Is a Plumbing Inspection Necessary When You Buy a New Home?

By December 5, 2023March 17th, 2024blog, Plumbing Services

You don’t want plumbing issues down the road, especially after getting a house inspected before buying. Sadly, plumbing checks are not mandated, even though they should be. But if you want your new house to be livable and the plumbing to function correctly, don’t hesitate to have a plumbing inspection.

If left neglected, the plumbing system in your new house will require costly repairs. Whether the home is new or old, it is necessary to go the extra mile to avoid plumbing problems after buying a house.

Why Should You Get a Plumbing Inspection Done Before Buying a Home?

Buying a new house may be an exciting journey, whether it’s your first or third. You usually have a list of requirements, including the number of bedrooms and kitchen countertops. A plumbing inspection should also be required, especially if you want to save money and time.

Here are the reasons why you should carry out a check:

  • Identifies Hidden Plumbing Issues Even though you may have inspected the home’s plumbing, you will only look at the easily visible plumbing. You might have many questions about plumbing issues, such as the state of your primary sewer pipeline or underground plumbing systems. While you can only assess what you can see and may be unaware of other lurking problems, all the plumbing issues home inspection will be apparent.
  • Helps Negotiate Your Sale Realistically, some homeowners must be aware of their residences’ plumbing problems. If a pre-purchase plumbing examination reveals issues, the current owners might be persuaded to lower the asking price or make the required fixes. Otherwise, you can also walk away from a house that needs thousands of dollars in renovations before it is up to code.
  • Saves You Time Plumbing repairs undoubtedly take time out of your schedule to perform, from hiring a plumbing service to organizing a time for you to be at home when the repairs are being made. Moreover, part delivery dates have increased due to possible supply chain problems. You might not have access to plumbing services for days or weeks if this is necessary for your repair. Staying proactive allows you to stay ahead of potential delays, ultimately saving you valuable time required for the repairs.
  • Minimizes Unexpected Expenses Hiring a plumber to do different repairs might get expensive. Spend money on a plumbing check to avoid unforeseen costs after closing your house. It’s also important to know about plumbing problems after buying a house. You should thoroughly examine your house and work with a licensed home inspector. While the plumbing system should be evaluated, some key components should be given special attention during the process.

What Plumbing Issues Can You Check While Doing an Inspection?

It makes sense to have a professional inspect the plumbing system. However, there are some crucial areas you ought to look at when getting a house inspected before buying:

  • While the assessment is being done, note any leaks or drips from exposed pipes. Look for any existing corrosion, mold, or water damage.
  • You’ll need a replacement if the water heater is outdated or in poor shape. Furthermore, an experienced plumber can look for leaks and water damage near the heater.
  • The subfloor is flooded and damaged when a toilet leaks at the base. Look for stains or a lack of firmness on the floor surrounding the base.
  • Inspecting the water meter and other primary valves before purchasing a home is also a good idea. Turning off every tap in the house will allow you to test the water meter. If the meter continues to tick, leaks are most likely present.
  • To identify any plumbing issues home inspection, you can also look at the color of the water. If it’s too murky or dark, it could be a leak in a pipeline underground or a defective water heater that has rusted.

Regardless of the issue, a skilled plumber can help identify the warning signs to look out for and even calculate the cost of repairs based on the problems found.

At 1st Call Plumbing, Heating & Air, we have years of experience evaluating the state of a house’s plumbing system, including the sewage and water lines. For all your inspection or plumbing requirements, reach out to us promptly. We’re here to ensure your house remains a wise investment and doesn’t become a financial burden. Contact us now for reliable and expert services.