A house is a huge investment – which is why every home buyer should get a professional plumbing inspection before making an offer.
Plumbing problems are easy to overlook, and home inspectors may not take an in-depth look at all of the fixtures, pipes, drains and sewer lines. And, while some issues have an easy and inexpensive fix, others could cost hundreds or even thousands to repair.
No home buyer wants to end up with a money pit. To make sure that doesn’t happen to you, schedule a professional plumbing inspection before you make an offer on a house. Meanwhile, as you look for your northern Utah dream home, follow our tips to pinpoint potential plumbing problems.
Check Over the Water Heater
Did you know that replacing a water heater can cost thousands of dollars? As a home buyer, you definitely don’t want to face this expense. Dampness, rust and a lack of hot water are all signs of trouble. And, if the water heater is more than 10 years old, it’s nearing the end of its lifespan.
Size Up the Sewage System
Northern Utah homes either have a septic system, or they’re on city or county sewage. Either way, clogs and leaks could create significant property damage. Look out for unpleasant odors and pools of water around the house, and consider scheduling a professional video camera plumbing inspection of the sewer lines.
Test the Toilets
Flush all the toilets, and watch to make sure they drain properly. Home buyers should also be on the lookout for discoloration and soft spots in the flooring around the toilet – a leak can easily make the floor rot. If your plumbing inspection reveals that the damage is already done, you may want to take a pass on the house.
Delve Into the Drains
Clogged drains can lead to serious plumbing leaks that are costly for home buyers to repair. As part of your plumbing inspection, make the kitchen, bathroom and basement drains are free of clogs by turning on the faucets and letting them run for a few minutes. And, look for old water marks and mold under the sinks – those are signs of previous plumbing problems.
Watch Out for Water Stains
As you tour northern Utah homes, look up at the ceilings. If you notice any brown stains, the house either has a leaky pipe or a roof leak. Some stains could be from an already-repaired problem, but as a potential home buyer, you need to find out before making an offer.
Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or an experienced real estate investor, schedule a professional plumbing inspection before you commit to a purchase. An expert local plumber can let you know if you need to account for repairs in your offer on a house – or if you’d be wise to check the property off of your list.
Thinking about purchasing a house in the greater Salt Lake City area? The experienced professional plumbers at American Plumbing Services can perform a thorough plumbing inspection and identify any problems in the sewer lines, drains, fixtures and pipes that could lead to major financial woes.
As a trusted northern Utah industry leader, American Plumbing Services has been completing professional plumbing inspections for home buyers since 2005. To schedule yours, contact our Provo office today.
