You’ve found your dream home. The price is right, the location is great, and the home inspection found no issues. However home inspections don’t give a detailed report on the plumbing so before you proceed to closing, i.e. settling on the property, it’s recommended to get a plumbing inspection.
Why? Well, as aforementioned standard home inspections are not as comprehensive as you might think. The electrics and wiring is viewed and if there’s obvious flairs then they’ll be in the inspection report but any underlying issue will not.
The same goes for the plumbing e.g. the pipes, etc. The faucets may work and the water may run down the drain, but that doesn’t mean the home’s plumbing system is in tip-top shape. A plumbing inspection can help determine if there’s a deeper problem or if there will be an issue in the near future. Blockages or weakness in the pipes or joins can be dealt too before they become a bigger challenge that may cost a lot more money.
Here are five areas a plumbing inspection can reveal nasties:
1. Toilets
The last thing you want is to move into your new home and find that the toilets aren’t working properly. A plumbing inspection will check for issues with the home’s toilets to ensure that everything is in working order when you move in.
Keep in mind that a toilet issue isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker. In many cases, the problem is simple and inexpensive to fix. On the other hand, toilets that are not working properly can also be a sign of a bigger problem, like a damaged sewer line. Sewer repair can be very expensive, so if there’s an issue, you need to know about it before you commit to buying the home.
2. Drains
Clogged drains are a common problem. Hair, soap and other products can build up in drains and eventually lead to clogs. But clogs can also be a symptom of a bigger plumbing issue.
To find that issue, a plumber may have to rip into walls to access and check the pipes.
3. Water Pressure
No one wants to move into a new home and find out that the water pressure isn’t so great. Low water pressure can make showering and dish-washing a challenge. You never quite feel clean.
An inspection can determine if the home has low water pressure and if so, the cause of the issue. Knowing there’s a problem ahead of time will allow you to plan for the repair or walk away from the deal.
4. Water Heater
It costs $1,059, on average, to replace a water heater. That’s a major expense after you’ve just put money down on a home and paid closing costs. A plumbing inspection could save you from having to repair or replace your water heater. It will also tell you the age of the water heater, so you know whether you’ll have to replace it in the near future.
If the water heater isn’t working properly, hot showers will be out of the question.
5. Water Quality
Is the water in the home safe to drink? Even if the home is connected to the city’s water system, there could be something wrong with the plumbing that discolors the water or gives it a foul odor or taste.
A plumbing inspection will help determine the quality and safety of the home’s tap water.