Get a Plumbing Inspection Done Before Buying A House

February 9, 2018 Posted By Matt O'Brien

When buying a home, there are a lot of other things to consider before you get the paperwork started, such as a plumbing inspection. You don’t just buy it because you like the way it looks, or that it’s spacious enough for your entire family.

While you can opt to do the plumbing inspection yourself, it’s always best to leave this task to the professionals. They are the ones with the skills and experience necessary to spot any and all potential plumbing problems of a house you’re eyeing.

Hire a Professional Plumber to Perform Plumbing inspection

You may actually balk at the idea of hiring a professional plumber to conduct a plumbing inspection on a house you want to buy, but it is a fact that you will save a lot of money in the long run. When they catch potential plumbing problems before you buy the property, they are effectively sparing you from any grief caused by the high cost of future repairs or replacements.

Potential Plumbing Problems to Check

When you’re getting a plumbing inspection done, make sure that you leave no pipe or fixture unturned to make sure you’re buying a house that truly is worth the money you’ll be paying for it. Make sure the professional plumber performing the inspection includes the following in his checklist:

  • Signs of leaks in pipes. Focus on pipes running through walls or foundation.
  • Signs of corrosion. When these are present, there could be a problem with the quality of the water itself, or with the pipes.
  • Water pressure. If the water pressure is too low, it could mean that there is a problem with the line, or the faucet or showerhead is blocked by sediment buildup.
  • Speed of drainage. Water should drain fast, and in a full, swirling manner. A slow drain is a sign of a clog, don’t rock should also be done.
  • Toilets. Flush toilets should have all its parts intact and should flush normally. If the toilet runs, it could be a sign of a leak. The toilet should also be checked for cracks. Checking its base to make sure it doesn’t wobble would also be great.
  • Gas water heater. The burner chamber could have rust flakes or soot, and that will often result in a yellow flame. An efficiently working gas water heater should have blue flames.
  • Tiles. Cracked, loose or hollow ones can cause problems later, so they should be taken care of by the owner of the property.
  • Septic tank. Your plumber will have to check if there is soggy ground or lush vegetation close to your septic tank because that could mean it’s full or malfunctioning.
  • Vent fans. If loud sounds emanating from the fans when turned on, it’s possible a flapper has gotten stuck or the bearings could already be worn out.

These are just some of the things that need to be checked by your professional plumber. Should you decide to give us a call and choose us to conduct a plumbing inspection before you buy a house, we give you our assurance that we will do everything to ensure that you’re buying a house that won’t be giving you plumbing problems in the foreseeable future.

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