flooring. Unaware of the extent of the problem, some homeowners will try to seal the leak, only to make the problem worse.
Here are some signs to look for:
- A rocking toilet
- Discoloration around the base of the toilet
- Warping around the base of the toilet
When you buy a house, it’s likely the biggest investment of your life. Knowing if a house has plumbing issues can go a long way in negotiating the price of a home. We recommend getting a plumbing inspection, on top of a camera and water heater inspection whenever you put an offer on a new home.
Buying a new home? Call A-1 Sewer & Septic Service Inc. to schedule a plumbing inspection!
