5 Reasons to Get a Plumbing Inspection Before You Buy a Home

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 close, 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 are viewed, and if there are 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 joints can be dealt with before they become a bigger challenge that may cost a lot more money. Usually, with plumbing, it’s what you can not see that’s expensive to fix. Just like you get your car checked over every year, the same should happen with your plumbing to avoid major repairs or replacement later on.

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 costly, 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 fixing blockage in drain 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 soon.

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 discolours the water or gives it a foul odour or taste.

For peace of mind, a plumbing inspection will help determine the quality and safety of the home’s tap water.